Attempts to integrate people living with disabilities into society received a much-needed impetus when Ward 18 hosted a Disability Awareness programme.
Held at the Blue Hall in Site C, on Friday 24 February, the programme put disabled people under one roof to discuss their challenges.
They were also motivated not to be ashamed of their conditions, but to come out of their closets.
They were also reminded that they were ordinary people with certain limb defects.
Ward councillor Ntomboxolo Kopman said the programme formed part of developmental programmes in the ward.
She said as part of their ward allocation, a portion of the money went towards people living with disabilities.
“We had non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders that also helped them about financial matters. They got to learn how to save money and where to go if they needed more information,” said Kopman.
She urged communities to welcome and embrace those living with disabilities as they formed a piece of the puzzle across communities.
Resident Phumzile Bantwini, who lives with a disability, said it was encouraging to have such programmes.
“People living with disabilities are here to stay. Societies need to do is be able to accommodate them. There are still many matters that need adjusting. However, slowly but surely, we shall arrive there,” he said.
Bantwini raised concerns about taxis that were not user-friendly to people living with disabilities.
“As people with disabilities, we differ and our challenges may not be the same. So, such programmes are a good start, and we hope to see more empowering programs going forward,” he said.