For many families raising children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities, the daily reality isn’t just about managing care, it’s about access. Access to education, to therapy, to transport. Something as simple as getting from home to school can be a logistical mountain to climb.

But this week, 10 NGOs across the Western Cape felt that mountain shift.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with the Department of Mobility, handed over Ten NGOs in the Western Cape receive specially adapted vehicles to improve transport access for children with severe disabilities, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and support for vulnerable families.a move aimed at making safe, affordable transport possible for some of the province’s most vulnerable children.

Carley Delport, a social worker from the Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Oudtshoorn, was among the recipients. “The bus means the world to us, especially since we work in the rural areas around Oudtshoorn,” she said. “We pick up children from every corner, so it will mean the world to us to be more accessible in doing this work on a daily basis. Thank you very much!”

The NGOs receiving vehicles span the province and provide daily support, early learning, and care for children with disabilities and their families. These include:

-Oasis Association (Claremont)

-Cape Mental Health: Imizamayethu (Khayelitsha)

-Cape Mental Health: Erica (Mitchells Plain)

-Autism Connect (Strandfontein)

-Siyabonga (Vredenburg)

-Courage to Care (Strand)

-Breede Valley Association of and for Persons with Disabilities – Umnenge Special Care Centre (De Doorns)

-ACVV Robertson: Trippel Toontjies Playschool for Disabled Children (Robertson)

-Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Oudtshoorn – Sonskyn Day Care Centre (Oudtshoorn)

-Emmanuel Day Care Centre (Atlantis)

Each vehicle has been modified to meet the needs of learners who face mobility or accessibility barriers and is part of a broader commitment to improving education access.

Provincial MEC of Mobility Isaac Sileku stated: “When we design transport systems with our most vulnerable in mind, we create a more caring and inclusive society for everyone. This partnership with the Department of Social Development is about more than just moving people it is about restoring dignity, opening doors to opportunity, and making sure that no one is left behind, no matter their circumstances or abilities.”

Beyond the keys handed over, the Department of Social Development also announced that it will provide additional support to the organisations, including transport subsidies, funding for carers, and the appointment of Programme Implementers to assist with education delivery, in collaboration with the provincial Departments of Education and Health and Wellness.

“As a Western Cape Government, we have worked hard over the years to meet our responsibility to ensure organisations that provide education for children with severe and profound disabilities are equipped with the necessary resources to continue their work,” said the province’s MEC of Social Development Jaco Londt.

“Today’s handover is a testament to the power of partnerships, because we could not have done this without the Western Cape Departments of Mobility, Education, and Health and Wellness.”

“These vehicles are lifelines for children with special needs,” he added.

“By equipping our dedicated NGOs with the right tools, we are helping to break down the barriers that have kept too many children from accessing quality basic education. It is a step toward building a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowered society. We encourage businesses that want to assist to get in touch with us so we can find ways to partner,” Londt concluded.

For more information about support services available through the Department of Social Development, including disability services and assistance for GBV victims, call the toll-free number 0800 220 250, email SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za, or visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/persons-disabilities-programme.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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