EDS4804
ASSIGNMENT 6 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
,Putting advocacy into action - EDS4804
Assignment 6 2026
SECTION A: ASSISTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO IDENTIFY THEIR
RIGHTS AND REPRESENT THEIR OWN NEEDS
Question A1
A rights-based approach to disability practice views a person with a disability as a
rights-holder rather than as an object of charity, care or medical treatment. The
approach is based on human dignity, equality, participation, non-discrimination,
inclusion, autonomy and respect for individual choices. Instead of assuming that
professionals or family members know what is best for the person, the practitioner
works with the person to understand their rights, identify barriers and make decisions
about their own life. The UNCRPD promotes this shift by recognising persons with
disabilities as people who are capable of claiming their rights and making decisions
based on their free and informed choices (United Nations, 2006).
Helping a person identify their own rights is foundational because a person cannot
effectively advocate for something they do not know they are entitled to. For example, if
a learner with a disability understands that they have a right to reasonable
accommodation and inclusive education, they can explain what support they require
instead of simply accepting exclusion or inadequate support. In South Africa, the
Constitution protects equality and prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of disability
(Republic of South Africa, 1996). Therefore, rights education enables people with
disabilities to move from dependence on others towards active participation and self-
advocacy. It also strengthens their ability to hold service providers and other duty-
bearers accountable.
Question A2
Four important rights contained in the UNCRPD that a person with a disability should be
helped to understand are the right to equality and non-discrimination, the right to
ASSIGNMENT 6 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
,Putting advocacy into action - EDS4804
Assignment 6 2026
SECTION A: ASSISTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO IDENTIFY THEIR
RIGHTS AND REPRESENT THEIR OWN NEEDS
Question A1
A rights-based approach to disability practice views a person with a disability as a
rights-holder rather than as an object of charity, care or medical treatment. The
approach is based on human dignity, equality, participation, non-discrimination,
inclusion, autonomy and respect for individual choices. Instead of assuming that
professionals or family members know what is best for the person, the practitioner
works with the person to understand their rights, identify barriers and make decisions
about their own life. The UNCRPD promotes this shift by recognising persons with
disabilities as people who are capable of claiming their rights and making decisions
based on their free and informed choices (United Nations, 2006).
Helping a person identify their own rights is foundational because a person cannot
effectively advocate for something they do not know they are entitled to. For example, if
a learner with a disability understands that they have a right to reasonable
accommodation and inclusive education, they can explain what support they require
instead of simply accepting exclusion or inadequate support. In South Africa, the
Constitution protects equality and prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of disability
(Republic of South Africa, 1996). Therefore, rights education enables people with
disabilities to move from dependence on others towards active participation and self-
advocacy. It also strengthens their ability to hold service providers and other duty-
bearers accountable.
Question A2
Four important rights contained in the UNCRPD that a person with a disability should be
helped to understand are the right to equality and non-discrimination, the right to
