EDS4804
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
,EDS4804 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE AUGUST 2026
Question 1
1.1 Critically discuss how social attitudes and stereotypes contribute to the
challenges faced by people with disabilities, providing relevant examples.
Social attitudes and stereotypes are major barriers for people with disabilities, often
more disabling than the impairments themselves. These attitudes include prejudice,
discrimination and stigma that keep people with disabilities out of mainstream society.
Examples of Attitudinal Barriers
A common stereotype is that people with disabilities cannot perform well at work.
However, employers report they perform as well as or better than others (Module 4, unit
1.2). Despite this, they still face high unemployment (Module 4, unit 2.2). Another
problem is the charity model, which reduces people with disabilities to objects of pity
rather than rights-holders.
Stigma continues to cause exclusion. In many communities, negative beliefs about
disability come from wrong cultural ideas like sin, ancestral curses or demonic
possession (Module 4, unit 3.5). People with hidden disabilities also face doubt and
dismissal when they ask for help (Module 4, unit 1.2).
Common myths include that disability is a health issue, when participation in life matters
equally. Another myth is that accessibility only helps people with disabilities, when it
, helps everyone (Module 4, unit 1.2). Making workplaces accessible also does not cost
much (Module 4, unit 1.2).
Social attitudes and stereotypes seriously weaken the rights and participation of people
with disabilities. Dealing with these requires awareness-raising, education and shifting
from negative views to human rights thinking.
1.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of government policies and institutional support
systems in addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities and
propose strategies for improvement.
South Africa has good laws and policies for people with disabilities, including the
Constitution, CRPD ratification, Education White Paper 6, and the Employment Equity
Act. However, there are big gaps between policy and practice.
Effectiveness of Policy Frameworks
Strengths: The CRPD created a duty to recognise disability rights and provide equal
opportunities (Module 4, unit 3.2). The White Paper on Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (2015) sets out political, human, social, economic and cultural rights (Module
4, unit 3.4).
Weaknesses: Education White Paper 6 has not automatically led to rights being
realised. Learners remain excluded and advocacy is still needed (Module 4, unit 2.2).
The Employment Equity Act exists but many persons with disabilities remain
marginalised (Module 4, unit 2.2). Policy implementation is fragmented with poor
coordination between departments.
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
,EDS4804 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE AUGUST 2026
Question 1
1.1 Critically discuss how social attitudes and stereotypes contribute to the
challenges faced by people with disabilities, providing relevant examples.
Social attitudes and stereotypes are major barriers for people with disabilities, often
more disabling than the impairments themselves. These attitudes include prejudice,
discrimination and stigma that keep people with disabilities out of mainstream society.
Examples of Attitudinal Barriers
A common stereotype is that people with disabilities cannot perform well at work.
However, employers report they perform as well as or better than others (Module 4, unit
1.2). Despite this, they still face high unemployment (Module 4, unit 2.2). Another
problem is the charity model, which reduces people with disabilities to objects of pity
rather than rights-holders.
Stigma continues to cause exclusion. In many communities, negative beliefs about
disability come from wrong cultural ideas like sin, ancestral curses or demonic
possession (Module 4, unit 3.5). People with hidden disabilities also face doubt and
dismissal when they ask for help (Module 4, unit 1.2).
Common myths include that disability is a health issue, when participation in life matters
equally. Another myth is that accessibility only helps people with disabilities, when it
, helps everyone (Module 4, unit 1.2). Making workplaces accessible also does not cost
much (Module 4, unit 1.2).
Social attitudes and stereotypes seriously weaken the rights and participation of people
with disabilities. Dealing with these requires awareness-raising, education and shifting
from negative views to human rights thinking.
1.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of government policies and institutional support
systems in addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities and
propose strategies for improvement.
South Africa has good laws and policies for people with disabilities, including the
Constitution, CRPD ratification, Education White Paper 6, and the Employment Equity
Act. However, there are big gaps between policy and practice.
Effectiveness of Policy Frameworks
Strengths: The CRPD created a duty to recognise disability rights and provide equal
opportunities (Module 4, unit 3.2). The White Paper on Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (2015) sets out political, human, social, economic and cultural rights (Module
4, unit 3.4).
Weaknesses: Education White Paper 6 has not automatically led to rights being
realised. Learners remain excluded and advocacy is still needed (Module 4, unit 2.2).
The Employment Equity Act exists but many persons with disabilities remain
marginalised (Module 4, unit 2.2). Policy implementation is fragmented with poor
coordination between departments.
