The City of Johannesburg is in need of assistive devices to aid 3500 people living with disabilities, to enhance their wellbeing.
According to the report from the Social Development’s database, assistive devices needed include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, prosthetic devices and other aids. The number is increasing by the day. Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse is calling on businesses and other organizations to partner with the City by donating assistive devices that will assist in closing the huge gap identified.
Phalatse said 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 marginalized 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 the number of requests for assistive devices on a daily basis 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 devices that are designed to assist persons with a disability perform particular tasks and improve individual functioning, accessibility and enhance their wellbeing. Such aids can aid mobility, encourage independent participation and prevent negative conditions that could exacerbate impairments.
The City’s Social Development Department 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 gain 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.
When persons with disabilities present themselves to the City’s offices voluntarily or on referral, they are assessed to determine the type of services required. They are then added to the sub-unit’s database wherein the type of disability is reflected and the urgency of the need highlighted. The database forms the basis for prioritization of needs, such as ill-health that causes immobility, or if a person doesn’t have any assistive device at all.
“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:
Persons with Disabilities Office
Room Number R12820
2nd Floor, A Block, Metro Centre
158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein
For media queries or interview opportunities, please contact:
Lesego Mathibela
Stakeholder Manager
Office of the MMC – Health and Social Development
Tel: (011) 4076725
Mobile: 061 497 8286
E-mail: LesegoMat@joburg.org.za
Or
Dominic Mahlangu
Strategic Advisor
Office of the MMC – Health and Social Development
Tel: (011) 407 6832
Mobile: 081 230 3299
Email: DominicM@joburg.org.za
