Workplace Disability

Tourism is a multi-sensory experience and South Africa, with its abundant wonders, exemplifies this perfectly. But in reality, more than 60,000 South African citizens grapple with hearing impairments and are unable to experience our country through all five senses.

Most companies report that their workforce includes relatively few employees with disabilities: just 4% to 7% on average. But in a major survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) of nearly 28,000 employees in 16 countries (across all regions and various industries) some 25% of people globally and 24% of South African respondents said they have a disability or health condition that limits a major life activity.

Policies are important and in place in the South African labour market to assist people with Down Syndrome and developmental disabilities in order to overcome challenges and be employed in the open labour market. 

We all fear the unknown. Helen Keller said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” 

The employment equity and work opportunity targets for people with disabilities should increase to at least seven per cent by 2030 according to the Department of Social Development’s White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

When Stephen Hawking passed away last week, the world lost an incredible human being, someone who was able to look past his physical limitations and become one of the great thinkers of our time.

Entering the workforce, in any capacity, is an unnerving task. Add the stigmas attached to being a person with disabilities into the mix and the potential for negative employment process and ultimately experience.

To ensure that all members of society are catered for SAPS will focus on employing citizens with disabilities. Sign language interpreters will be recruited to accurately record police statements.

Approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy yet many employers know very little about this condition and how to manage employees who suffer from it. Dionne Kerr talks about the symptoms, treatment and affects of epilepsy.

When it comes to accommodating people with disabilities in the workplace, what is expected from employers? Dionne Kerr defines the role of employers based on the legal requirements set out by the Employment Equity Act.

People with disabilities often find themselves at the end of the line when government allocates funding, particularly in the education sector. Siyathembana highlights the need to integrate people with disabilities into the FET system and source funding opportunities through the relevant Seta?s.

September is Albinism Awareness Month. To coincide with this, Siyakha Consulting is highlighting the condition and explaining why it can be classified as a disability in the workplace.