Championing the disabled

Mrs Vanessa Dos Santos’ dream of making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities has come true.

Through her centre, Steven’s Ability Centre and Coffee Shop, Mrs Dos Santos improves the lives of eight young adults on a daily basis.

She said the vision to open the centre came when her son, 21-year-old Steven, was let go by his school in Forest Town.

“Steven was born with Down’s Syndrome. At birth he was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He is also autistic and cannot speak or walk. He is blind in one of his eyes,” said Mrs Dos Santos.

From 1997, Mrs Dos Santos has been involved in the disability sector advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities.

“I am the past chairperson of the Down’s Syndrome Association of Gauteng. From 2007 I was the national executive director of Down Syndrome South Africa until 2014. I am the current president of Down’s Syndrome International,” said Mrs Dos Santos.

She holds a Master’s degree in Disability Studies from the University of Cape Town.

In 2014, Mrs Dos Santos was awarded a lifetime achievement award by then minister in the Department of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, for work she did in the disability sector.

“My dream is for people like Steven to be included in the community without discrimination and the centre provides an adult programme specifically designed to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and employment. Some of these include computers, baking for the coffee shop and gift making,” said Mrs Dos Santos.

She said although parents of the young adults pay a fee on a monthly basis, none of it is for her profit.

“Every cent goes into the running of the centre. For me it’s about giving love and seeing them happy. Each one of them has become my family member. I love to see them improve on a daily basis. It makes me happy to hear how their people skills have improved at home and that is all the satisfaction I need,” said Mrs Dos Santos.