#ICYMI: Disability walk yields positive results
MIDRAND – The community joined in numbers to take part in a disability walk in Tembisa.
Epilepsy Awareness SA said it had a positive experience at the disability walk hosted by the Tembisa Self Help Association of the Disabled (T-Shad) on at Esangweni section.
The aim of the walk was to raise awareness around issues of disability.
Campaign organiser for Epilepsy Awareness SA, Tania van Heerden said her team joined about 180 people from the community who participated in the walk including various other organisations. “It was a very special day for special people. We were from all religions, cultures and ages and if you could not walk, a wheelchair was provided so that no one was left behind.”
The walk took place from T-Shad offices to Ebuhleni Park. Epilepsy Awareness SA also did a demonstration on seizure first aid.
“We also explained to the community why it’s so important not to harm someone having a seizure but rather protect them and show them love and kindness.
” We dispelled the myth that you cannot swallow your tongue; you are not possessed by an evil entity/devil and that one should never restrain or place any object in the person’s mouth but wait until they have finished the seizure and place them in a recovery position on their side.”
Petunia Mashifane from the Bathabeleng Orphanage Home in Ivory Park said they were happy to take part in the walk and they have continued to learn a great deal from organisations like Epilepsy Awareness SA. “We found our involvement with Epilepsy Awareness SA rather eye-opening as we have had children at the home that had fallen sick and through their awareness, we could understand what we are faced with and more importantly, how to support, understand and care for those who are epileptic.”
The Buddha’s Light International Association offered to make a donation of wheelchairs at the walk. Du Mann Ying from the association said, “We participated in the walk with gratitude and compassion.
“Hopefully, we will be able to help the disabled in the future with wheelchair donations and computer skills training.”
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