Residents are urged to donate assistive devices to the City of Johannesburg to aid the 3 500 people in the City who are living with disabilities.
According to the report from the Department of Social Development, assistive devices needed include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, prosthetic devices and other aids. The number is increasing by the day.
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Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse is calling on businesses and other organisations to partner with the City by donating assistive devices that will assist in closing the huge gap identified.
The MMC said many persons with disabilities can reclaim their lives, and return to near normal functioning at work, home and in the community through these devices.
“Investing in the lives of these often marginalised citizens is also an investment in our shared ecosystem as we empower more of our own to participate meaningfully in the growth and development of our City and its economy,” she said.
There is a daily increase in the number of requests for assistive devices from individuals, Non-Governmental Organisations, City departments, activists and ward councillors. “Though our existing partners have been invaluable in helping us meet this pressing need, the demand for assistive devices within the City of Johannesburg far outweighs what they are able to provide. There is an urgent need for us to increase the supply pool,” said Phalatse.Assistive devices are designed to assist persons with disabilities to perform particular tasks, improve individual functioning and accessibility, and enhance their well-being. Such aids can aid mobility, encourage independent participation and prevent negative conditions that could exacerbate impairments.
The City’s Department of Social Development established the People with Disabilities (PDWs) sub-unit with a mandate to respond to, and run empowerment and support programmes targeting persons with disabilities and to drive the City’s pro-poor development strategy. The provision of assistive devices is one of the many services that the sub-unit provides as part of enabling an inclusive environment, wherein individuals can regain their sense of self-reliance and self-worth. In the previous financial year, a total of 146 persons with disabilities were provided with different assistive devices, through partnerships with the Rotary Club, various NGOs, as well as private companies and institutions.
“The City’s Department of Social Development is happy to play a facilitation role, identifying beneficiaries and managing the distribution of assistive devices in partnership with our donors, whose sole responsibility would be to donate the devices and be part of the handover,” she said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Persons with Disabilities Office, room number R12820 second floor, A Block, Metro Centre, 158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein.
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