At Disabled People South Africa (DPSA), we believe in turning advocacy into action. Our programmes and initiatives are designed to empower, support, and mobilise persons with disabilities across South Africa, ensuring inclusion in every sphere of life.
Advocacy
We champion the rights of persons with disabilities by influencing policy, legislation, and public attitudes.
- HEART (Highly Enhanced Advocacy for Rights and Transformation): National advocacy campaigns pushing for equality and social change.
- Human Rights Advocacy & Transformation: Ongoing lobbying for inclusion in laws, policies, and programmes.
- Policy Engagement: Collaboration with government and stakeholders to ensure disability is part of national development.
Empowerment & Leadership Development
We build strong leaders and active citizens within disability communities.
- Skills Development Projects: Training and capacity-building for independence and participation.
- National Training Programme (NTP): Developing future leaders and strengthening knowledge in the disability sector.
- Research & Development / Think Tank: Generating data and insights to inform better policies and programmes.
Community Support & Rehabilitation
We provide services and community-based initiatives that improve daily lives.
- Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Grassroots support in rural and under-resourced areas.
- Wheelchair Repairs: Practical mobility support for independence.
- Health Awareness: Campaigns on HIV/AIDS, TB & STIs tailored for persons with disabilities.
Inclusion & Representation Programmes
We ensure that women, youth, and children with disabilities are not left behind.
- Disabled Women Development Programme (DWDP): Empowering women to lead and advocate.
- Disabled Youth South Africa (DYSA): Supporting young people with disabilities to develop leadership skills.
- Disabled Children’s Action Group (DICAG): Giving children and their caregivers a stronger voice in decision-making.
Economic Empowerment
We promote opportunities for persons with disabilities to achieve financial independence and equality in the workplace.
- Employment & Skills Development: Creating pathways to decent jobs and workplace inclusion.
- Disability Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP): Opening up access to resources, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Membership Mobilisation & Development: Strengthening the collective power of persons with disabilities through organised representation.
Partnerships & Collaboration
We believe that transformation requires collective effort. DPSA works closely with government, civil society, and international networks to ensure disability rights are upheld across all levels of society.