Organization
Disabled People South Africa(DPSA)
South Africa's national assembly of disabled people, founded in 1984 as the first interracial, cross-disability advocacy organisation run by disabled people in the country. DPSA is recognised by Disabled People International as South Africa's national DPO and holds observer status at the United Nations.
About
Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) was formed in 1984 by disabled activists during the anti-apartheid struggle, becoming the first interracial, cross-disability advocacy group run by disabled people in South Africa. Recognised by Disabled People International (DPI) as South Africa's national DPO assembly, DPSA holds observer status at the United Nations and is a founder member of the global independent living movement.
What They Do
DPSA runs national human rights advocacy programs, conducts community education workshops on disability rights, leads a Women with Disabilities Empowerment Programme focused on gender-based violence and women's rights, and provides skills development for entrepreneurship. The organisation engages government departments and Parliament to embed disability rights into legislation and public service delivery, and coordinates with provincial member bodies on implementation.
Who They Serve
DPSA serves South Africans with all types of disabilities — physical, sensory, intellectual, and psychosocial — through its network of member organisations across all nine provinces. Special focus is placed on communities historically marginalised under apartheid, women with disabilities facing gender-based violence, and youth with disabilities seeking economic participation.
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