Are people with disabilities protected in the workplace?
Yes. The Employment Equity Act, No. 55 of 1998 protects people with disabilities against unfair discrimination and entitles them to affirmative action measures.Does discrimination still exist in the workplace, despite legislation? Yes. Unfortunately, ignorance, fear and stereotypes cause people with disabilities to be unfairly discriminated against. As a result, people with disabilities experience high unemployment levels. Unfair disability discrimination is perpetuated in many ways, and can include:

Setting employment criteria that excludes disabled people (for example, stressing that an employee must
Own and drive a car)

•  Keeping disabled employees in low status jobs, earning a lower than average remuneration.
•  Inaccessible workplaces (lack of wheelchair access or ablution facilities for the disabled, for example).
• Lack of appropriate technical workplace support.
• Inappropriate or non-existent training for people with disabilities.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

• Who defines “Disability” and for what purpose?
• Distinguish between impairment, disability and handicap
•  Exploring the realities and pitfalls of Disability Programs
• The medical vs. Social Model of Disability
• Current status of persons with disabilities in South Africa
•  Understanding the diversity and demographic of the differently able
•  Psychosocial aspects impacting on the lives of Persons with Disabilities:
•  Personal Issues – Sexuality
• Family Issues – Caregivers
• BREAKING THE EMOTIONAL BARRIER – GETTING
  TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER
•  Establishing emotional buy-in, in order to ensure intellectual and practical commitment
  EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
•  What is empowerment in the context of disability?
• What is expected of society in the empowerment process?
• Challenges to the empowerment process
• Strategies and skills for the empowerment process
•  Employment Cycle
•  Corporate Social Investment