Road To Independence

10/10/2025

Drostdy Theater and NCPD Partner to Enhance Accessibility for Persons with Hearing Disabilities:

The Drostdy Theater and the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) are proud to announce a significant step towards inclusivity, with the installation of a loop system in Row J. This initiative aims to provide equal access to the arts for patrons with hearing disabilities.

The loop system, a recognized universal access device, meets one of the minimum standards for hearing loss accessibility. Patrons who have hearing loss, both those using hearing aids with t-coil functionality and those without, can benefit from this technology using a loop receiver and standard headphones. To maximize the benefit, patrons with hearing aids are advised to consult their audiologist on how to activate the t-coil.

This partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. For peer support and further information, please contact Fanie du Toit at faniedt@ncpd.org.za.

About Drostdy Theater:
www.drostdyteater.co.za

About NCPD:
See www.ncpd.org.za

https://fb.watch/CEitWGb4JR/

08/10/2025

Hearing loss can indeed have a significant impact on family dynamics, relationships, and communication.

It's not just about the individual with hearing loss, but also about their loved ones who may need to adapt and support them. By acknowledging this, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone affected.

For peer support contact

Fanie du Toit
Fanie Dreams


https://youtu.be/idhMwCDMxAM?si=C90uhF7C0w0biPoQ

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BePVi3sUk/

Jacqueline Holton and her husband Lynn of Iowa were always active and social, and even taught line dancing at their local community center. But when Jacqueli...

07/10/2025

Alive Inside" (2014). It's a powerful and moving film that explores the impact of music on people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The documentary features seniors with dementia responding to music from their past, often with profound emotional and physical reactions.

The film highlights the potential for music therapy to improve the lives of people with dementia, and it has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking and uplifting portrayal of the human experience. Have you seen the film?

Fanie du Toit
Fanie Dreams

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03/10/2025

We just need accommodations!
Disability is not my identity; it's not who I am. It's imposed on me. Impairment is within me; I have to live with it. Don't expect me to live with something that's imposed on people with impairments like me.

My statement reflects a nuanced perspective on disability and identity. I am distinguishing between: 1. Impairment: A personal, internal aspect (e.g., physical, sensory, neurological, intellectual & psychosocial). 2. Disability: An external, societal construct that imposes barriers, stigma, and limitations on individuals with impairments.

This perspective aligns with the social model of disability, which argues that disability is not caused by the impairment itself, but rather by societal attitudes, infrastructure, and policies that fail to accommodate diverse needs.

Fanie Dreams Movement believes in recognizing and addressing the external, societal factors that contribute to disability, rather than expecting individuals who have impairments to adapt to these imposed barriers, as per definition.

For peer support contact:

Fanie du Toit
Person who is functional deaf and a cochlear implant user
www.faniedreams.co.za

Sources:
White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

02/10/2025

This Convention gives us hope!
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international human rights treaty that promotes, protects, and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.

Adopted on December 13, 2006, and entered into force on May 3, 2008, this convention signifies a paradigm shift in attitudes towards persons with disabilities, recognizing them as active members of society entitled to rights, rather than recipients of medical care or charity.

Key Provisions of the CRPD:

- Non-Discrimination: Ensures equal treatment and protection under the law for persons with disabilities (Article 5).

- Accessibility: Requires states to identify and eliminate barriers that hinder accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and communication (Article 9).
- Independent Living: Promotes the right to live independently and be included in the community (Article 19).

- Freedom from Exploitation: Protects persons with disabilities from violence, abuse, and exploitation (Article 16).

- Access to Education: Ensures equal access to education and promotes inclusive education systems (Article 24).

- Employment: Protects the right to work and employment, promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment (Article 27).

The Convention gives us hope for several reasons:

- Global Recognition: With 191 parties ratifying the convention, it represents a global commitment to disability rights.

- Empowerment: By recognizing persons with disabilities as subjects of human rights, the CRPD empowers them to claim their rights and participate in society.

- Inclusive Society: The convention promotes a shift towards inclusive societies, where persons with disabilities can fully participate and contribute

- Accountability: States parties are required to report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring accountability and progress towards implementation.

Overall, the CRPD is a powerful tool for promoting disability rights and inclusion, offering hope for a more equitable and accessible world.

Did your Country sign the CRPD?

South Africa taking steps to align with international laws protecting disability rights:

https://youtu.be/St61pEPUuFw?si=NFojknoZxCfECvMt

https://youtu.be/St61pEPUuFw?si=NFojknoZxCfECvMthttps://www.rollinginspiration.co.za/protecting-disability-rights-by-international-standards/

Fanie du Toit
Fanie Dreams

Learn about the UN’s disability rights treaty, which was adopted in 2006. Sightsavers’ campaign calls for the UN and its member countries to make...