Casual Day is the annual fundraiser of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). Already launched, the campaign runs until September 1, which is Casual Day. The theme of Casual Day is #ShareASmile with Persons with Disabilities.
“This theme aims to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with disabilities in SA,” said NCPD national director Therina Wentzel.
“A smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully uncontrollable proportions.”
Anchen Roos (27), who lives in Dalpark, has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Initially diagnosed with high-functioning Aspergers, Roos’ passion for horses and equestrian sports helped her manage her ASD.
Roos’ horse, Bon Ami, is a Friesian and is large and shy, but gentle and very attuned to Roos’ needs. As a child, she had difficulty communicating, but with horses, it came naturally. Horse-riding became Roos’ voice.
Roos lives with her parents but is quite self-sufficient, making her own money and taking responsibility for the household chores to help her mom.
She worked at the stables, where she rode for four years, then at a kindergarten for a year before Covid-19 hit and was laid off.
Roos is an avid equestrian with loads of rosettes to her name. Lately, Bon Ami has had trouble with his back legs, taking Roos out of competition, but the vet assured her Bon Ami just needed more exercise.
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One of Roos’ biggest dreams is to participate in the Paralympics as an equestrian. She also dreams of joining the SA Lipizzaner team in Cape Town or going to Austria, where they first bred Lipizzaners. Wendy Moller, a Paralympic athlete who represented SA in dressage in 2012, is Roos’ coach.
“Bon Ami is so well-trained he can go from standing still to a canter immediately if warmed up,” Roos praised.
Roos faces many challenges but copes well with support from her friends and family. She struggles with change and takes a long time to adjust to a disruption in her routine, but those around her make it easier for her.
Being autistic, Roos sometimes struggles to communicate, especially if she does not know someone well. Bon Ami is similar in that he does not let just anyone touch him if he doesn’t know them.
This camaraderie with her horses and her passion for them makes her life worthwhile. With horses as her interest, Roos likes to research everything she can about them.
“Lipizzaners are born black but turn white as they age. Seeing an adult Lipizzaner that is black or brown is so rare it’s considered good luck. They are like real-life unicorns,” she said.
“The thing that makes me smile is horses. Everything in my life is just horses. I see them as magical animals that help people,” Roos explained.
One challenge she faces is that people underestimate her functionality, skill and knowledge.
“People can help me by accepting me as I am and not underestimating me or holding me back. I want to show people I can do everything they can,” she said.
“I believe everyone has a purpose, and I believe my purpose is to change people’s hearts,” she said.
Roos also enjoys shopping, jewellery, going to the movies and making art.
In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to buy Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1 and wear them with pride.
Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where to buy or order personalised stickers.
