By the SayPro Royal Committee Deputy Treasurer
Date: 16 May 2025
Location: SayPro Midrand Headquarters
Distinguished guests, esteemed SayPro partners, members of the Royal Committee, colleagues, advocates, and friends,
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening—wherever in the world you may be joining us from.
It is a distinct honour to stand before you today, representing the SayPro Royal Committee, as we observe and celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025—a day that speaks not only to policy, but to people; not only to access, but to equity and dignity.
At SayPro, we uphold a simple yet profound truth: Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves full and equal participation in society. That is not only our belief—it is our mission, our purpose, and our promise.
Accessibility is not an option.
It is not a luxury.
It is a human right.
This year’s GAAD theme—“Designing for Dignity”—resonates deeply with what we strive for at SayPro every day. Because dignity means more than physical access. It means respect, representation, and recognition.
It means inclusive education that welcomes all learners.
It means employment that embraces diverse talents.
It means digital platforms that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities.
As the Deputy Treasurer of the SayPro Royal Committee, I am proud to report that we are actively allocating resources and support toward programs that make inclusion a living reality—from accessible infrastructure projects and assistive technology grants to digital literacy initiatives and inclusive youth leadership training.
We are working alongside communities, organisations, and governments to build systems that don’t ask people to adapt to exclusion—but instead remove the barriers that create exclusion in the first place.
However, while we celebrate progress, we remain mindful of the work ahead. Around the world, millions still face barriers—physical, digital, and societal—that limit their potential. And so today, we renew our call to action:
Let this GAAD not be just a day on the calendar—but a movement in motion.
Let it ignite conversations, inspire policies, and fuel sustained and collective action.
To our community of persons with disabilities: You are not invisible. You are not voiceless. You are not alone.
You are innovators, leaders, and catalysts for change.
To our partners, supporters, and fellow changemakers: We ask you to join us in building a future where accessibility is not the exception—but the standard.
Together, let us fund, design, build, and dream—with inclusion at the heart of it all.
Because accessibility is not a favour. It is freedom. It is fairness. And it is fundamental.
Thank you. Let us move forward—united in purpose, unwavering in action, and committed to a future where every person belongs, every voice is heard, and every barrier is broken.
Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025.
Leave a Reply