Devote a Day to Persons With Disabilities

Disability does not only affect persons with disabilities, it affects everyone in society. The inability of some able-bodied people to treat people with disabilities as their equals is where the real disability lies. The annual International Day for Persons with Disabilities, which helps to remind us of our common humanity, will be celebrated in Worcester on Saturday, 1 December 2012.

The event is a collaborative venture of various organisations for persons with disabilities, the Cape Winelands and Breede Valley municipalities, the Worcester Museum and others. The event celebrates the inherent value and unique abilities of persons with disabilities in the Cape Winelands community. 

The theme for this year is “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all”. A procession of persons with disabilities from all walks of life, supported by able-bodied friends, family and members of the community will move from Church Square to the museum. There they can participate in various sport and recreational activities and enjoy live entertainment provided by local artists.

The entertainment line-up includes performances by the Blind Orchestra, APD Dance Group, rap artists Charlton Breimasjien and General Monarchi, as well as singer Elvira Standili. There will also be a variety of stalls where visitors can buy crafts and novelties just in time for Christmas, as well as satisfy their hunger pangs with all sorts of snacks.

The sport and recreational activities will be hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. A chess tournament is set to take place in the museum conference centre, while a fun walk, indigenous games and soccer, netball and mini cricket are expected to draw many participants. Entry to the festival is free of charge.