05/11/2025
Yesterday we met with members of QuadPara Association based in Garden Route to explore on how to make George more inclusive, equal opportunities & accessible to the disabled , more so , to all other vulnerable groups with limited movements such as older persons.
Proposals included:
1. Inclusive Tourism:
George as tourists destination and as home to retirees for retirement village provided opportunity to invest in resources like beach wheelchairs, hotels that are wheelchair accessible etc. Public events like festivals, Xmas celebrations etc should be inclusive of all citizens and everyone must feel welcome.
2. Go- George bus service:
The buses are tailor made to accommodate wheelchair users etc but no assistant to assist one to get into the bus , ties wheelchair & or assist to alight from bus . Not all disabled or older people or mothers with prams have luxury of travellinb with a campanion to help them .
3. Parking spaces:
Avoid giving permits to everyone as this limits parking spaces for those in dire need to use the space : wheelchair users due to disabilities or old age; mothers with prams
Disability Rights Awareness Month in South Africa from 3 November to 3 December, under theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities through resourceful, sustainable and safe environments”
AVAILABILITY of a service doesn’t automatically translate to ACCESSIBILITY… we must make effort to ensure we leave no one behind
Thanks Cllrs for commitment to follow this up with municipality
