The Mission and Vision of DBSA
Mission:
To empower DeafBlind individuals to represent themselves in all spheres of society.
Vision:
To create a barrier-free society that allows DeafBlind individuals to be fully
integrated and have equal access to opportunities in all aspects of life.
The Logo Design
The DBSA logo is designed to be visually distinctive and conceptually meaningful, integrating key elements that symbolize DeafBlindness and inclusivity. It consists of four elements:
- Top left: A lowercase “d” in bold yellow.
- Top right: A sign language hand-shape for “b” in yellow.
- Bottom right: A lowercase “b” in bold purple.
- Bottom left: A braille letter “d” in purple.
The letters slightly overlap both vertically and horizontally, symbolizing unity and cohesiveness. Next to the logo, the organization’s name is presented as:
- “DeafBlind” in bold purple.
- “SOUTH AFRICA” in uppercase purple with a thinner font.
- Below this, the slogan “Strength in Silence, Vision in Touch” is written in yellow on a white background.
Alternative Text for Screen Readers: The DeafBlind South Africa logo includes a lowercase “d” in yellow, a sign language “b” in yellow, a lowercase “b” in purple and a braille “d” in purple, slightly overlapping to symbolize unity.
Next to it, “DeafBlind” is in bold purple, “SOUTH AFRICA” is in uppercase purple and the slogan “Strength in Silence, Vision in Touch” appears in yellow on a white background.
Core Values
Capacity Building & Empowerment:
Strengthen advocacy and self-representation of DeafBlind individuals.
Service Development:
Ensure access to essential services that improve quality of life.
Research & Innovation:
Promote good practice models for supporting DeafBlind persons and their families.
Awareness & Advocacy:
Educate the public and policymakers about DeafBlindness and the rights of DeafBlind individuals.
Legal Foundation of Core Values
Political Rights
DeafBlind persons have the same political rights as all citizens, including the right to vote and be elected. Voting materials and procedures must be accessible and easy to use. Public awareness campaigns should advocate for equal political participation of DeafBlind individuals.
Human Rights
The South African Bill of Rights protects and promotes fundamental freedoms, including those of persons with disabilities. Laws and policies exist to advance equality, dignity and human rights, but enforcement remains crucial. DeafBlind persons must be empowered to demand accountability and claim their rights.
Rights may be realized immediately (short-term) or through progressive realization (long-term).
Social Rights
A barrier-free society enables equal access to education, healthcare, transport and social participation. DeafBlind individuals must not be isolated; they should be included in family, community and public life.
Health Rights
Healthcare systems must be accessible, affordable and inclusive for DeafBlind persons. This requires removing physical, communication and attitudinal barriers, training healthcare professionals to serve DeafBlind individuals effectively and expanding access to disability-specific healthcare services.
Economic Rights
The National Development Plan (NDP) outlines strategies for economic inclusion, including supporting small businesses and job creation, lowering barriers to employment for persons with disabilities, encouraging inclusive workplace policies and improving skills development and vocational training.
Cultural Rights
Cultural inclusion is essential for DeafBlind individuals to fully participate in society. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) obligates governments to protect Deaf culture and linguistic identity and provide accessible cultural experiences for persons with disabilities.
DBSA’s Engagement in the Disability Sector
Collaboration with Local Disability Organizations: DBSA works alongside various national, provincial and regional disability organizations to promote better services and support for DeafBlind individuals.
Partnerships with Government Agencies: DBSA engages with
government agencies to advocate for inclusive policies and practices that benefit the DeafBlind community.
Involvement in International Advocacy: DBSA participates in international forums and collaborates with global organizations to advance the rights and inclusion of DeafBlind individuals worldwide.