Advocacy

Advancing Disability Rights Through Systemic Change

The Western Cape Network on Disability (WCND) advocates for the rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities across the Western Cape.

We work with members and other stakeholders to address systemic barriers in policy, legislation, services, systems, and practice through engagement, consultation, collaboration, public advocacy, and, where appropriate, targeted campaigns.

Our Advocacy Areas

Transport & Built Environment Reform

Influence municipal, provincial, and national systems to adopt, implement, and monitor universal access standards in transport and the built environment, including sidewalks, public facilities, and planning processes.

Learn more about Transport & Built Environment Reform

Equitable Healthcare

Ensure healthcare services are accessible, equitable, and inclusive by reducing systemic barriers within provincial health systems and improving coordination of disability-related services.

Learn more about Equitable Healthcare

Inclusive Education

Strengthen accountability and implementation of inclusive education policy across early childhood, school, and tertiary systems to ensure reasonable accommodation and equal access.

Learn more about Inclusive Education

Employment & Skills Development

Increase employer accountability and strengthen the skills development pipeline through accessible recruitment, workplace accommodation, and structured pathways such as TVETs, SETAs, and learnerships.

Learn more about Employment & Skills Development

DRAM Accountability

Use National Disability Rights Awareness Month as an opportunity to review and assess progress on disability-rights commitments, raise awareness of gaps between policy and lived experience, and promote greater accountability for implementation.

Learn more about DRAM Accountability

Our Ongoing Work

The Network also engages on cross-cutting disability-rights issues and works with public institutions, researchers, universities, civil society organisations, and other partners where this supports our advocacy priorities.

This includes ongoing work with the Electoral Commission of South Africa to improve the accessibility of electoral participation and engagement with the South African Human Rights Commission on disability-related human rights concerns.

Current projects, partnerships, advocacy developments, and time-bound campaigns are shared through News & Updates.

Get Involved

Persons with disabilities, member organisations, allies, and partners can strengthen collective advocacy by contributing their lived experience, expertise, and support.