This report explores how South African legislation protects the rights of people with disabilities. Government policies have the potential to address key issues such as access to employment, poverty alleviation, access to education and social services and better housing. The report findings show that while the South African government has been active in creating well-designed policies, their implementation has been less successful, due to a lack of funded strategies, resources and capacity. The study discusses in some detail each policy, including the Skills Development Act (SDA) and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (2000)