None of us are willing to listen to advice given from someone who has never been in our shoes. How can they possibly know what they are talking about if they have never had the same experience?
The same applies to disability. The best person to discuss the challenges faced by someone with a disability is someone who lives that life daily. Interested persons with a disability are trained as Peer Supporters on various aspects on disability, prevention and health promotion, and then give support to others with a similar disability in their communities.
The project embraces the principles of Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) where organisations work together with people with disabilities in providing services – Nothing About Us Without Us!
Peer support groups can be found in the following areas – Beaufort West Cape Town George Hermanus Knysna Mossel Bay Oudtshoon Saldanha Stellenbosch Velddrif Vredendal
Adult Care Centres
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#OneLess
Distracted Driving Reducing the incidence of disability through creating awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
#1Less spinal cord injury Distracted driving is a contributing factor to the incidence of road crashes with resulting injuries, fatalities and disabilities. Greater awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, as well as the education of drivers on driver safety, would go a long way towards decreasing the high fatality rate on South African roads.
There are very few disabilities that are preventable - irresponsible driving leading to disability is certainly preventable. It is a well-known fact that texting while driving is an increasing global trend, and South Africa is no exception. It is said that cellphones are responsible for 1.6 million crashes per year, causing over 500 000 injuries and 6 000 deaths.
According to the Automobile Association of South Africa, an international survey amongst 837 drivers with cell phones found that almost half swerved or drifted into another lane, 23% had tailgated, 21% cut someone off and 18% nearly hit another vehicle while using the phone.
Young South African drivers, especially, are far more likely than their European counterparts to be distracted by phone calls and internet use while behind the wheel, according to the results of Goodyear's third annual Road Safety Survey. The survey addressed the road behavior's of 6400 drivers under the age of 25 in 15 European countries as well as in South Africa. The survey showed that while new technology undoubtedly provides a particular danger, some of the most common behavior's contributing to distracted driving included - • drinking (75% compared to the global average of 58%); • eating (71% compared to the global average of 45%); • looking at a map, changing GPS settings, shaving, putting on make-up, styling hair and even kissing (33%!) • more traditional multi-tasking activities also continue to distract young drivers, with South Africans amongst the most easily misled.
Disability and fatalities arising from accidents caused by distracted driving is close to our hearts. There is not a moment to lose in doing all we can to curb the global rise in the incidence of disability.
We invite you to join us in working towards a safer transport environment, both for the road user and pedestrians. The direct impact this would have is to save lives in a time when just one life is too many. The emotional impact of this project is immeasurable - how do you measure the grief of a family who has lost a loved one due to a simple text message?
Help us to raise awareness by • signing our pledge to not drive distracted; • share it on your social media using the hashtag #1Less; • encourage your family and friends to do the same.
Walk in my Wheels
Did you know?
15% of the population has a disability Less than 1% of SA’s workforce are people with disabilities. Stigmatisation and inaccessibility remain the biggest challenges for inclusion.
Walk in my Wheels challenges business owners, and decision-makers to walk in the shoes (so to speak!) of a wheelchair user.
The campaign is a creative way in which to focus the attention of businesses on the physical challenges facing wheelchair users in their everyday life, particularly in the workplace. What better way to understand someone else than to spend time in their shoes (or in this case, wheelchair!)
You will be asked to – Spend 4 consecutive hours in a wheelchair, going about your daily tasks; Complete a list of designated tasks Write a brief, structured report on your experience Partner with APD in identifying ways in which to establish greater inclusion for persons with disabilities in your organisation.
This has been an eye-opener in previous projects and has been followed up with sensitisation of the company’s employees and discussions around making their premises more wheelchair friendly.
Childcare & Education
Special Care Centres
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APDCare
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Work & Employment
The ability to work, earn an income and create a support one’s family is something many of us take for granted. Work is the means by which an individual can escape poverty and secure the necessities of life. It also plays an important role in promoting a positive and confident self-esteem in people. Unfortunately, many persons with disabilities do not have permanent employment, and are therefore unable to provide for their families.
We will support you on your journey towards employment, including looking into the various employment options available, developing your skills where necessary, discussing job opportunities with employers and providing support to you as you begin your new work.
Our protective workshops and activity groups allow anyone who is unable to work independently to remain active and learn new skills.
Work and Skills Centres
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RS2000 Management System
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Good Governance
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How do we support the branches?
WCAPD supports APD Branches in a continuous process of evaluating, planning and implementing action to solve problems and achieve their goals. In this way, new skills are transferred which contribute to the expansion of knowledge and efficiency of staff on all levels. This improved capacity allows Branches to manage future change with minimum risk.
Partnerships
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Program Development
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Monitoring & Evaluation
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Education
Every child has a right to education… this includes children with disabilities!
The values and principles of inclusive education underpin our work in helping children with disabilities and their parents access this right. Children with disabilities should as far as possible, receive the support they need to learn and progress in their local ECD centre and ordinary school together with other children from their neighbourhood. We believe that building an inclusive education system, will ultimately help build an inclusive society.
We promote access to education through: lobbying and advocating; walking a journey with parents, empowering them with knowledge of their children’s right to education whilst supporting them in their efforts to access this right; collaborating with key stakeholders as we strive to make this right a reality for as many children with disabilities as possible.
For some children who have exceptionally high support needs (especially those living in rural areas), access to mainstream or even special schools, is just not feasible. These children must not be denied their right to education! WCAPD’s 9 rural special day care centres provide education opportunities for these children.
Training
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Development
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Communication
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Resource sharing
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Marketing
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Information sharing
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Awareness raising
A large portion of our work is raising awareness of disability and working towards creating a society that recognises persons with disabilities as equal citizens. Our awareness projects are aimed at educating the public on all aspects of disability. Persons with disabilities themselves are trained in public speaking and are encouraged to share their story in an effort to combat incorrect perceptions.
Please contact us on (021) 555-2881 or e-mail now if you have a friend or family member who needs support.
We would love for you to take hands with us by:
Inviting us to give a talk in your community; Helping with graphic design and printing; Allowing us to sensitise your family, neighbours, colleagues, book club or church congregation on how to interact with persons with disabilities; or Funding a project aimed at preventing disability.
With your help we can change the world for one person!