One-Stop-disAbility Services (OSAS) – (November 01, 2022 – October 31, 2023) is a 24-hours-7-Days-a-Week-365-Days-a-Year events meant to observe and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disAbilities by disAbility Events Consortium (AEC). It will be observed with varying degrees across the country within the public and private sectors. The observance will be through different daily, weekly, monthly and annual themes aimed to promote an understanding of disAbility issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disAbilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disAbilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It’s called “24-7-365-Days One-Stop-disAbility-Services” (OSAS). “Each day, week, month and year, the focus will be on a different issue as per a detailed calender we have developed,” says Magic Nkhwashu. “One-Stop-disAbility-Services recognises people with disAbilities, to promote the importance of inclusion in life and the workplace. It encourages business leaders across the country to value the unique contributions of people with disAbilities. We guide companies on how to celebrate and support employees with disAbilities in your workplace.”
What is disAbility? Magic waxed lyrical: “A disAbility is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restriction).”
So how do we recognise people with disabilities “Through disAbility Awareness, the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding those with disAbilities can be brought to the fore. When these are gone, attitudes and behaviours become more positive and impactful. Digging better to create a better understanding is a powerful way to raise awareness,” says Magic matter-of-factly.
“Companies should hire a disAbility Awareness Speaker whose personal experiences will resonate with their employees. This is the kind of inspirational figure who has overcame physical and mental hurdles to thrive in the disAbility sector, making for a truly empowering speech at corporate events.”
Magic knows what he’s talking about. He is a renowned international Motivational Speaker, Presenter, Facilitator and Expert on disAbility issues having spoken and facilitated to audiences.
He is passionate about the rights of persons with diAbilities and their integration into the mainstream society. He has a good understanding of issues affecting persons with disAbilities as well as problems confronting employers. He has a good grasp of labour law and is able to communicate with people at all levels.
He is a very enthusiastic person and has always been eager to explore. He is currently a disAbility Expert and Consultant of note and has inspired and motivated persons with his keynote addresses and workshops on diversity and disAbility worldwide. His addresses weave personal experience with expert knowledge of persons with disAbilities and their lives. He speaks to very serious topics but in doing so draws personal narratives and experiences that punctuate his presentations with honesty and humour.
Magic’s mantra is “At Any Time, All Year Round!” He posits employers have to improve accessibility and inclusion. “In the workplace, several common hurdles can prevent employees with disAbilities from performing at their best. From wheelchair ramps to screen readers, and braille signage to accessible toilets, it is important to cater to employees of all abilities and consider how your workplace may impact a person with a disAbility. On this 24-Hours-a-Day-7-Days-a-Week-365-Days-a-Year, create an accessible environment for everyone in your team.”
Making a meaningful pledge
He challenges employers to make a meaningful pledge to celebrate diversity, value accessibility and serve your employees with disAbilities as part of the 24-Hours-a-Day-7-Days-a-Week-365-Days-a-Year initiative. “Going forward, learn from the experts and implement genuine changes in your workplace which will benefit your staff with disAbilities.”
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To book a diversity and inclusion expert for your event or corporate function, and/or get more information in any of our service offerings, simply contact us via our email magicsnr@vodamail.co.za / disabilityexperts2022@gmail.com or call / WhatsApp on 072 134 1223.
(Also Google “magic nkhwashu”)