Advocacy and Legal Support Groups for People with Disabilities in South Africa

Advocacy and Legal Support Groups for People with Disabilities in South Africa

Parents of children with autism may face discrimination or difficulty accessing educational or healthcare resources. In such cases, advocacy and legal support can be helpful in ensuring that the child’s rights are protected.

There are a number of advocacy and legal support groups available to people living with disabilities in South Africa, including those with autism. These organizations can provide assistance with navigating the healthcare and education systems, advocating for policy changes, and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Here are some examples of advocacy and legal support groups in South Africa:

  • Disability Rights Unit (DRU): The DRU is based at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and provides legal assistance and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities.
  • Autism South Africa (A;SA): A;SA provides advocacy services and resources for families of individuals with autism, including assistance with navigating the healthcare and educational systems. They also advocate for policies and legislation that support individuals with autism and their families.
  • National Council for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa (NCPD): The NCPD plays and integral role in shaping South Africa into a country were persons with disabilities have access to equal opportunities and rights.
  • South African Disability Alliance (SADA): SADA is a national advocacy organization that works to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities in South Africa. They work to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, and other opportunities.
  • Disabled People South Africa (DPSA): DPSA is a national non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and interests of people with disabilities in South Africa. They provide support services and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as advocacy and lobbying services to promote disability rights.

If you feel discriminated against, seek out the help of one or more of these organizations. By seeking them out, individuals with disabilities can help ensure that their rights are protected and that they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Ilse Kilian-Ross
ilse@amazingk.co.za

Ilse Kilian-Ross is the owner of Amazing K, a registered ECD and Partial Care Facility in Johannesburg. Amazing K is a private adhd school, autism school and therapy centre for children from age 2 - 6 years where learners receive the best of both the schooling and therapy world. The autism school offers Individualized Education Programs, Speech- and Augmentive Alternative Communication (AAC) therapy as well as a full and adapted Academic Curriculum.