2009-02-03: Johannesburg Zoo receives electric-powered wheelchairs
THE Johannesburg Zoo has received ten electric-powered wheelchairs from Councillor Naidoo who heads the Environmental Sector of the City of Johannesburg. The handover takes place on 4 February 2009 at 10:00 at the Johannesburg Zoo and will increase number of wheel chairs at the Zoo to 12. The wheelchairs will be found at all zoo entrances and become available to all zoo visitors whom walking is difficult or impossible throughout the day.
Dr Stephen van Der Spuy, CEO of the Johannesburg Zoo is very excited about the donation and believes the wheelchairs will contribute to the provision of equal access to all people, regardless of their disabilities, of the Johannesburg Zoo facilities. He further said that barriers to movement in physical environments may prevent people with mobility difficulties from accessing activities of daily living, perpetuating a state of dependence for these individuals, reducing their quality of life and making leading life to the fullest difficult. The Johannesburg Zoo would like for everyone regardless of their impairment to be accorded the same rights and freedom.
Deona Brough, Manager of Education is also delighted. She said that the Johannesburg is renowned for school programs and so often it is also visited by schools for children with disabilities. She believes the wheelchairs will go along way in making a zoo visit pleasurable for children with mobility difficulties and also reduce dependency on fellow pupils and teachers.
The wheelchairs are four wheel-drives, enabling the chair to balance on all surfaces and have seating similar to that of a car. They are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, electric-powered giving it complete freedom of movement. For instance they may be driven forwards, backwards, sideways and diagonally and also turn on the spot or turned around while moving. The user makes use of a joystick to control speed and direction. The wheelchairs can tilt, recline and offers both leg and seat elevation making them easily adaptable. Safety belts, adjustable backrests and carry devices for drink holders are also featured.
Letta Madlala, Brand & Communication Manager said that the initiative will make a day at the zoo enjoyable for everyone irrespective of their impairment and go a long way to minimize problems of accessibility for people with mobility impairments, which is so common amongst entertainment/ tourist destinations.
For more information contact:
Letta Madlala
Brand & Communications Manager
Johannesburg Zoo
Tel: 011 646 2000 ext 225
Cell: 083 401 5096
E-mail: Letta.madlala@jhbzoo.org.za
