The South African government urged its citizens to ensure care and access to information for persons with disabilities during the coronavirus lockdown.
In a statement issued today, the department said people with disabilities are among those who were mostly vulnerable to the negative impact of Coronavirus.
Persons with disabilities, the elderly, those in frail care, and children with disabilities continue to remain at the periphery of society and are isolated from activities during the best of times. During the national lockdown these groups faced increased isolation through their physical conditions as well as through a lack of accessible information.
To ensure that persons with disabilities and their families continue to receive services during the lockdown, residential facilities, including centre and community-based facilities will remain operational as they form part of the essential services.
Society must ensure that information on coronavirus is made available in accessible formats, on appropriate platforms, including accessible digital technology to cater for the needs of persons with disabilities. This must also apply to the interpretation of speeches and addresses into SA Sign Language. The department calls on all media organisations to ensure that televised press briefings have sign language Interpreters, that transcripts are made available, and closed captions is utilized for persons with hearing difficulties.
To ensure that persons with disabilities receive accessible information during this critical time, the Gender Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) (0800 428 428) has a Skype Line (add “Helpme GBV” to your Skype contacts) and “Please Call Me” facility: *120*7867#. An SMS Based Line is also available on 31531.
