Opportunities Presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution for Persons with Disabilities in the Public Sector
Opportunities Presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution for Persons with Disabilities in the Public Sector
Authors Lindani Nxumalo & Carol Nxumalo
ISSN: 2413-9874
Affiliations:
Source: Industrial Law Journal, Volume 40 Issue 4, 2019, p. 2219 – 2236
Abstract
Securing employment and advancing in the labour market are among the challenges experienced by persons with disabilities. Bodily disablement often necessitates the need for artificial support to enable the person concerned to secure employment and to contribute effectively in the workplace. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 provides for equality and the need to create a barrier-free society. Furthermore, it obligates the public sector to ensure equality by developing measures that will create equal access for all in the workplace. The fourth industrial revolution has introduced an advanced technology that includes, among other things, artificial intelligence. Technological advancement and artificial intelligence could assist in addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. This article contends that the public sector must utilise opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution to guarantee the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace. It encourages the public sector to invest in technology and provide assistive devices for persons with disabilities in order to guarantee their entry into and advancement in employment.