The City needs assistive devices to help people with disabilities
SANDTON – The MMC for Health and Social Development recently announced that they are in need of assistive devices.
The City of Johannesburg is in need of assistive devices to aid 3 500 people living with disabilities, to enhance their well-being.
This according to MMC for Health and Social Development, Mpho Phalatse who said in a report from the Social Development’s database, assistive devices needed include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, prosthetic devices and other aids.
Phalatse is calling on businesses and other organisations to partner with the City by donating assistive devices that will help to close the huge gap identified.
She added that many persons with disabilities can reclaim their lives, returning 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,” said Phalatse.
There has been an increase in requests for assistive devices from individuals, non-governmental organisations, City departments, activists and ward councillors.
Phalatse continued, “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.”
Assistive devices are devices that are designed to assist persons with a disability to perform particular tasks and improve individual functioning, accessibility and enhance their well-being. Such aids can support mobility, encourage independent participation and prevent negative conditions that could exacerbate impairments.
The City’s Social Development Department established the People with Disabilities (PDW) 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.
“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.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Persons with Disabilities Office, Room Number R12820, 2nd Floor, A Block, Metro Centre, 158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein.
[f] – Do you know of people in need of assistive devices? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
