National Accessibility Portal - Background

Currently less than 1% of persons with disabilities in South Africa are gainfully employed/live an independent existence. After extensive investigation, it is evident that some of the main causes for the ineffectiveness in responding to the needs of persons with disabilities in South Africa are, amongst others, the lack of resources available to national disability councils and associations, reliable data, awareness, education, skills and suitable employment opportunities. Other contributing factors are great distances between cities in South Africa, the cost of travel, low income and difficulties in communication.