KNYSNA NEWS - The Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch once again marked National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) by holding a march in Main Road, Knysna, to highlight the plight of those living with disabilities in our society.
This year their annual march took place on Saturday 7 December, with Knysna police officers and Traffic Department officials in attendance, and those taking part in the march, including people using wheelchairs, and staff from the Knysna Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities, proceeding in front of one of the Knysna Fire Department's fire engines.
Just behind the marchers, and to whose rhythm they moved, was the Knysna Community Band.
'Nothing about us without us'
Some of the marchers held placards bearing the words "Our voices matter", "Inclusivity is not optional", and "Nothing about us without us".
The march ended in Queen Street, where Ashleigh Smith, a marketer, fundraiser and PRO for the Epilepsy SA branch, addressed those gathered, calling for the rights of people living with epilepsy to be respected and protected.
'Time to reflect'
"DRAM (held annually from 3 November to 3 December) is a time to reflect on how to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and ensure their full integration into society," Smith said.
"The government and other sectors of society are working hard together to remove barriers and create an inclusive society."
Epilepsy SA was spearheading the introduction of legislation, being formalised in parliament, to end discrimination against people living with debilitating epilepsy and other disabilities.
'Equal treatment'
"Epilepsy South Africa stands firm in their belief that everyone deserves equal treatment in the workplace, schools, and society and everyone should feel free and comfortable to disclose their disability without fear of prejudice or discrimination.
"The Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) is a 10-year plan to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy and other neurological disorders and their families and carers.
"The plan was adopted by Member States (of the United Nations) in May 2022 and is a collaboration between the World Health Organization and other key stakeholders."
Goals of action plan
Smith said Epilepsy SA was committed to making sure that the following goals of the IGAP are implemented in South Africa:
` Improving access to care and treatment;
` Reducing stigma and discrimination;
`Promoting brain health;
` Strengthening governance and policy prioritisation;
` Fostering research and innovation; and
` Implementing strategies for prevention.
Support groups
She said the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch ran a residential facility in Knysna for people living with debilitating epilepsy and other neurological disabilities, support groups at schools, hospitals, workplaces and clinics, and a day-care facility which was "a safe haven for disabled individuals while their caregivers are at work".
She called on residents to become members of the branch.
'Become part of solution'
"How can you help? If you or someone you love is living with a disability or you are an avid believer in equal human rights, become a member of the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch and become part of the solution, rather than allowing the perpetuation of the problem.
"Strength in numbers is the goal of Epilepsy SA. The voices of the disabled deserve to be heard just as much as any other voice in our society!"
Those wishing to volunteer their services, or to be taken on a tour of the residential facility, should contact her at marketing.sck@epilepsy.org.za or phone her at 044 382 2155.
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