APD launches pioneering new campaign

THE power of wheels is often underappreciated. Daily people rely on wheels – two or four – for all kinds of mobility needs, but mostly for getting from A to B. But just imagine what it is like spending every day reliant on a tool, like a wheelchair, that is completely central to one’s existence and the space and place challenges that come with it.

This exercise of imagination is the motive behind the Association for Person’s with Physical Disabilities (APD’s) pioneering new fundraising and awareness initiative, dubbed Wheelchair Wednesday, being launched today.

“The APD wanted to keep the idea simple but effective,” said Brian Bezuidenhout, APD Executive Director. “So we thought, what better way to raise awareness, funds and turn the tables on traditional thinking about people with physical disabilities than to give able bodied people some insight and perspective into our everyday lives.

 “The method? Getting company heads, chief executives, and city leaders in general to contribute R5000 and pledge to spend four hours in a wheelchair one Wednesday in May. This way our leadership from the public and private sectors gains deeper insight into our obstacles and can provide opportunities at the same time.”

With over 75 000 people with disabilities living in Nelson Mandela Bay, this is a well-needed perspective, added Bezuidenhout.

The APD aims to get 50 local high-flyers to come on board – ten each week. These business and public sector participants each donate R5000 to take part in Wheelchair Wednesdays, and these donations will ultimately translate into 50 wheelchairs which will go to needy beneficiaries and any remaining funds will go to APD’s Day Care Centre in Motherwell.
 
“One of the major factors that prohibit persons with disabilities from integrating and functioning normally within society is the issue of reasonable accommodation,” Bezuidenhout explained. “It is to this end that we have devised this awareness campaign. The ABay Wheelchair Wednesday initiative will challenge the mindset of the decision-makers within society and help to bring about an unprecedented paradigm shift in the way persons with disabilities are treated.”

The initiative has the support of naming sponsor ABay Stationers, which has contributed “extensively” to launching the campaign. “It is with much gratitude that we acknowledge the financial assistance of local stationer retailers ABay Stationers for their substantial assistance in getting the project off the ground. We also acknowledge the assistance of our other sponsors who have come on board,” added Bezuidenhout.

The first organisation to pledge their support was Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, with chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile dedicating herself to performing her duties in a wheelchair each Wednesday in May. “I’m up for the challenge,” said Skefile. “As an organisation we encourage local tourism product owners and accommodation offerings to become wheelchair friendly – now we will put them to the test.”

Skefile also challenged local business leaders to rise to the occasion and “come ride with me” in contributing to changing lives and perspectives. 

The Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities Nelson Mandela Bay is an NGO that has served this region for the last 71 years. APD Nelson Mandela Bay provides income generating work to 120 people who would for various social-related reasons be unemployed. In Motherwell, at the APD Day Care Centre cares for 29 children with disabilities. 

WHEELCHAIR WEDNESDAY OBJECTIVES:

1. Involve business in making  a difference by handing over 50 Wheelchairs to needy beneficiaries
2. Create awareness regarding issues relating to accessibility for people with disabilities within the business environment of Nelson Mandela Bay
3. Have business at large assess and recommend changes regarding accessibility
4. Raise much needed funds for the APD Day Care Centre for Children with Disabilities in Motherwell. This modest operation has running costs in access of R600000 pa with no government funding. (Some life-changing reasons why it should not close can be seen in our Centre Principal’s report which is also supplied).