11 September 2003

We are a multi-media production company with a Deaf partner that specialises in Disability issues, including all forms of access for the Disabled. We would appreciate the opportunity to appear before the Portfolio Committee in order to discuss a number of issues relating to the Disabled and the Electoral Laws.

1. In a research project we conducted for the Independent Electoral Commission in May of this year we learnt that some 17% of Deaf South Africans eligible to vote do not do so because they have no valid identity document.
2. According to the same research this is because Home Affairs Offices are perceived as not being Deaf friendly and therefore many Deaf people do not have the confidence to access the system.
3. We understand that changes to the Electoral Laws are aimed at improving the ease of access for this community but we are concerned that the Deaf are not being asked what they need in this regard.
4. These figures do not include the rural Deaf community. NGO’s and NPO’s who work with these communities believes the percentage of those Deaf South Africans in the rural areas is considerably higher than the 17% reflected above.
5. It is not feasible to teach individual Home Affairs employees sign language in the short term, but it would be possible as a long term process. This should be an aim of Home Affairs and Challenge can help to facilitate this.
6. Similar misgivings to those of the Deaf have been identified by the Blind and Quadriplegics.
7. In relation to the Blind, Braille is only a small part of the options to be considered.
8. Our view is that the act should include specific reference to the various Disabilities.
9. The needs of the Deaf, the Blind, Quadriplegics, Paraplegics and the mentally challenged in regard to access, vary considerably. These communities believe the act needs to reflect these variances in concise terms.
10. It is believed that there is considerable merit in forming a Parliamentary Forum for People with Special Needs. This forum should be broadly representative of a wide spectrum of Disability. It could advise all Parliamentary Portfolio Committees in terms of the requirements of access for the Disabled.
11. As Challenge we would like to work with Home Affairs to make a training video and manual which would inform the staff in all Home Affairs Offices how to deal with Deaf, Blind, Quadriplegics and Paraplegics who wish to obtain ID documents or access other documentation.