The Differently-abled Access Challenge
A disability is only disabling when it prevents someone from doing what they want or need to do.
There is a whole world of differently-abled people out there who would love to see Plett and who cannot do it because of some limitations – theirs and ours. We are all affected at some time in our lives – as a parent with a pram, a child with a broken leg or as an elderly person.
With added help from improvements in wheelchair technology, people with physical disabilities are enjoying greater levels of independence. Yet they still face significant obstacles to activities that are routine for the rest of us. For example, shopping can pose a problem if the shop is inaccessible or the shelves are beyond reach.
It is important that the access should be barrier-free and adapted to fulfil the needs of all people equally. When people with special needs are accommodated, their disabilities don’t limit their ability to fully participate in life.
The Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (link to website) was held in George on Sunday the 18th of February and there were 1,002 entrants. The event caters for paraplegics, quadriplegics and cerebral palsied.
According to event organiser, Alewijn Dippenaar, ‘there is a major problem in South Africa when it comes to finding suitable accommodation for the differently-abled.”
Does your establishment cater for the differently-disabled?
“George has the Paraplegic Olympics and Plett hosts the Sabrina Love Challenge. We could definitely benefit by linking up with the George event, as it is already established and name ours the Plett mini-lympics,” says concerned Plett local, Rita van Rensburg/Hardaker.
“I, personally, challenge all local and surrounding B&B’s, Self-catering units, Guest Houses, Lodges, Schools, Guest Farms, homes with added accommodation for Air BnB (or other) also businesses, shopping centres, restaurants, concert venues, wine farms, Animal and Bird Sanctuaries, to forward their names and further details if they believe that they are definitely Differently-abled.
Your names will be added to a special list of Disable-friendly or just Differently-abled establishments for Tourism, Accommodation Agencies, ShowMe and anyone else who would be intersted in the list.
We live in such a perfect destination here, surely we can share it for a few days a year with those who normally cannot? Would be perfect for out of season too.
If it can be arranged either I, a colleague or other interest parties will call and make your acquaintance to inspect your establishments, but at least, this way, we can “activate forward-going mode on common ground” as per Mr. Peter Luttig of Keurbooms article in CXpress dated 14th February.
Sports and music have always brought people together, so come-on Plett lets all get involved in this worthy cause, take up the challenge, if you do not already have the facilities, create them!! “Build them and the People will Come.”
For businesses who require further details on how to accommodate for the disabled or would like to accept the challenge email Rita.
Checklist to see if your establishment is disabled-friendly