Publisher

Disability Awareness
 

A driver training programme for quadriplegics and paraplegics using specially-adapted vehicles makes it easier to learn to drive.

eople with special needs often find it difficult to access the same opportunities as able-bodied people.

One of these is learning to drive a vehicle. But a unique programme by the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA), has taught 120 people who are living with a disability how to drive adapted vehicles, with 80 of these people achieving their driver’s licence.

“People living with a disability are often faced with tremendous challenges in getting around, mainly because they are not able to use the vast majority of public transport systems. We wanted to solve this problem and, most importantly, make people employable,” said QASA CEO Ari Seirlis, who is also paraplegic. 

This was the inspiration behind the Driving Ambitions programme, established in 2013. QASA met with car hire company Avis to discuss teaching disabled people how to drive vehicles adapted to their needs.

“Avis understood the need, and also saw the value for them, as they rent out vehicles with hand controls. They agreed to donate our first vehicle to be used for driving lessons,” said Seirlis.

Applications for the programme are open to quadriplegics and paraplegics who already have a learner’s licence.

“They go for an assessment with an occupational therapist to ensure that they have the agility and ability to drive with adapted controls without risk. A means test is then done to determine how much the participants can pay towards the programme, and the rest is funded,” Seirlis explained.

Participants have a full series of driving lessons, until they are ready to take their test.

One of QASA’s success stories is Carol Khoza, who was involved in a car accident two years ago. She was left a paraplegic.

“Public transport became terrible for me. I remember once when I got on a taxi, they put me in and left my wheelchair outside to fill up the taxi,” said Khoza.

With the support of Driving Ambitions, Khoza achieved her dream of getting a driver’s licence.

“I thank QASA for restoring my freedom, independence and self-confidence.”

For more information about applying for the Driving Ambitions programme contact QASA on

031 767 0348/0352 or email: info@qasa.com

The Workplace Challenge Programme equips small and medium enterprises with the means to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality

The Department of Trade and Industry has through the Workplace Challenge Programme (WPC) sustained over 50 000 jobs while a further 250 have been created over the last two decades.

Speaking at the 20-year anniversary celebrations of the WPC in Botshabelo in the Free State, the department’s Chief Director of Space Affairs Nomfuneko Majaja said the programme has made remarkable progress.

Khayelitsha’s first low-fee private school for girls Molo Mhlaba believes that people living in poor communities deserve safe, affordable and quality education.

With just one month left till the closing date, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is urging South Africans who wish to study in 2019 to apply for bursaries.

Applications for funding to study at accredited tertiary institutions opened in September and will close at the end of November.

NSFAS has a duty to ensure that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds  access higher education or further their studies despite their financial backgrounds, giving them the same chance to be educated as those who are able to afford tertiary education.

Principal Psychologist

Centre: Provincial Office: Free State
Reference No: HR 4/4/8/208
Salary: Commencing: R 974 634.00 (OSD)
Enquiries: Ms. E Maneli, Tel: (051) 505 6350
Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: P O Box 522, Bloemfontein, 9300

Principal Inspector: Employer Audit

Master

Post: Chief Director: Communication Service Agency

Salary: An all-inclusive salary package of R1 189 338 per annum of which 30% may be structured according to the individual’s needs.

Centre: Pretoria

Reference Number: 3/1/5-18/32

Closing Date: 9 November 2018

Lubabalo Kondlo has done South Africa and the continent proud by becoming the World Draughts Champion.

Thuma Mina Express Services is changing the life of Thabang Dlamini.

Prior to starting the business, Dlamini was unemployed but had the idea to start a business that would make life easier for his community.

Established almost three years ago, Thuma Mina is based in Tsakane, which is part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Its core service is to run errands and make small deliveries around the township with a bicycle.

Dlamini said being unemployed pushed him to think out of the box and consider the idea of starting his own business.