GEORGE NEWS - The George Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is determined to continue delivering services despite limitations imposed by Covid-19 regulations.
As November is celebrated globally as Disability Rights Awareness Month, this non-profit organisation wants to bring the international theme, "Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all", to the community of George via the media.
Glen Fortuin, a community development worker at the George APD, says they render services to persons with disabilities in the George municipal area.
"The persons we assist can have any form of disability - physical, intellectual and/or sensory (visual or hearing). Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."
The APD delivers specialised social work services to persons with disabilities and their families, which include individual therapy, developmental group work sessions, support groups, support with grant applications and any other services needed.
"The communities where [people with disabilities] reside, benefit through awareness raising and sensitisation," he says. The APD aims to inform communities that such people also are deserving of respect and dignity and be equal and active citizens.
This year they cannot visit schools and crèches in November as in the past. However, says Fortuin, Disability Rights Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to remove these barriers and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities through concrete action.
"We work really hard to enable those with disabilities to be self-sustainable. We have a collaboration with Government's Community Work Programme where persons with disabilities do needle and woodwork and make products which are sold at our Roll in Shop to raise funds," he says.
"Further services include screening and preparation for work placements in the open labour market, contact between clients and possible employers / training institutions."
George APD serves the disabled community from their office in Olympic Drive, Pacaltsdorp, providing social work and support, community work and employment, a Roll-in shop and special day care centres.
For more information or how to get involved, contact Fortuin on 044 878 1937 or send an e-mail to comdev3@apdgeorge.co.za.
George APD's staff comprises 18 staff members including two social workers, two community development workers, a social auxiliary worker, a programme implementer, seven carers and support staff.
Carers Hettie Kers and Lizel Maswati with some of the kids at the centre.
They offer the following specialised services:
Roll in shop
At the Roll-in shop, incontinence products like disposable nappies for children and adults are sold at very affordable prices, as well as products like wooden crosses and postal boxes manufactured by the work and empowerment team.
Peer support
In the peer support programme, adults with disabilities and parents / guardians of children with disabilities are trained to reach out to their peers in their respective communities.
Optima special day care centres
The Child Care and Education Day Care and the Adult Day Care centres cater for 50 children and 20 adults with severe and profound intellectual and/or physical disabilities. They attend daily, benefitting from stimulation and education programmes specifically designed for them.
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