IDAM 2024: “I AM NOT MY DISABILITY, SEE MY ABILITY!”

Intellectual Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) is celebrated annually in March. For 2024, the SA Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) will be focusing on the theme “I am not my disability – see my ability” to share the capabilities and potential of persons with intellectual disability [ID] through their creativity and skills to fight against stigma. We...

Time for Africa to prioritise accessible travel

African tourism is behind the rest of the world in terms of making travel accessible to people with disabilities, and the region is missing out on a billion-dollar market. Shama Nathoo, MD of Universal Accessibility Hub, and Simon Manda,  publisher of the disability awareness publication Thisability, held a presentation at Meetings Africa to outline the...

WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY – 21ST MARCH 2024 ENDING STEREOTYPES FOR PERSONS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. In a world where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is paramount, it is imperative to address and dismantle stereotypes that hinder the progress and acceptance of persons with Down syndrome. Today, we stand united with...

Dating app helps Swedes with disabilities find love

By Viken KANTARCI For 24-year-old Sira Rehn, a dating app for people with mild intellectual disabilities and autism has opened up the world of online dating and a chance to find love in a safe space. “In here I know that people will not judge me, you just have to be yourself,” says Rehn, who...

MSSA (Multiple Sclerosis South Africa) Attains Historic Recognition from MS International Federation (MSIF) and Secures Position in CEO Advisory Group

South Africa-The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking achievement in gaining international recognition from the esteemed MS International Federation (MSIF). As Director of MSSA, [Non Smit] is now a member of the MSIF CEO Advisory Group, chaired by Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland. MSSA are honoured to...

Blind Cricket South Africa Set to Host the Prestigious International Blind Cricket Series

Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) proudly announces its role as the host for the upcoming South Africa vs New Zealand International Blind Cricket Series, featuring 2 prominent nations: South Africa and New Zealand. The series is scheduled to take place from 19 to 28 February 2024 across both the City of Johannesburg and Tshwane, showcasing...

THE JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL UNVEILS EXCITING LINEUP FOR 2024 EDITION

ABSA GROUP JOINS THE FESTIVAL AS KEY PARTNER  FILM FEST TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEK Johannesburg, South Africa – With a few weeks to go to the 2024 edition of the Joburg Film Festival, the organizers and partner MultiChoice are thrilled to announce its highly anticipated lineup of over 60 titles for the 2024 edition....

International: UCLA has a new disability studies major — the first of its kind at any public university in California

By Sonja Sharp UCLA junior Vivek Chotai doesn’t plan to pursue his school’s new disability studies major — the first of its kind at any public university in the state — or even take classes in it. Yet for the 21-year-old leukaemia survivor and thousands of other disabled students across the University of California and California...

CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION EXTENDS SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Johannesburg – December 2023—According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people globally have a significant disability, which may include dementia, blindness, loss of a limb, or paralysis. On December 3, 2023, nations worldwide observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, instituted by the United Nations in 1992 to “promote an understanding...

PROMINENT DISABILITY & INCLUSION ADVOCATE GORRETTI BYOMIRE JOINS ADVISORY BOARD OF YALI REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER

By Simon Manda The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre in Southern Africa (RLC-SA) has announced the appointment of Gorretti Byomire, a leading Disability and Gender Inclusion Activist, computer scientist, academic, consultant and researcher, to its Advisory Board. Byomire currently serves as the Director of the Disability Resource & Learning Centre at Makerere...