75 Years of Championing Rights: A Vision Beyond Sight on Disability Day
3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), BlindSA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the dignity and independence of visually impaired South Africans. This year, we reflect on a powerful legacy built over more than seven decades, a commitment reinforced by the recent commemoration of our 75th Anniversary.
A Foundation of Resilience and Advocacy
BlindSA was established in 1946 as the South African Blind Workers Organisation (SABWO), founded by blind citizens determined to secure meaningful careers for their peers. The celebration of our 75th Anniversary on 26 October 2021, under the theme “Championing the cause of blind and partially sighted persons,” was not just a look back, but a powerful declaration of our ongoing mission.
Our journey is a testament to the fact that disability is not a barrier to talent, but a challenge to be overcome through collective action and systemic reform. For 75 years, we have evolved from a focus on employment to providing a full spectrum of essential services, becoming a leading National Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (DPO).
The Fight for Equal Access Continues
The global theme for IDPD, Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, resonates deeply with the core of our work. True social progress requires removing the tangible and invisible barriers that prevent equal participation in South Africa.
BlindSA’s primary impact is driven by two critical pillars:
- Accessible Information: We are South Africa’s largest producer of Braille in all 11 official languages, providing a pathway to literacy, education, and political participation. This work is underpinned by crucial legal advocacy, including the landmark Constitutional Court judgment that declared the Copyright Act unconstitutional for violating the rights of the blind to access information.
- Independence and Empowerment: Through accredited training in Orientation and Mobility, skills of daily living, and computer literacy, we equip blind and partially sighted individuals to navigate the world independently and succeed in the open labour market.
A Call to Action for an Inclusive Future
Our 75 years of service demonstrates that when the rights and needs of the blind community are prioritised, the entire nation benefits from a more diverse, equitable, and capable citizenry.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we call upon all stakeholders, government, business, and civil society, to actively partner with us:
- Support the Passage of Inclusive Legislation: Help us accelerate the signing of the Copyright Amendment Bill to legally secure access to books and information for all.
- Invest in Accessibility: Commit to making digital platforms, physical spaces, and employment opportunities universally accessible.
- Support BlindSA: Your contribution ensures that our essential services, from Braille production to skills training, continue to empower the next generation of blind leaders, professionals, and citizens.
Join us in moving beyond simple awareness to tangible, progressive action. Let us champion a truly inclusive society where ability is never limited by sight.
BlindSA is a national DPO of the blind and for the blind, established in 1946. To learn more about our ongoing advocacy and services, please visit our website and consider making a donation.
