Part 2:The struggles faced by blind individuals in a sight-centric world

By Imraan Gallo In an increasingly connected and technologically advanced world, one might assume that barriers to accessibility are diminishing. However, for blind individuals, the modern world still presents numerous challenges that impede their full participation and inclusion. Despite advancements in technology and awareness, blind people continue to face obstacles ranging from limited access to...

Part 1: Beauty, purpose and understanding of eyesight in everyday life

This is the first of a series of articles by IMRAAN GALLO, a blind artist, where he shares his views of blind persons and how they interact with the environment. EYESIGHT is a remarkable human ability that shapes our perception of the world, enabling us to navigate, communicate, and experience the beauty in our surroundings....

Glitz and glamour at Mr & Miss Albinism Southern Africa

By Chiedza Mutyavaviri  Story by Colette Musanyera IT was glitz and glamour at the Mr and Miss Albinism Southern Africa pageant held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday, the 14th of October, 2023. Angola’s Andreia Muhitu was crowned Miss Albinism Southern Africa while Zimbabwe’s Ntandoyenkosi Mnkandla was named Mr Albinism Southern Africa at...

DEF pays tribute to departed colleague

By Simon Manda In a moving memorial held in Soweto last Thursday, friends, colleagues and relatives painted a rosy picture on the character of the recently departed Operations Manager for Deaf Empowerment Firm(DEF), Ms Lindiwe Ntombi Dladla. The Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando West, was packed with people from all fraternities who came to pay...

Zulu wins the 2023 UJ Creative writing prize

By Simon Manda Renowned artist and writer Ndabenhle William Zulu was named the winner of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Main Prize for Creative Writing in isiZulu in 2023 for his work Emzileni KaShaka. In a ceremony held at UJ Bunting Campus on the 5th of October, Zulu was honoured alongside the winner of the...

OP-ED: It’s high time that African governments prioritised Deaf-friendly websites

By Juventus Duorinaah & Timothy Egwelu Every year on the 28th of September, the world earmarks the International Day of Universal Access to Information. This day aims to raise awareness for the need to expand information related laws and their implementation particular as its related to digital rights. Digital rights are crucial for ensuring online...

Beyond Barriers: the world’s first wheelchair-accessible safari

BY SOPHIE MORGAN The African bush and all of its delights are just waiting to linger in the memories of those who are able to experience her. Now, the world’s first luxury wheelchair-accessible safari is ensuring that privilege can belong to everyone. Defining disability has long been a contentious and polarising endeavour. For some, the...

Midrand to Host the First Large South African Sign Language Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Since 2019

After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organisations in the world has once again chosen Midrand to host the first of four South African Sign Language (SASL) three-day events, the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Conventions. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition when Jehovah’s Witnesses canceled their in-person events throughout the world and...

Observing Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month – August 2023. Focus on TIME Person of the Week

By Charlotte Alter Eddie Ndopu on How Disability Helped Him Rethink Excellence When Eddie Ndopu was a toddler in South Africa, he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a disorder that affects voluntary muscle movement. So even as a kid, he had to fight for rights that people without disabilities don’t have to think twice...

Another feather on Adam’s honours’ cap

Story by Simon Manda Terry-Ann Adams added another feather to their honours’ cap as they emerged as one of the finalists in the Arts and Entertainment category of the 18th Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans Awards ceremony held last night at a glittering ceremony at The Focus Rooms in Modderfontein, Johannesburg. These honours...

WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDER RAISES FUNDS TO REPRESENT SA, DEFEND TITLE IN SLOVENIA

By Palesa Manaleng Like many other South African athletes, the IBFF (International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness) champion lacks the funding to represent the country and hopes he won’t miss another international championship. JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s first pro-wheelchair bodybuilder, Macethandile “Max” Kulati, is itching to go and defend his title at the 2023 International Federation...

Most vulnerable scholars still excluded from learner transport

Issued by Marina van Zyl MP – DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Basic Education 33% of Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) and 19% of learners that qualify for learner transport do not receive the necessary transport assistance. This was revealed during a parliamentary portfolio committee on a crucial education meeting with the Department of...

The Sensory Box – the first portable, inflatable, and affordable Multi-Sensory Therapeutic Environment (MSTE)

Bellavista School, a leading independent school and non-profit organisation (NPO) catering for school going children who have barriers to learning, has collaborated with HUBO Studio, an award-winning architectural studio with a focus on schools and paediatric medical spaces, to launch The Sensory Box – an affordable, inflatable, portable multi-sensory therapeutic environment (MSTE) – the first...

Meet Bruno the Brake Car, Thomas the Tank Engine’s autistic friend

London (CNN)Children’s TV show “Thomas & Friends” is introducing its first autistic character, in a bid to diversify on-screen representation. Bruno, a “joyful, pun-making brake car,” will make his debut this month, US toy giant Mattel said in a press release. The new series regular will be voiced by autistic actors Chuck Smith, 10, and...

Social and redistributive justice for persons with disabilities

By Bongani Mapumulo Cape Town – Social and redistributive justice is an absolute necessity in an unequal society such as South Africa. This kind of justice is also required to achieve equality in the workplace, especially for persons with disabilities. That’s why pieces of legislation such as the Employment Equity Act should be welcomed as...

Netflix Looks To Increase Disability Representation In Kids’ Shows

Netflix is backing a new effort to train writers, animators and creative executives who have disabilities to work on television shows aimed at preschoolers and children. The streaming service will team with the disability nonprofit RespectAbility to establish the Children’s Content Lab for Disabled TV Creators, a five-week program to build up new talent in the...

Uber will pay over R34m to disabled riders after charging them with waiting fees

By Isobel Asher Hamilton  : Business Insider US The US DOJ sued Uber over its waiting time fee policy, saying it discriminated against disabled riders. Uber reached a settlement with the DOJ agreeing to pay over $2 million (over R34 million) to affected riders. It will also credit the accounts of 65,000 people, which could...

Momentum Multiply puts mental wellness at the touch of a smartphone

Remote health monitoring is not an entirely new concept. For years, the technology to monitor vital information such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels have been available. With the current wave of mental health issues across the world, recording and processing heart rate variability (HRV) data has been shown as a viable...

Heart and Stroke Foundation SA to commemorate World Hypertension Day 2022 Theme: “Measure your blood pressure Accurately , Control it and Live Longer”

Since 2005, The World Hypertension League (WHL) has promoted World Hypertension Day on 17 May, annually. The primary aim of this health event is to increase the awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure (BP) or Hypertension in populations around the world. The call to action for World Hypertension Day is to promote best...

Grief and Consolation

Written by Lesley Potgieter Grief is an emotion we all feel but seldom acknowledge. It is an emotion shrouded in darkness, living in the shadows, lingering, breathing. When a parent is told that their beautiful newborn will live a different life to the one that they had imagined, the first feeling is numbness, shock. All...

The Sefa Amavulandlela Funding Scheme to assist entrepreneurs with disabilities reach their business goals

South Africans with disabilities who aspire to get their small businesses off the ground often struggle with accessing funding. The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) has recognised this and has responded by launching its Amavulandlela Funding Scheme: a finance scheme solely for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Sefa chief executive, Mxolisi Matshamba, said around 15 percent of...

Disabled people in Ukraine at risk of being abandoned and forgotten

By Palesa Manaleng JOHANNESBURG – As the war rages on between the Ukraine and Russia one wonders, as in any other war or conflict, what will happen to the people with disabilities during this time? According to the European Disability Forum, there are 2.7 million persons with disabilities registered in Ukraine. Those who cannot flee...

New DEAFinition App helps you communicate with Deaf friends and family

A new South African app called DEAFinition, developed by mobile app specialists Codehesion, helps users to learn the basics of sign language to communicate with Deaf friends and family. DEAFinition is a non-profit company providing a range of services and funding opportunities to promote equal access for the Deaf community. The SASL DEAFinition App, available to...

Adaptive clothing: How it makes life easier for people with a disability

From magnetic zips to 3D printed prosthetics, advances in adaptive clothing is making life easier for people with a disability. Have you ever tried to do up a zip or button a shirt one-handed? Put on a pair of jeans while seated? Do you know someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who can’t stand the feeling...

REPORT: “They are too quiet about migration”: A scoping exercise exploring migration and disability in South Africa

Migrants, particularly those with disability, have often been described as a hidden and hard-to-reach population. A scoping exercise was conducted to shed more light on the nature of migration and disability, with a focus on the extent to which migrants with disability are included in related policies in South Africa. The methodology included a desk...

The problem with ‘cripping up’ and why casting disabled actors matters

By Gae Lee In June 2021, Jim Sheridan, director of the 1990 Academy Award-winning film My Left Foot, said he didn’t think he could have made the film today without casting a disabled actor in the lead. “I don’t think you could make it without trying to find somebody physically impaired [to play the lead],” he...

R12.95 MILLION TO BE AWARDED AT SAB FOUNDATION’S SOCIAL INNOVATION AND DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT AWARDS 2021

 Sustainable rural farming solutions, assistive mechanisms for people living with disabilities and cashless payment systems are all innovations that solve social challenges and uplift communities. (9 November 2021, Johannesburg) The SAB Foundation has announced the 23 finalists of its annual Social Innovation and Disability Awards. They stand a chance to win a total of R12.95...

Central Gauteng Lions 2021 BCSA T20 National Tournament

By Tommy Shikwambani The Central Gauteng Lions (CGL), displayed incredible resilience to be crowned champions of the 2021 Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) T20 National Tournament. The challenging cricket tournament was held at Johannesburg’s Imperial Wanderers stadium where six teams of visually impaired players – KZN, Free State, Northern, Gauteng, Limpopo, Border and GCL competed...

NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH- Connect Through Kindness

October marks Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and it is a time to celebrate persons with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments. Down syndrome is one of the most common occurring genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as Trisomy 21. This extra chromosome alters the cause...

Ntando Mahlangu goes for gold in men’s 200m at Tokyo Paralympics

Team South Africa has been smashing it at the Tokyo Paralympics with another gold medal to add to the team’s cabinet. Superstar and new South African hero, Ntando Mahlangu took home gold in the men’s 200m (T61) with an incredible time of 23.59sec. This isn’t the first time Mahlangu has stood on the first-place podium,...

World Record for Mahlangu!

By Simon Manda With a personal best performance earlier today in Tokyo, Ntando Mahlangu broke the world record in the men’s long jump category T63 to clinch the gold medal at the 2020 Paralympics Games. Although Ntando falls in the category T61, he still led a pack of predominantly T63 category athletes clearing 7.17 metres...

International feature for local scholar

By Simon Manda Local disability activist and ambassador, Zukiswa (Zuki) Nzo, recently featured in a music video that also boasts the inclusion of a lot of prominent celebrities from around the world. The video for the song “Love one another “-is the latest offering by Jackson 5 legend Tito Jackson from his latest album, “Under...

Israeli Startup BrainQ Raises R592 Million For Its Stroke Therapy Home Device

By Staff Writer BrainQ, an Israeli stroke therapy technology startup, recently announced it has raised a $40 million or R592 million to support a multicenter pivotal trial for its groundbreaking technology for ischemic stroke survivors in selected US hospitals.  The funding round is led by Hanaco Ventures, along with Dexcel Pharma, and Peregrine Ventures, bringing the total...

Seeing, and hearing the world in a different way

By Tim Stones When people meet me for the first time, I am quite certain that the description “deafblind” is not the first thought that springs to mind. After all, in most interactions, I don’t look or sound like I imagine most people would think of as a stereotypical deafblind person. But the truth is,...

Success for Tyre Life Solutions South African Para Surfing Champs

Rising Sun Overport A total of 46 contestants took part this year, almost double the number of surfers that competed in the last SA Champs, which was held in 2019. South Africa’s best para surfers recently flocked to Durban’s New Pier for the Tyre Life Solutions SA Para Surfing Championships. The national competition was hosted...

Normalising disabilities in the workplace

Disability inclusion is about far more than hiring people with disabilities. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has highlighted that 39 per cent of people diagnosed with a mental disability do not disclose their condition to their employer because many fear being discriminated against. According to Rajan Naidoo, MD of EduPower Skills Academy,...

Why getting more people with disabilities developing technology is good for everyone

By The Conversation Unless you’re blind or know someone who is, you might not know that blind people use the same smartphones as sighted people. In fact, many blind people use touch-screen smartphones every day. The secret is that smartphones have a screen reader, a tool that allows blind people to use a mix of...

Toyota SASAPD National Championships

Day 1 of competition at the 2021 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape got off in record-breaking style on the track and in the field with four new continental bests. Paralympic hopefuls Obed Lekhehle, Yane van der Merwe, Charne Felix and Puseletso Mabote reminded selectors that they will have a hard job of...

RespectAbility Unveils New Website For Growing Entertainment Media Consulting Team

By Lauren Appelbaum Site showcases RespectAbility’s expanding network of consultants, as their work in the space of disability representation in film and TV also continues to grow Los Angeles, April 22 – RespectAbility, a nonprofit focused on fighting stigmas of people with disabilities in media and advocating for more authentic representation, is proud to announce the launch of...

World Autism Awareness Day: ‘Can you imagine not speaking vocally for one day?’

By Tlou Legodi Author of ‘Saving My Sons – A Journey With Autism’ Ilana Gerschlowitz wants to create awareness that autism is a global crisis. World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2, every year to makes people understand and accept people with autism, foster worldwide support, and inspire people. It is a day...

Disabilities in Africa Anthology of Writing

What does it mean to be a disabled person in Africa today?How do people in Africa with a range of physical and psychological disabilities experience and express their unique sense of embodiment? The Disabilities in African Contexts Project invites creative submissions for an anthology of original voices around the theme “Alternative Explanations / Alternative Representationsof...

Entrepreneur invents wheelchair that climbs stairs

By Samantha Malebana An invention by a 27-year-old innovator from Free State is promising accommodative mobility for South African wheelchair users. Ernest Mongezi Majenge, also known as ‘the wheelchair doctor’ has manufactured a wheelchair with grooves that enable it to be pulled up and down stairs. “The wheelchair works by gripping on to the stairs...

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: Blind and Disabled people are human too

21 March, 2021 – In South Africa the focus on Humans Rights Day has understandably been on issues of social or political injustice. Not often have the rights of patients and the disabled been brought to the fore. In international legislation and the South African Constitution, the rights of patients are adequately addressed but more...

Social media has long way to go to improve accessibility for deaf people

By Rachel Lerman San Francisco – Chrissy Marshall has spent hours and hours scrolling through TikTok videos, deliberately liking and commenting on videos from other deaf creators and clips with small text bubbles. The 21-year-old is trying to train the app to only show her videos with captions or that use American Sign Language. It’s...

Learner with special needs aces matric

Simukele Ngema A 20-year-old learner from Meadowlands, Soweto with athetoid cerebral palsy got three distinctions in his 2020 matric results and is now considering furthering his studies as far as the United States. Katlego Legotlo was one of the best performers at Hope School in Randburg. His distinctions were in life orientation(LO), mathematical literacy and...

Fashion student designs range to fit different shapes, sizes

By Aphiwe Bulo A 22-year-old fashion design student with a congenital spinal defect, is promoting the need for inclusivity in fashion and custom-made clothing in her latest graduate collection for persons with disabilities. Laura Wagner-Meyer produced The New Normal collectionas part of her third-year BA Fashion Design assignment at Fedisa Fashion School in Cape Town....

Xbox has plans to expand gaming accessibility

By Bang Showbiz Xbox has unveiled plans to expand its gaming accessibility initiatives. Microsoft’s gaming division is looking to build out the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines (XAGs) as well as launching a “platform-provided” programme to get feedback from gamers with disabilities to help improve things further. In a blog post, Brannon Zahand – Senior Program Manager,...

‘It’s about time’ says Disability and Elderly Political Party

By Solly Maseko They want to see a change in education (schools), housing, employment opportunities in government and the private sector. The Disability and Elderly Political Party (DOPP) was on an outreach programme at ward 29 in eMalahleni recently. ‘It’s about time’ reads the slogan of the Disability and Elderly Political Party. During its outreach...

The 2020 South African Health Review focuses on healthcare for people with disabilities

By Nelisiwe Msomi The Health Systems Trust’s annual health review has been released. The 300-page document focuses on the challenges peoples with disabilities face when accessing healthcare services. Health24 has summarised some of the most important points of the report: A transformative approach to disability awareness driven by persons with disabilities The report says that...

‘WE CAN’ AWARD FOR DJ WHO CERTAINLY CAN

By Samantha Malebana A house, deep house and Afro music DJ has been awarded a We Can Arts Festival award for his contribution to the entertainment industry beyond his disability. Siyanda Makanya (42), also known as DJ Kabila, from Mthatha, Eastern Cape won the award at the festival that was held in Durban on December...

App bridges communication barrier between hearing and non-hearing persons

By Nkhensani Hlungwani Deaf students from Future-Coding, a computer training school based in Lynwood, Pretoria launched the REAH-C9 South African Sign Language Interpreter (SASLI)wearable technology, together with Mbula organisation in September. The REAH-C9 solution is a product that was made available to help facilitate the sign language charter that was launched by the government in order...

Santa on Wheels comes to town!

The ten year old Gautrain recently hosted the Santa on Wheels initiative for the ninth consecutive year by bringing an early Christmas Cheer to learners with disabilities from two Johannesburg based schools. Selected learners and teachers from Ecaleni Primary School and Thembinkosi Special School, both from Tembisa in Johannesburg, had an opportunity to use the...

COMMEMORATIVE EVENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

In commemoration of International Day of Persons with disabilities, The KZN Film Commission will be hosting an interactive intimate dialogue and movie screening, with this year’s theme being  ‘Not all Disabilities are visible.” The intimate event will be hosted on the 02 December 2020, at the KZN Film Commission premises (115 Musgrave road, Musgrave Towers...

Who will be crowned Miss Deaf South Africa 2020?

By Lebohang Monyatsi The countdown to the Miss Deaf South Africa (MDSA) pageant in February 2021 is gathering momentum and the 10 finalists are getting ready to showcase their talents to the country. One of them, Chanika Viljoen (27), from Kempton Park, says it has been her dream to compete in the competition. “I feel...

New online radio station in Cornubia flats

Activist and radio presenter, Andile ‘MC Pholobas’ Ngcobo, has established an online radio station that will give platform to people with disabilities. MC Pholobas, who has albinism, left Izwi Lomzansi FM after a solid 11 years of service to start his own station Siyaviva Online Radio which went on air earlier this month. Siyaviva means...

#SexColumn: Sexuality of people with disabilities

By Sharon Gordon I have recently been asked to do a talk about sex and sex toys to a group of deaf women and I am so excited at being given the opportunity. Last year I did menstrual health education at a school for hearing impaired. I had to arrive early so we could establish...

Black artists with disabilities call for greater inclusion in hip-hop

Ebonique Little, Contributing Writer From an early age, artist with cerebral palsy Leroy Moore Jr. said he recognized the limited opportunities for people with disabilities. Now, he and a collective of 800 musicians, poets and visual artists are shifting the dialogue within hip-hop culture through Krip-Hop Nation. “I’ve been an activist since birth,” Moore said....

Mental Health – The Perfect Storm And The Role Of AI-Robots

By Bernard Marr As well as the clear danger to physical health posed by COVID-19, there is a great deal of concern over the impact it is having on mental health. Many say 2020 has been the most stressful year ever. The fear of becoming ill, as well as the worry caused by uncertainty over...

Lady born without arms celebrates driver’s licence and 1st time driving

– A local disabled woman has shared how happy she is about getting to drive for the first time after being born with no arms – She also shared that she had passed an assessment that makes her eligible to become drive once she buys a car – Facebookers congratulated her warm-heartedly on her achievement...

Global Study: 82% of People Believe Robots Can Support Their Mental Health Better Than Humans

 The COVID-19 pandemic has created the most stressful year in history and negatively affected the mental health of 78% of the global workforce 85% of people say their mental health issues at work negatively affect their home life 68% of people would prefer to talk to a robot over their manager about stress and anxiety at...

Initiative helps authors with disabilities promote their books

By Lebohang Monyatsi Valhalla Arts has partnered with Rise and Shine magazine to profile books by four authors with disabilities via their social media networks during September. A full four days was allocated to each writer during September 14 – 29 to talk about their book and engage the audience. Their participation in this project could...

Casual Day Standing Side by Side for Equality with Mickey Mouse

Fundraiser changes date & embraces innovation Update your calendars! Casual Day, South Africa’s favourite fundraising and awareness campaign for Persons with Disabilities has moved to 3 December 2020. In order tomitigate the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and to stand in solidarity with International Day for Persons with Disabilities, supporters can look forward to a...

Did you know?

This disability activist says we must offer dignity and financial inclusion rather than just braille and ramps

By Sean Fleming It’s time to boost the economic resilience and participation of people across the developing world – particularly people living with disabilities. The benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution aren’t being experienced universally. It’s time to seize the chance to put humanity on an entirely new trajectory. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at...

Disabled surfer from Khayelitsha wins big at GSport Awards

By Kirsten Jacobs A disabled surfer from Khayelitsha is making waves, and has recently been awarded the Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award at the Gsport Awards on Monday, August 31. Noluthando Makalima (31) was given this top honour at the 15th annual GSport Awards, held to celebrate women athletes who excel in South African sports....

South Africa considers a 12th official language

The Parliamentary Constitutional Review Committee is considering recognising South African Sign Language as the 12th official language. Deputy minister in the Presidency Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize, said parliament was considering amending Section 30 of the Constitution and the National Official Languages. “I want to emphasise that South African...

Atang is the best guesthouse in Tembisa

By Lebohang Monyatsi Atang guesthouse has been declared the best guesthouse in Tembisa by Gauteng Women in Tourism (WiT), at an awards ceremony held  in Boksburg, Gauteng on August 30. Lockdown level 2 guidelines were followed and only 50 people were in attendance, seated two metres apart. Karabo Nguyuza, the guesthouse owner, does not know who nominated her business,...

Having a disability is a violent and brutal experience

By Masingita Masunga It is a painful experience to watch the mother of Nathaniel Julius and the pain she is going through during a time and month that has not been easy across every corner of South Africa. The story of Nathaniel, as it got news coverage and highlighted the frustration, pain and hard relationships...

UL ADMITS STUDENT WITH RARE CONDITION

By Samantha Malebana The University of Limpopo (UL) accepted a student with amelia this year, the very first with the rare birth defect, in its history of admitting students with disabilities. Ephraim Dikeletjo Kekana (21) was born without upper limbs, short in stature, missing knee caps and having no toes. He was raised at Gedrogte...

Cyclists ride to raise awareness for Down syndrome

By Aphiwe Bulo Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) hosted a provincial charity ride to raise awareness on the condition and to raise funds for families that also needed public protective equipment (PPE). On Saturday, August 8, 18 cyclists in Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape covered 80 – 100km in the #RIDE4DSSA charity challenge...

First SA student residence to get Green Star rating

Story by Helen Swingler With its water and energy savings and full suite of disability features, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) new 500-bed Avenue Road Residence is the first South African student housing development to be awarded a Green Star rating from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA). The project achieved a four-star rating. The...

ALBINISM COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM DIGNITY PACKS DONATIONS

By Johannes Seabela Persons with albinism in the eMalahleni area in Mpumalanga province are benefitting from donations of dignity packs from a non–profit organisation, Melokuhle Albinism Foundation. Founded by Tryphina Nhlapo, Melokuhle has a growing database of more than 50 persons with albinism. The foundation has partnered with Mayor Lina Malatjie’s office, which provides transport for deliveries,...

Tembisa businessman wins 2020 1Life Life Changer Award

By Nkhensani Hlungwani A 57-year-old businessman from Tembisa, a township north of Kempton Park in Gauteng, won the 2020 1Life Life Changer Award in the category of 1Life’s socially influential award, during a dazzling ceremony in March at Johannesburg’s Ticketpro Dome. Martin Phalane who has a physical disability was selected amongst 1 000 nominees by the select...

Ekurhuleni businesswoman’s agility ensures survival

By Simukele Ngema When South Africa went into lockdown level five in March, a businesswoman who operates from Boksburg, in anticipation that her construction business would struggle to survive, decided to branch into the supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Nomthandazo Mpande (42) is the managing director of Phoki Consulting, a company that deals in...

Netflix’s ‘Rising Phoenix’, a story where disability is not an inability

By Alyssia Birjalal In a story of hope and triumph Paralympians from around the world show that disability is not an inability. “Rising Phoenix” a Netflix documentary tells the extraordinary story of the Paralympic Games. From the rubble of World War II to the third biggest sporting event on the planet, the Paralympics sparked a...

Canon SA Disabled Golf Open slated for March

The Canon SA Disabled Golf Open will take place from the 21st-25th of March at Mount Edgecombe Country Club. This announcement will no doubt be welcomed by the association’s membership and any international players looking to earn valuable World Ranking points at South Africa’s premier disabled golf event. SADGA Chief Executive Craig Moorgas said that...

Understanding and responding to the stress and impact of Covid19 upon assistive Technology services

By David Banes Access to AT is a right, which enables access to employment, education, and all aspects of daily life. Delivering this is not a one-off intervention in most cases, and this is reflected in the 5P’s (People, Products, Provision, Personnel and Policy) developed by the World Health Organisation and in the AT ecosystem...

Challenges of being deaf in a pandemic

By Keagan Mitchell IMAGINE not being able to communicate with others when going to work, school or the shops? This is the situation for many deaf people who rely solely on lip reading for understanding. Right now, wearing a face masks is a must during the Covid-19 pandemic and this presents a challenge for people...

TETA Adopt-A-School COVID-19 Drive Lands at Vuleka School for the Deaf

As part of its drive to assist 57 adopted schools across the country, Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) delivered personal protective equipment to Vuleka School for the Deaf on 5 August 2020. The Department of Basic Education in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) joined the CEO of TETA Maphefo Anno-Frempong’s visit to Vuleka School for the Deaf...

You and your Dog: How dogs assist humans with special needs to enjoy a better quality of life

By Yvonne Eland The bond that is formed between the human and the dog is based on complete trust, respect and love. There is always a lighter side to life and for most special needs children and adults it is having the assistance of their very own service dog. I need to just mention here...

Children with disabilities must be part of nation building

Story by Helen Swingler The Human Rights Watch estimates that 600 000 South African children with disabilities were not at school last year, an indictment on our society which needs every child to participate in nation building, University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said. Phakeng was delivering the introductory address on the first of...

These are the niche emoji heading to iOS devices later this year

By Robin-Leigh Chetty Given everything that has happened globally since the beginning of the year, you may have been forgiven for forgetting that 17th July was World Emoji Day . To celebrate the day, Apple recently previewed some of the new emoji it will be bringing to iOS devices later this year. The Cupertino-based company is listing...

Ellie Goldstein, 18-year-old model with Down syndrome, stars in Gucci Beauty campaign

‘I feel so proud of myself, especially to have been chosen for this’ Ellie Goldstein is a model with a mission. The 18-year-old is a face of Gucci’s Unconventional Beauty campaign – making her the first model with Down syndrome to pose for the luxury brand. “It feels so amazing and fabulous to be part...

COVID-19 vaccine trial in South Africa: everything you need to know

There isn’t enough clinical research being done in Africa. Less than 2.5% of all clinical trials in the world are done on the continent. This is why South Africa’s involvement in one of the COVID-19 vaccine trials is so important. The country’s effort is being led by Professor Shabir Madhi. The Conversation Africa’s health and...

US approves first ‘digital therapeutic’ game for ADHD

By AFP US health officials have approved the first game-based treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, part of a trend toward “digital therapeutics” or software to address certain conditions. The Food and Drug Administration said on Monday it approved the sale by prescription of the game EndeavorRX from health tech startup Akili Interactive...

New Platform for Content Sales, Distribution and Festival Strategy Announced by Durban FilmMart

DFM Announces New Platform for Content sales, Distribution and Festival Strategy The 2020 Durban FilmMart will launch a new platform for content sales, distribution, and festival strategy, the DFM Content Shop as part of this year’s Virtual Edition, which takes place from September 4-13. The DFM is pleased to announce that it has opened its call for...

Why managing blood pressure matters during COVID-19 pandemic

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading cause of death around the world

Should I say ‘disabled person’ or ‘person with a disability’?⁠

By Mary Ann McColl, Queen’s University, Ontario Recently, an Alberta woman with an obvious physical disability was asked to leave a grocery store and not come back because she could not pack her own groceries quickly enough. According to the report on CBC’s Go Public, the checkout clerk said she was slowing down the line...

Traditional beliefs inform attitudes to disability in Africa. Why it matters

By Charlotte Baker, Lancaster University, Elvis Imafidon, Ambrose Alli University Disabled people all over the world are confronted with a range of explanations for disability. These can have an impact on many aspects of their lives. In many African countries a range of beliefs and attitudes underpin these alternative explanations. They include assumptions, misconceptions, traditional...

Online learning during lockdown helps us find ways to teach differently abled students

For too long, we have been teaching and assessing with the average student in mind, without considering students with disabilities and students from less-resourced environments.

Body politics: ‘Decolonising’ disability through performance art

By Wiaam Jacobs Our society need to rethink ways in which to include disabled people through theatre and performance. South Africa’s education in theatre and performance can be used as a medium of activism for assessing how we go about representing ourselves outside of the hegemonic able-bodied perceptions of what an artist/performer should be. According...

Meet Tendekayi Katsiga, creator of world’s first solar-powered hearing aid

By Theodora Aidoo Tendekayi Katsiga, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Deaftronics, has created the world’s first solar-powered hearing aid called ‘Solar Ear’. He was able to create the solar-powered hearing aid battery charger from a workshop in Botswana. Now, his creation has gone global. “We came up with the solar rechargeable hearing aid when...

Living with the ‘mystery disease’

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, immune mediated primary demyelinating disease, which means it attacks neurons specific to the central nervous system:Cred(Hannah Chibayambuya/Health-e News) Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common causes of neurological disability in the youth but the disease is not a death sentence. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, immune mediated primary demyelinating disease, which means it attacks...

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FACING TOUGH TIMES – UN CALLS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO BE AT CENTRE OF RESPONSE

By Kingsley Ighobor. Africa Renewal – Bankole Labody Oyou, a 24-year-old mass communications student in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, was born blind. He always relies on a family member or friend to get around the city and to class at Fourah Bay College, which is perched on Mount Aureol in central Freetown. He says that...

Innovate Now Accelerator Programme Seeks Mobile Solutions to Assist Persons with Disabilities

Programme opens submissions for second cohort with focus on mobile as a bridge to assistive technology NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19, 2020/ — Innovate Now (www.atInnovateNow.com), Africa’s first Assistive Technology Accelerator is seeking applications from innovators across the African continent who are dedicated to developing mobile based technologies designed to assist people living with disabilities. The...

Community based workers can help disabled people access services during COVID-19

People with disabilities face stigma because of their impairments. They are often marginalised, more so if they have psycho-social disabilities. This makes it difficult for them to access basic services such as healthcare. But community based workers have specialised skills and experience working at a household and community level. They are able to identify, screen and support vulnerable...

Use this FAST test when testing for signs of a stroke

Use this simple test to help recognise the signs of a stroke. Strokes are the fourth biggest natural cause of death in South Africa.

The Living Declaration aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing people with disabilities / disabled people under Covid-19 and beyond

An international community of disability activists, artists, doctors, scientists and citizens are behind the initiative, which aims to raise awareness and points to solutions for people with disabilities / disabled people – who experience a lack of equal rights under the Covid-19 crisis. Almost everyone has experienced the isolation, anxiety, and loneliness under the Covid-19...

Persons with disability’s bondage, forty years after Zimbabwe’s liberation

By Tsepang T. Nare Perfection is doing things with a high degree of exceptionality so as to achieve an uncommon result. It is the price of persistence and perseverance that led Zimbabwe to its defining moment on the 18th of April 1980. The conquest of the second chimurenga which began in 1964 leading up to...

South African wheelchair user conquers Kilimanjaro

By Shani Reddy Tarryn Tomlinson lost the use of her legs at the age of 19. Despite using a wheelchair, she adventured up Africa’s tallest mountain and encourages others to overcome their obstacles.

Public Relations graduate sets sights on a PhD

Story by Nthabiseng Tlaka A 25-year-old student with cerebral palsy has registered for a master’s degree in Public Relations, with a focus on disability studies. Simukele Mlondi Ngema graduated with a BTech in Public Relations from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in April. His current studies are around determining communication barriers facing students with...

Entrepreneurs equipped with business skills

Story by Nthabiseng Tlaka Beyond Ability Talent Solutions facilitated a number of training sessions for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Johannesburg for a period of seven weeks in early 2019. The course content was aimed at equipping and preparing the entrepreneur for the real business world through gaining various skills such as vision casting, business compliance,...

Charity run for children with disabilities races on

Story by Mpho Tjope The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) hosted its 9th annual Nappy Run™ campaign at the Johannesburg Zoo in November. This annual campaign not only brings awareness about the difficulties faced by children with disabilities not having nappies, largely from an affordability perspective, but also raises funds to...

Author lends a hand to overcome adversity

Story by Nonhlanhla Bakasa Inspirational speaker and banker Zenzile Rens (35) has turned a tragedy that happened to him when he was only two months old into an autobiography titled From Adversity to Greatness. An accident left Rens with facial scarring and resulted in having his left hand amputated. Rens says he was bullied and...

#ICanBe, with albinism

Story by Khumo Moyane The #ICanBe campaign is an initiative created by Mpho Tjope, a speaker, published author and albinism activist. He says he created the campaign “because high numbers of learners with albinism are dropping out of school and attempting suicide, and the fact that albinism was always portrayed from a negative narrative, like...

Obama African Leaders inspire schoolchildren in memory of Madiba

Story by Mpho Tjope The Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa brought together 200 emerging leaders from 44 African countries in Johannesburg for an intensive leadership training and coaching programme by various expects and captains of industry, including former US president Barack Obama and former Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel. The Obama Foundation selected the 200 young...

Gauteng teen flies SA flag high at Special Olympics

Story by Nthabiseng Noqondo Tlaka A 17-year-old athlete from Hammanskraal, a township north of Pretoria, won medals at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in the United Arab Emirates, flying the South African flag high. Gopolang Mogale, who has an intellectual impairment, competed in the 200m and 100m where she scooped a silver...

2J Harmonix publishes poetry anthology

Story by Nonhlanhla Bakasa A rap artist who’s performed at Africa’s biggest hip-hop Festival (Back to The City Festival) and at iStart2Sing Music and Arts Festival, has put his rhymes on paper, in order to reach a wider audience. Eersterust, Pretoria resident, Jonathan Groenewald (36), who is better known by his stage name, 2J Harmonix,...

Artscape CEO honoured for human rights activism

Story by Benedict Leteane The Chief Executive officer of Artscape Theatre in Cape Town has been rewarded for being an advocate for human rights, inclusion and openness. Dr Marlene Le Roux was awarded the Fair Saturday Foundation Award in June in Spain. According to the Fair Saturday awards committee, the Artscape was chosen for its...

No handouts for this entrepreneur

Story by Nonhlanhla Bakasa An entrepreneur based in Tembisa has decided to do whatever it takes to gain financial independence. Jappie Thulo (28) runs three types of businesses. “I am in transportation, the first being an Uber driver, the second one is a scholar shuttle and thirdly transporting people [for long distance trips]. I am also...

Scientist blazes trail of excellence

Story by Benedict Leteane “For the first time in my life, I don’t have ambition; not that I don’t want a promotion.  I want to do my job. I feel settled. I feel calm, happy. I walk into the office, sit down at my PC and start working, happy and contented.” These are the words...

Shining a light on invisible disabilities

Story by Nthabiseng Noqondo Tlaka The M2 Foundation for Chronic Illnesses hosted a breakfast event in Pretoria, to raise awareness about invisible disabilities, to advocate for rare and chronic illnesses, and to offer support to those directly affected. The event was dedicated to honouring endometriosis ‘warriors’ and educating the public on the condition.. The panel...

Embury College introduces SASL teacher training program

Story by Mpho Tjope It was a cold Tuesday morning in Montana, Pretoria but the air inside the Embury Institute for Higher Education (Embury) was filled with warmth and excitement as students began orientation week for a new programme that offers a formal qualification in South African Sign Language (SASL).

Donation banishes illiteracy for visually impaired learners

Story by Benedict Leteane  The pupils of a school for deaf, blind and visually impaired children have been saved from a fate of illiteracy, thanks to the donation of reading equipment by a non-profit organisation.  Fundi, which is a bursary fund administrator, donated R30 000 to Sibonile Primary School, in Kliprivier, Johannesburg to be invested in...

Wheelchair using choreographer rocks youth event

By Benedict Leteane A 28-year-old wheelchair choreographer received a well-deserved standing ovation for an outstanding stage choreography at the 2019 Siyaphakama Youth Day celebration on June 15, at the Khayelitsha community hall in Cape Town. Choreographer Ncedo Bhongoza directed 15 young non-disabled persons between the ages of 12 and 18 on three acts: The Xhosa...

The challenges we face disable us, not that we are disabled

By Mpho Tjope “Many of us were getting ready to make our voice heard by casting our votes on this cold Wednesday of May 8, because South Africa has 25 years of a democratic system where everyone can cast their votes regardless of colour, impairment, or even religion. I was too young to vote in...

Why I did not vote: Investment in youth and education will not be addressed by voting

By Boitumelo Mainganya “I was born in an era of trends where every five years there is a vibe in and around the country. Believers of hope and change make their way to different voting stations hoping to bring change for tomorrow. I am more or less the same age as South Africa’s freedom which...

I cast my vote for the party that will bring change in South Africa

By Zenzele Dlamini “Everything started slowly as I wasn’t sure whether I would be allowed to vote this year as I had not checked my registration details on time. However, I then posted on Facebook asking whether I could go and vote where I was registered for the 2014 elections. The answer I received was...

Why I did not vote: Politicians do not walk the talk

By Benedict Leteane “I have very little expectations of elections mainly because of my lack of faith in the politicians. There’s no doubt that some of the candidates don’t deserve my vote. I voted for the first time in 2004.  I had no expectations at all.  This was something expected from me as a citizen of the...

My X is my voice!

By Nthabiseng Tlaka Emilie Olifant, who lives in Fourways, registered to cast a special votes and she was pleased when her application was approved. She told ThisAbility that on May 6, an Independent Electoral Commission official called her to arrange for her to cast her special vote from the comfort of her home. “At 12:30,...

I voted for corruption to be eradicated, and for more employment for the youth

By Khumo Moyane “My voting experience was rather annoying because wheelchair accessibility was a serious issue. I voted at Padisago Primary School in Soshanguve, which is close to where I stay. It was the second time I was voting at the school. What was different this time for me was my mental growth. I have...

Cycling to fund disposable nappies

Story by Mpho Tjope This year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday, March 10. Among some 35 000 cyclists from around the world will be a 50-year-old paraplegic from Springbok in Northern Cape.

Global Immigration

View from a reader Recently I’ve been forced to confront a rather uncomfortable truth. While I watch friends excitedly make plans to build a life in another country, I am faced with the harsh truth there is no making plans for us. Firstly, it must be said that we are in no hurry to leave,...

Demystifying Disability

“Your words made new things possible in my mind.” – Celeste, audience feedback. As an inspirational speaker, author and workshop facilitator Lois speaks openly about the reality of being blind and inspires her audiences to see their own lives in a different way, allowing them to reach beyond their challenges to success. Through her combination of practical techniques and entertaining and compelling...

Tracking the footprint of deafblind persons in SA

Understanding Deafblindness Deafblindness is a combination of visual and hearing impairment (dual sensory disability) in a person resulting in difficulty to access communication and information as well as mobility challenges. This causes barriers for social inclusion and to participate in community activities. Persons who are Deafblind often cannot utilize services available to persons with disabilities....

PanSALB Awards for Deaf Awareness

Sign language interpreter, Natasha Parkins-Maliko and well known Deaf activist, Nenio Mbazima, recently got recognised for their efforts in South African Sign Language (SASL) advocacy at an event hosted by the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) in Cape Town. The PanSALB event capped the Language Activism month campaign aimed at encouraging South Africans to...

KZN Women in ICT to celebrate Women’s Week

Wathinta Bafazi KZN Impumelelo Inclusive Women In ICT Global Research Institute will celebrate International Women’s week between the 6th and the 12th of March 2017 at the Inanda Impumelelo Disability Empowerment Multimedia Centre in Durban. The period will see the launching of the KZN Women Data Power 61 to mark the 61 anniversary of women’s march held back in...

What defines me?

I am a 19 year old aspiring writer and an author of an unpublished book called “LATELA LITORO TSA HAO “from Itumeleng Special School, a school for learners with intellectual disabilities. My diagnosis is unknown to me; however, my mother told me that at birth I was put on a ventilation machine for three days as I could not breathe on...