Learners with disabilities benefit from Work Readiness Programme

While the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities may be widely acknowledged, demystifying and highlighting the largely marginalised disability sector as well as the sourcing and accessing of relevant skills within this sector often continue to pose a challenge.

Six schools in Gauteng, including Muriel Brand School in Brakpan, one in Bloemfontein and one in Mpumalanga, all heard from inspirational South African entrepreneurs and stakeholders within the disability space about how to prepare for life beyond school.

“As part of the annual Disability Summit, now in its ninth year, this Work Readiness Programme provides an opportunity to inspire, inform, motivate and educate,” said Paddy Slattery, founder of the Mandeville Disability Swimming Centre of Excellence who also started the Disability Summit, organised by Creative Space Media.

“It also enables South African corporates to network, share challenges and opportunities, discuss industry best practices and define a fully inclusive path forward for disability in the workplace.”

Read: Raising a child with a learning disability

Speakers on the day included:

• Sebenzile Matsebula – From polio to prosperity: The start-up story of this inspirational South African entrepreneur who is the executive director of Motswako and proof that disability is not a barrier to success.

• Duncan Yates – As learning disabilities co-ordinator at the Disability Rights Unit, Wits University, Duncan spoke about how learners with disabilities can adjust to university life and that students with disabilities should not be hindered from having a great university experience.

• Atiya Asmail – As cultural liaison at e-Deaf, Atiya told students that a disability should not prevent them from having the job of their dreams.
The job market accommodates people with a wide range of qualifications, passions, talents and abilities.

• Tarryn Mason – Taryn, who is managing director at Progression Recruitment, gave sound advice to students about how to write a compelling CV as well as other tips about how to ace an interview.

• Rory Preddy – Rory, senior cloud advocate at Microsoft, shared with the students about the transition into the working world and how to navigate the job process.

He also emphasised that the support of family, school staff and even the involvement of community service providers and resources can assist with this transition to independent living and integration into the community.

Read: Show your support for Early Childhood Development

“eDeaf is proud to partner with initiatives brought together by Creative Space Media,” said Asmal.

“Deaf learners often leave school thinking what now? eDeaf provides a bridge between leaving school and entering the world of work by facilitating accessible training in South African Sign Language.

“They can then choose to continue with their studies through learnership opportunities or be placed on our database as job seekers.

“Our post placement support services allow seamless integration of deaf candidates into the mainstream workforce.”

All presentations on the day were interpreted by sign language interpreters from eDeaf, and this event was made possible by a host of sponsors including Citadel, Barloworld, Armscor, Massmart and Telkom.

Goodie bags including refreshments and stationery were donated by Bidvest Waltons, CCBSA and SPAR.

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 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

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