THE Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities has appealed to employers in the public and private sector to ensure that people with disabilities are given employment opportunities.

Minister Lulu Xingwana yesterday said the department was concerned about the continued exclusion of people with disabilities in the economy.

She said in terms of access to decent work and a sustainable livelihood, the government had set a 2% employment equity target for people with disabilities.

Her department has led the way by achieving a target of 4%. This percentage includes senior managers.

"Due to systemic exclusion of people with disabilities from early childhood development to higher education, there is an argument that there is continued lack of skilled people with disabilities in the diverse sectors of the economy.

"On the other hand, employers often view the employment of people with disabilities as a cost burden relating to provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace," Xingwana said.

"There are issues of stereotypes and lack of awareness that we have to deal with to ensure that people with disabilities occupy their rightful places in society and the economy."

She was of the view that government should focus on opening economic opportunities while providing adequate social security for people with disabilities.

"We must also prioritise access to health care," she said.