Disabled Spokesperson for the Independent Democrats, Vincent Gore, himself a quadriplegic, understands the difficulties and frustrations of being on the receiving end of a frequently dismissive attitude when it comes to disability issues. "All learners have a constitutional right to quality and equitable education yet, after ten years of the new South African dispensation, profoundly intellectually disabled learners remain relative "outsiders" to an all embracing education and can be likened to a child standing on the outside with its nose pressed against the window," Gore said.

"At present the number of educational institutions catering for these individuals is alarmingly low and, in addition, they receive negligible financial support relative to the needs of their students.  Having spent most of my life as an able bodied person, and the past seven years in a chair, I am able to see both sides of the coin," said Gore.  "The predominant attitude is one of appeasement, without a real understanding of the difficulties faced by the disabled."

"The first stepping stone to a happy and well adjusted life is education and it is imperative that provincial government sees this matter as the critical one it is," continued Gore.

 

 Independent Democrats Premier Candidate, Adv. Lennit Max said that with Patricia de Lille's proud record of fighting for those not able to defend themselves, the issue of equitable and quality education will remain high on the agenda of the Independent Democrats.

The march will commence from Keizergracht street at 10am and proceed to the Department of Education.