According to the South African government, South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness Month annually between 3 November and 3 December. 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is also celebrated as National Disability Rights Awareness Day.
Mandy Saayman, the principal at Filia School, a school which functions as an inclusive public special school and resource centre for learners with severe intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, says they promote an inclusive environment where the rights of all persons are respected.
According to Saayman learners learn to be helpful to their friends, classmates, and those who need assistance, especially the physically disabled.
“Learners are taught to accept their disability and how to manage any criticism in society. They are taught confidence and improved self-esteem through the lifeskills curriculum programme,” says Saayman.
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“Learner’s rights and their responsibilities are taught to all learners as part of our lifeskills curriculum,” explains Saayman.
Saayman added that as one of the resource centres in the Metro North District, they support inclusive practices in the district and in so doing create awareness around disability.
According to the South African government Disability Awareness Month offers an opportunity for all of us to remove these barriers and to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities through concrete action.
Filia School is selling stickers for Disability Awareness Month for R10 a sticker.
Call the school at 021 592 1361 to buy stickers.
