The implementation of The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has a long way to go and most South Africans with disabilities are not able to move freely from their homes, are not able to use public transport and are not able to enter public buildings. The South African situation is that the physical environment hinders persons with disabilities from gaining access to public transport and most buildings.

By a mandate from the South African Disability Alliance (SADA) to deal with access issues in South Africa, QASA and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPPDSA) have formed the National Access Authority (NAA). NAA’s mandate is to be a coordinating body on access issues and an information portal for accessibility information.

NAA have employed an Access Officer to carry out the core functions of NAA. The Access Officer is available to solicit and investigate queries on access problems, inspect transgressions of the National Building Regulations and resolve any other problems experienced by persons with disabilities in the physical environment. The Access Officer will also source and library information on access for distribution and on request from any person.

It is aimed that the Access Officer will also formulate a national parking disc policy, collect and manage a database of accessible tourism destinations and stimulate public awareness of access issues.

Jeremy Deysel, was appointed as the QASA / NPCCDSA Access Officer and commenced his duties on the 1st of February 2010. Jeremy has been actively involved in the disability sector for 2 years and is excited about his role as Access Officer as it combines his passion for both the disability sector and accessibility.

Jeremy aspires to coordinate access standards in South Africa, create database of access auditors and respond to individuals access issues on a daily basis. Jeremy envisages working hand in hand with government, businesses, professional associations and NGOs creating partnerships, awareness and acceptance of the rights of persons with disabilities. Jeremy dreams of an accessible South Africa and plans to be actively involved in the preparation of new buildings and re-structuring of existing buildings for accessibility for all. Lobbying for the rights of persons with disabilities is also part of his agenda.

For more information or assistance, contact Jeremy Deysel on 073 345 3805 or Email