Solidarity with World Disability Day

KNYSNA NEWS - Residents and organisations of Knysna took to the streets in a peaceful, organised march last week to show solidarity and celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, traditionally celebrated worldwide on 3 December.

According to the United Nations website, the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 in the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

"It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life," the website reads.

Celebrations began with a march from Pledge Square to Queen Street at 10:00, led by staff and residents from the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo branch based in Rio Street in Knysna.

Various organisations and stakeholders attended the walk, including Knysna Municipality and the Knysna Community Policing Forum.

Participants received numerous hoots from passing motorists as a show of support. Epilepsy SA had also reached out to businesses up and down the Main Road (N2) to fly blue balloons outside their business to show support for the walk and for persons living with disabilities.

Blue balloons were used as a sign of solidarity and show of support for the walk.