WHAT IS BARRIER BREAKERS

Much is being said and written about employers and the Employment Equity Act – unfortunately most of it reflects quite negatively on South African employers.

We are of the opinion that many employers have taken positive steps in this regard, but that this is just not being showcased.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY ACT:
HOW DO YOU RATE?

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SET THE RECORDS STRAIGHT!

In an attempt to get a realistic feel for what is really happening, we have developed a website entitled

Barrier Breakers

where we will be featuring profiles on employers who have been successful in accommodating people with physical disabilities in their organisations.

We consider a site such as this to be of great importance in light of the continuous queries we receive concerning accessibility issues.

As this site is linked to our existing APD web site, it is easily accessible to anyone looking for information and we will obviously inform relevant stakeholders of the new site.

EMPLOYERS:
SHOW THAT YOU REALLY CARE

Please speak to
Erhard
011-646-8331

Cost: R2 800 (excl VAT)

THE PROJECT
GOAL:

To inspire private and public sector decision makers to recognise the existence of people with physical disabilities and their right to access all facilities available to any South African within the normal boundaries of financial constraints and to give recognition to those organisations which already do so. To mobilise every South African to speak out for and protect the rights of the disabled.

OBJECTIVES:

Barrier Breaker Ratings has several important objectives:

To improve the quality of life of people with physical disabilities.
To create an awareness of the plight of the disabled.
To educate decision makers.
To educate private individuals of all ages, especially children.
To inspire voluntary change.
To recognise positive efforts.
To create a system of accountability.
To mobilise not only the disabled, but all caring South Africans.
To create employment opportunities for the disabled.
To raise funds so that the services being provided to people with physical disabilities, including the provision of appropriate accommodation, can be further expanded.

METHODOLOGY

The project entails the awarding of a Barrier Breaker Rating to owners/managers/tenants of any structure/venue which is open to members of the public and which provides basic facilities appropriate to the operations of the establishment for people with physical disabilities.
The ratings will not be linked to any existing legislation or building specifications. Participants will have to pass a practical accessibility test (Accessibility with Pride and Dignity test) conducted by people with physical disabilities.

Based on membership principles, participants will pay a membership fee as well as a once off charge for a plaque. Upon registration, members will receive a plaque for public display at a point of entry, as well as a membership certificate.

The membership/ratings will be renewable annually, subject to compliance with the relevant accessibility criteria.