On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, who’s equally an activist for persons with disabilities, seeks to focus on equal access for all in the face of existing barriers for women, the poor, persons of colour, and persons with disabilities. While each disability is unique, persons with a disability yearn for the freedoms enjoyed by most other members of society. Disability studies is an interdisciplinary field that challenges the way society views disability, focusing on the experiences of persons with disabilities. Experts in the field have clearly defined different ways of viewing disability, based on a set of models: individual approaches, such as the charity model and the medical model; and society-based approaches, such as the social model and the rights-based model.
Social justice ensures that all individuals have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment, regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, or other identity. A vital area of focus should be on ensuring that social justice efforts incorporate disability. This should guarantee that persons with disabilities are empowered to resist social stereotypes; confront their fears; build a positive identity with creativity and curiosity; acquire essential skills and confidence; and experience social participation.
In providing access to all, a distinction must be made between equity and equality. While equality guarantees treating everyone the same, regardless of differences or specific needs, in many cases, and especially for persons with disabilities, we need to address access and the barriers that they must first overcome to have equal opportunities. Thus, equity is a necessary precursor to equality.
In order to promote the further development of community-based arts, it is important that the essential needs of artists with disabilities are satisfied, including the provision of special transport; accommodation close to the performing venue; assistive devices; medical requests (e.g., physiotherapy); personal assistance; and sustenance.
It is vital that both equity and equality are extended to artists with disabilities, providing ring-fenced funding; economic opportunities; accessible performance spaces and facilities; medical support; affordable and accessible transport; and support services. In support of this approach, there is a role for the arts in creating a platform for combined participation; creating opportunities for job development; acting as a catalyst for change; facilitating dialogue; and promoting inclusivity and humanity.
To this end, Artscape has engaged with several arts organisations that employ individuals with disabilities, including the Unmute Dance Company; the Afrinead network; the ArtsAbility Festival; the Schools Arts Festival; the Signa Academy for interns with disability; and the Ubuntu Institute. It has also focused on meaningful employment, appointing people with disabilities; and substantially enhancing access to the Artscape building (e.g., ramps, comfort room, disabled bathrooms).
Herewith some images of events as well as voices of persons with disabilities who graced Artscape today including the University of Cape Town’s Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences that has turned 21 years old this year. In celebrating this milestone, they showcase their work across the years and shared their plans for the future as they continue to break barriers by mapping out new frontiers for disability-inclusive practices for the next 21 years.