As the country commemorates Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), the Department of Social Development (DSD) has reiterated the need for stronger partnerships to improve support services for children with disabilities.
The department said the diverse and complex needs of children with disabilities require a collaborative approach involving civil society organisations, service providers, government stakeholders and communities.
The department’s Chief Director of Communications, Lumka Oliphant, said this year’s DRAM theme provides a framework for developing practical solutions to address the challenges faced by children with disabilities.
“Guided by the 2026 theme, ‘Creating Strategic Multi-sectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society’, the DSD is highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach that places children and their families at the centre of service delivery.
“The UNICEF Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in South Africa (2024) further reports that only 8,641 children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities were receiving support in special care centres in 2022,” she said.
Oliphant said the findings highlight significant gaps in the support services available to children with disabilities and underscore the urgent need for greater intervention.
“The needs of children with disabilities extend beyond education. Some require assistance with everyday activities, developmental support, rehabilitation and specialised care,” she added.
The department indicated that, for the remainder of Disability Rights Awareness Month, it would engage with various stakeholders to discuss and explore programmes aimed at strengthening support services and improving the quality of life of children with disabilities.
