This Casual Day is all about challenging perceptions and celebrating every person for everything they are. It’s a call to truly see, appreciate, acknowledge, and respect persons with disabilities as complete human beings – to look beyond the label that society gives them.
South Africa (15 May 2025) – The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) has announced its theme for this year’s Casual Day, and it’s rooted in what it stands for.
“Beyond the Label isn’t just our theme, it’s our revolution. It’s recognising that a person with a disability isn’t defined by what they can’t do, but celebrated for everything they can,” the NCPD shares.
Beyond the label = beyond the disability
More often than not, a person with a disability is identified by the disability and, if applicable, any visible assistive devices they may have. They are immediately seen as different and labelled accordingly.
As a result, the person is often defined by their disability rather than recognised and valued.
But, this is what the NCPD is continuously looking to change by initiating and engaging in initiatives that help instil the understanding that the strongest communities aren’t built on sameness, but on the beautiful complexity of our differences.
“With this theme, we are calling on the public to truly see, appreciate, acknowledge, and respect persons with disabilities as complete human beings, equal to all human beings and entitled to the same human rights and freedoms.
“This is a call to move beyond labels and perceptions that reduce a person to their disability. Beyond the label = beyond the disability,” the NCPD explains.
What to wear
Casual Day, the NCPD’s flagship awareness and fundraising project, is a widely celebrated national campaign that occurs annually in South Africa, this year on Friday, 5 September.
The public’s contribution of R20 for a Casual Day sticker entitles them to express their individual interpretation of the yearly theme through their outfits, showing their support for the full inclusion and equity of persons with disabilities.
This year’s signature colour is dynamic blue, and if you’re wondering what to wear this year, well, it could be just about anything that makes you feel unstoppable!
This could be that vintage band tee telling stories of concerts past, mismatched socks that make you smile or even a bold outfit that makes you feel unstoppable.
Whatever it is, you’re encouraged to wear what makes you feel like the boldest, bravest version of yourself – because when you step out in confidence, you help create a world where others feel seen, included, and celebrated!
If you’re too shy to rock your boldest outfit, your Casual Day Sticker will do just as well because every sticker and supporter item you purchase directly benefits disability organisations across South Africa, making a real difference.
Casual Day merchandise
Merchandise for this iconic initiative is made and supplied by persons with disabilities, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and empowerment.
Casual Day T-shirts, caps, or bucket hats to stand out loud and proud on Casual Fridays leading up to Casual Day and can be purchased here.
When you go Beyond the Label, you help create a South Africa where everyone belongs, not despite our differences, but because of them.
So, why not go ahead and wear what makes you uniquely you? Because the most casual thing you can do is, change someone’s life.
Sources: National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities
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