Every year on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the importance of celebrating inclusivity and equality worldwide. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” highlights the key role of persons with disabilities as leaders and changemakers in building a fairer, more sustainable future.
Their lived experiences uniquely position them to challenge societal norms, spark innovation, and bring about real change. This day is not just a call to recognize their contributions but also to empower their leadership and amplify their voices globally – and right here in South Africa.
Shifting Perspectives
Persons with disabilities are often defined by their challenges rather than their strengths. But when we look beyond stereotypes, we discover leaders, innovators, and advocates who are breaking barriers and reshaping the world. This global shift in perspective is mirrored in the inspiring stories of leaders within South Africa and globally who are driving change in their communities.
Local Leaders
South Africa has its own remarkable disability leaders. One such leader is Calvin Ratladi, a South African artist born in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Ratladi is changing the narrative around disability through his powerful artwork, which vividly portrays the experiences and stories of persons with disabilities. His visual art challenges stereotypes and promotes positive, authentic representations, demonstrating that art is a powerful tool for advocacy and social change.
In sports, Lucas Sithole, South Africa’s first Paralympic champion in wheelchair tennis, has shown how perseverance and talent can redefine excellence. His groundbreaking victory in 2013, when he won the US Open wheelchair tennis quad singles title, made him the first African to claim a Grand Slam title in the sport. This historic achievement not only placed South Africa on the global wheelchair tennis map but also inspired a new generation of athletes with disabilities to dream big. Sithole’s success serves as a powerful reminder that disability is not a limitation, but an opportunity to inspire and lead. Through mentorship and public speaking, he continues to encourage youth with disabilities to pursue sports as a means of empowerment and self-expression. As an ambassador for inclusion, Sithole exemplifies how representation in sports can challenge stereotypes and foster greater acceptance within society.
Global Advocates
Globally, Haben Girma, born deafblind, is a disability advocate and a powerful voice for accessibility and inclusion. As the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, she broke barriers and redefined what was possible in the academic and professional realms. Girma now uses her platform to advocate for accessible technology and equitable opportunities, inspiring others to challenge limits. Her advocacy highlights that accessibility is not a luxury but a necessity, benefiting everyone in society by fostering innovation and connection.
Similarly, Ali Stroker, a wheelchair user since childhood, became the first wheelchair-using actor to win a Tony Award for her performance in Oklahoma! Stroker’s success in the highly competitive world of theater is a testament to her talent and resilience. Beyond her artistic achievements, she is a vocal advocate for inclusion in the performing arts, urging theater companies to ensure accessibility in casting, stage design, and production. Her leadership has not only opened doors for performers with disabilities but has also challenged the industry to embrace diversity and rethink inclusivity at every level.
The Power of Accessibility
True accessibility ensures that all individuals can participate equally in every facet of life, from education and employment to cultural and political arenas. Accessibility is not just about physical adjustments like ramps or elevators; it is about designing systems, spaces, and tools that allow everyone to participate equally. Take inspiration from South African tech innovators like Neo Hutiri, who created the Pelebox Smart Locker, a medication dispensing system. While not exclusively disability-focused, his work highlights the importance of inclusive solutions that cater to diverse needs, especially in under-resourced communities. By prioritising accessibility in innovation, we can create systems that empower everyone and reflect the diversity of our society.
Actionable Steps Toward Inclusion
To amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities, we must act with intention. Here are ways you can help:
- Learn from Disability Leaders: Read about South African disability leaders and advocates like Calvin Ratladi, whose artwork amplifies the stories of persons with disabilities. In addition to Ratladi, consider exploring the work of other influential disability leaders like Lucas Sithole, who redefined the boundaries of sports through his groundbreaking achievements in wheelchair tennis. Through their stories, you can better understand the strategies, resilience, and vision required to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in various fields.
- Support Disability-Led Organizations: Groups such as the South African Disability Alliance (SADA) and QuadPara Association of South Africa work tirelessly to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. Your support whether financial, volunteer time, or advocacy can make a difference.
- Push for Inclusive Policies: Advocate for the implementation of South Africa’s National Development Plan goals for disability inclusion, such as improving access to education, jobs, and healthcare for persons with disabilities.
- Celebrate Disability Leadership: Use your platform, whether it is social media, a workplace newsletter, or a community event, to highlight and amplify the contributions of South African and global leaders who celebrate disability leadership
Celebrating Disability Leadership
This year’s theme reminds us that persons with disabilities must lead the charge in creating a sustainable and inclusive world. In South Africa, this means continuing to celebrate and support individuals like Calvin Ratladi, Lucas Sithole, and Neo Hutiri whose work and stories encourage us to challenge perceptions and support inclusive change. Globally, leaders like Haben Girma and Ali Stroker inspire us to see the boundless potential of persons with disabilities, showing how their unique perspectives foster innovation and drive social change.
As we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to action. Advocate for accessibility, celebrate disability leaders, and recognize that an inclusive society benefits us all. Together, we can build a future where persons with disabilities are empowered to lead and thrive not just for a day, but every day.
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