Taking the t out of can't

International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2011

Many people think of a disabled person as being someone who has a physical condition that confines them to a wheelchair. In fact a disability is any physical or mental condition that limits a person's activities or senses. It can include people who are hearing impaired, blind or partially sighted, have learning or intellectual disabilities or mental health issues.

An estimated 15% of the world's population is disabled in one way or another according to United Nations (UN) Enable. Furthermore the organisation says that no less than a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability through being family members or caregivers of disabled individuals.  Dealing with disability is therefore a major challenge faced by countries around the world.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to share real life member stories with you and explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of disability and International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2011.

34-year-old GEMS member Nepo Ditshego* works as an administrator at a government department in Tshwane. He is physically disabled having damaged his spine and losing the use of his legs in an accident 15 years ago. Today he has to use a wheelchair to help him get around.

Nepo says he supports initiatives such as International Day of Persons with Disabilities because they help to make people aware of some of the challenges facing disabled people. Nepo notes that disabled people are often treated differently and even discriminated against in South Africa.

"Some people seem to think that because I am not able to walk I am mentally disabled too and treat me like a child. I have to tell them I am independent, have a highly responsible job as an administrator and that there is nothing at all wrong with my intellect."

Nepo says he is very grateful for his work and his colleagues who are highly supportive of him. He observes that many disabled people struggle to find jobs because potential employers believe that the disabled are less capable.

This situation is starting to change as employment equity legislation encourages more employers to take on disabled people and awareness initiatives start to bear fruit. Nevertheless it has been estimated that three quarters of South Africa's disabled people have never had a job.

Nepo believes that much still remains to be done to support disabled people in South Africa. He points out that in addition to the prejudice and discrimination that disabled persons often face, many have to deal with a number of physical challenges too. Poorer individuals are often not able to afford wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs and have to remain at home and completely reliant on others. Getting around a city or town can be difficult for the physically disabled as most buildings do not have wheelchair ramps and are not easily accessed. Nepo says he is grateful that his workplace is wheelchair friendly and he is able to get to his office without a problem.

There are certain practical steps that many disabled people can take to empower themselves. Sometimes healthcare interventions can help an individual to overcome their disability. A number of eye conditions can be successfully treated for example. Cataract surgery can help restore the vision of individuals who have been blinded by cataracts. Psychological support is available to those who have suffered a trauma in their lives or who may have suffered brain injury.

Wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs can help some physically disabled individuals to get around, while hearing aids can help improve hearing. Such aids are called "assistive technology" and are designed to help disabled people overcome their disabilities. Other examples include walking frames, Braille, large-sized print that is easy to read and text phones.

An individual who is suffering from a disability should get to their doctor to see what can be done to help and support them.

According to UN Enable: "Experience shows that when persons with disabilities are empowered to participate and lead the process of development, their entire community benefits, as their involvement creates opportunities for everyone - with or without a disability."

Nepo agrees, arguing that those who discriminate fail to understand that persons with disabilities are usually no different from able-bodied people and have a positive and valuable role to play in our communities. "We South Africans need to pay less attention to what individuals cannot do and see instead what they are able to contribute," he suggests.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.

References

1. ‘Disabled People South Africa, www.dpsa.org.za.
2. ‘ ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2011, United Nations Enable, www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1561.
3. The Rachael Swart Fund, www.rachelswart.org.za.

*The member's name has been changed in order to protect his identity.