Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Gauteng - Thurs
2nd - Sat 4th November 2006
DISABILITY 2006
International Trade and Lifestyle Exhibition - Bigger and Better!
Bigger and better! This best describes Disability 2006, the international trade and lifestyle show taking place from 2 to 4 November at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Gauteng.
New developments include:
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The show has moved to Gallagher Estate, which has extensive facilities for the people with disabilities (PWDs).
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Live production of “Madness Revealed”, a play raising awareness and understanding about one of the most misunderstood psychiatric impairments. The story is based on the real-life experience and struggle of a woman with schizophrenia. Her struggle covers difficulty at work and at home, psychiatric treatment, degradation and despair in institutions, her courage and determination, and her eventual re-integration into society. The production will be performed on Friday 3 November.
Says event organiser Bette McNaughton of Fair Consulants SA, “Through Disability 2006, we aim to promote independence throughout life and work for people with disabilities. There are many products and services available that people are not aware of, all of which can assist people with disabilities in leading more independent lives”. Last year’s inaugural event drew about 100 exhibitors and 1000 visitors.
Target Audience
Targeting both trade and consumer audiences, Disability 2006 is aimed at anyone involved in purchasing equipment and services, as well as all end users, carers and healthcare professionals. This includes: government (correctional services, defence, health, education, transport), private clinics, hospitals, medical specialists, orthopaedics, physiotherapists, the sports industry, shopping centres, old age homes, special schools, aid agencies and non-governmental organisations, employment agencies, pharmacists, orthotists, orthopaedic surgeons, prosthetists, disabled homes and institutions, clinics and hospitals, the corporate sector and consumers.
Exhibition
An Expo featuring over 100 exhibitors, entertainment and lifestyle choices, this exciting show will also feature: adapted vehicles; ADLS (assisted daily living equipment and service); communication aids; computers; easy reaches; emergency medical supplies; hand cycles; hearing aids; hospital furniture; mobility aids; occupational products; patient handling devices; physio equipment; products and aids for the deaf and blind; prosthetic artificial limbs; showering devices / building products; sports equipment; training institutions; walking sticks; wheelchairs; wheelchair clothing and, much more!
Conference
“Mainstreaming Disability in Society” is the theme of this year’s three-day Conference, which starts one day before the Expo ie. on 1 November. Explains Conference Spokesperson Kim Krynauw: “Disability needs to become and remain part of mainstream development, planning and implementation. Despite great strides made over the past decade, people with disabilities (PWDs) in South Africa continue to face barriers that prevent them from enjoying their full rights - civil, political, economic, social, cultural and developmental.” Estimates suggest that more than 7 per cent (3 million people) of South Africa’s population have disabilities.
The draft Conference Programme includes:
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Day One: “Challenges facing people with Disabilities”. This Session will look at:
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Employment of People with Disabilities (PWDs)
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Economic Empowerment for PWDs
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Role of the Public Sector
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Role of the Private Sector
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Day Two: Disability Policy from Framework.
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SA Constitution and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA)
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Inclusive Education
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Budgeting for PWD
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Day Three of the Conference will include presentations on:
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What government and Office on the Status of Disabled People (OSDP) is doing
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Mental Health and Human Rights
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Consumer and Community Perspectives
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Advocacy
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Speakers will include leaders in the public and private sectors, as well as Disable People Organisations and other NGOs
Supporting
OrganisationS
The OSDP (Office on the Status of Disabled
Persons) and SAFCD (South African Federal Council on Disability) have
both been approached to support the event.
APD (Association of the Physically Disabled); Cheshire Homes South Africa; CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) DEAFSA (Deaf Federation of SA); ILC (Independent Living Council); MODE; NCPPDSA (National Council for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa); QASA (Quadriplegic Association of SA); SANCB (South African Council for the Blind); SHAP (Self Help Association for Paraplegics); other NGO’s and UN Agencies.
Government departments including Health are also being approached.