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Disability Awareness
One of the primary objectives of the Programme is the creation of disability
awareness as a human rights issue. Various disability awareness events were held
to commemorate the International Day of Disabled Persons in the Province. The
Provincial event was held at Ndwedwe. The Programme supported the event with the
provision of various assistive devices including wheelchairs, walking frames and
crutches. Other events around disability awareness were conducted in the
Districts during Health Calendar days such as back week, deaf awareness and
cerebral palsy.
Disability Research
The Programme is currently collaborating with UKZN, The Valley Trust and the
National Health Institute on a research project on children with disabilities.
It is envisaged that this will culminate in a model of early childhood
development for KZN.
State Tender for Communication Devices
The Programme has commenced negotiations with Supply Chain Management to develop
a state tender for people with severe communication disabilities needing
alternative and augmentative communication devices. This also includes devices
for cancer patients post laryngectomee, cleft palates, severe to profound speech
and language disorders and dysphagia. The specifications and costing are in the
process of being confirmed.
Employment of Persons with Disabilities
The Programme is monitoring the employment equity within the department with HR
and the Dept of Labour. The Programme has also launched the Disabled Employees
Forum looking at the health, wellness and safety needs of PWDs employed in the
department.
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