As South Africa is currently marking Disability Rights awareness month under the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities through resourceful, sustainable and safe environments”, it is important to be aware of the obstacles they face and how to address them.
Passionate and an advocate for those living with disability, Yvette Glass, the Co-owner and Managing Director of Evac+Chair, expressed what disability means to her.
“Disability awareness month means acknowledging and accepting those living with various disabilities. One of the ways we can raise awareness and improve the quality of lives of those living with a disability is ensuring that when they are faced with an emergency, they are catered for and protected”- said Yvette Glass the Co-Owner and Managing Director of Evac+Chair
Glass also adds that ensuring that public and private spaces such as work environments and transportation should easily be accessible for those living with a disability.
“Societies need to be more mindful by providing support to those with disabilities be it temporary or permanent by educating themselves and also by providing support” – Yvette Glass, the Co-Owner and Managing Director of Evac+Chair
The aim of this awareness is to ensure that disability exclusion no longer continues. Yvette Glass further highlights that adequate policies is essential for both communities and organizations.
Those living with disabilities have rights too and the only way to make sure that their rights are being met is to do the following:
• Include ramps in both public and private spaces for support
• Mobility aids: this ensures that individuals can go about with their daily lives such being given canes, crutches or walking sticks, however in the case of an emergency, an evacuation chair is necessary regardless
“The advantage that the evacuation does have is that it allows for one to traverse the stairs safely without harm. So for those who are disabled they have always ensured safety”- Yvette Glass, Co-Owner and Managing Director of Evac+Chair
Individuals should also educate themselves on how to improve the lives of those living with disability in the commemoration of disability rights awareness month.
Yvette Glass concludes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and inclusive environment, which caters specifically to his or her needs. The only way to make sure those who do live with a disability are catered for is listening to them and preparing for their spaces with the necessary equipment.
About Evac+Chair
Evac+Chair, situated in South Africa is a local manufacturer and distributor of the world’s number one Stairway Evacuation Chair. The Evac+Chair is designed to help descend mobility-impaired people/persons with disability downstairs in an emergency evacuation when the lifts for safety reasons, are shut down. With over 20 years of experience, Evac+Chair is the leading specialist in emergency evacuation, ensuring customers comply fully with health and safety regulations. Evac+Chair services range from providing specialist equipment to delivering specific training and essential maintenance.
The business is a proud brand that promotes the rights of people with disabilities, particularly when it comes to safety. It has been involved in various projects including a collaboration with Ladies on Wheels – an organization that looks into changing the narrative of people with disabilities. The #MySafetyMatters campaign with Ladies on Wheels was aimed to help create awareness about the safety of people with mobility impairments when it comes to multi-story buildings.
