DPSA ensures a special focus on the development of women and youth in all its programmes. DPSA programmes vary according to provincial needs and availability of funding. Creates opportunity for disabled people to access education and training. Advocates for Government to adopt policies to advance the rights of disabled people. Lobbies and campaigns for integration of disability into national socio-economic development strategy. Supports business development services for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Deploys disabled people in rural communities to inform other disabled people and the communities about their rights. Therefore the following programmes are vehicles that the organisation uses to achieve its mission

Membership Mobilisation and Development Programme

This programme is about mobilisation of disabled people into DPSA local structures/branches. When they are organised into these local structures, DPSA will then provide disability education and general development training to enable the members and the leaders to effectively and efficiently run their structures. This is where DPSA derives its district, provincial and national leadership.

Disability Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP)

The programme seeks to facilitate development and participation of disabled people into economic activities. It links those who are involved in income generation with training and service providers.

Disabled Women Development Programme (DWDP)

The programme enables disabled women to be at the forefront of their own development. Recognising the additional disadvantage experienced by disabled women, this programme seeks to promote the participation of disabled women in the national movement for gender equality and facilitates the acquisition of leadership and self help development skills.

Disabled Youth South Africa (DYSA)

The programme aims to develop a programme to campaign for equal rights for disabled youth and awaken the awareness of disabled youth about healthcare, especially HIV and AIDS.

Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Disability Support Project

This programme is aimed at developing and exposing disabled people so that they take control of their own lives.

Highly Enhanced Advocacy for Rights and Transformation (HEART)

This programme constitutes our core business which is about development, awareness raising, advocacy, lobbying and networking which is aimed at changing the livelihoods of disabled people.

Research and Development Programme (Think Tank)

In order for the organisation to be strong and factual in their advocacy campaign, research needs to be undertaken to examine critical areas which prevents disabled people from participating in the mainstream society.  The information gathered through research therefore assists them to advocate for their rights in an informed manner.

National Training Programme (NTP)

The programme is aimed at provincial and national leadership and deployed cadres. It involves exchange visits and direct exposure to strategic provincial, national and international meetings.