GEORGE NUUS - Knowledge does not lead to change - understanding does. This statement by Dr Mehmet Oz, well-known television personality and medical specialist, was the departure point for a recent series of sensitisation workshops for Go George front line staff.
The workshops were presented by Glen Fortuin, community development worker at the George Association for People with Disabilities (APD).
As November is Disability Rights Awareness Month, Go George has just concluded its month-long programme of broad collaboration with key stakeholders that take an interest in people with disabilities, to raise awareness and achieve greater efficiency towards an inclusive service.
The focus was on the attributes of Go George that make it accessible to all and to empower stakeholders to access work, economic and educational opportunities, while also sensitising front line staff and the broader community to the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.
"Because we truly care, we want to empower our front line staff such as call centre agents and communication champions with skills to support persons with disabilities and to assist with the process of attitude change among our passengers," said Go George manager James Robb.
"We appreciate our vehicle operating company, George Link, having sent a number of bus drivers and other staff members to the sensitisation workshop too. People's intentions might be pure, but they might not know how to approach a person with a disability when offering assistance.
"We need to keep in mind that not all disabilities are visible when we interact with people in public and so many people might require different ways of interaction. People might refer to 'wheelchair-bound people while the correct terminology is 'wheelchair users' - Glen rightfully taught us that a wheelchair is a mode of transport and not a prison."
Tyron Yehi, Go George Community Liaison Officer, addressed the group of young adults with disabilities during a discussion at the Optima Centre, and answered their questions regarding the use of the bus service.
A few hints from Glen
• Always speak to the person with the disability and not the person accompanying them.
• Do not push a person's wheelchair without their permission.
• When talking to a wheelchair user, sit on a chair so that you are at their eye level.
• People using canes or crutches need their arms to balance themselves, so never grab them by the arm.
• Be prepared to offer assistance to persons with limited hand, wrist or arm function.
• If the person is unable to shake your hand, it is acceptable to fist-bump or put your hand on their arm or shoulder.
• For people with hearing loss, speak one at a time, don't cover your mouth, and face them while talking.
The group of children with disabilities who were invited to the bus depot were welcomed by John Heathcote (second from right), operational manager of George Link, and also participated in a special radio broadcast with Peter Jaftha (far right) of Heartbeat FM.
Discussions to improve understanding
In addition to the sensitising workshops, Go George has collaborated extensively with the George APD in a variety of events to better understand the needs of persons with disabilities.
Two separate discussions with carers and parents of persons with disabilities, and with young adults with disabilities, were hosted at the APD's Optima Centre in Pacaltsdorp. Go George used the opportunity to explain the accessibility features of the bus service while also getting valuable feedback from these stakeholders about challenges experienced when using the service.
A third fun event that has become an annual highlight was Georgie's visit to children with disabilities at the Optima Centre.
The parents and carers of persons with disabilities who attended the discussion were a valuable source of information and feedback regarding the needs of passengers with disabilities. Crouching in front is Glen Fortuin, Community Development Worker at the George APD, and far left is Joey Ruiters, junior manager of the Go George communication champions.
Visit to bus depot
Children find the bus depot with its rows and rows of buses fascinating. A group of learners with disabilities from Carpe Diem School and Legacy Centre visited "the heart of the bus service" for a tour of the facilities and a demonstration of the ramp and hydraulic hoist that give people with mobility impairments access to the bus.
Anyone with a disability who is uncertain about using the Go George bus service is welcome to phone the Go George Call Centre on 0800 044 044 to request personal guidance and assistance by passenger support staff.
The group of young adults with disabilities found the discussion with Go George at the Optima Centre in Pacaltsdorp most informative. On the far right is Surina Ganief, community development worker at the George APD.
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