The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) is highly committed to all our residents. Through our close ties with various organizations that support people with disabilities, we have become acutely aware of the challenges they face.
This year, CWDM has focused on the growing importance of Universal Accessibility. This concept refers to the accessibility of buildings, services, businesses, and destinations not only for those with physical disabilities but for everyone. The Executive Mayor of CWDM explains, “We ask ourselves, can a mother with a newborn baby and a pram access the library? How difficult is it for an elderly person with a walking frame to do their shopping? And even, how accessible are our tourism-related businesses to others? We, in fact, have our own Ambassador for Disabilities, Cllr Thys Blom, who continues to promote access for people with disabilities.”
CWDM has previously reported on their role and involvement in building a safe passage for the visually and physically disabled in Worcester. This initiative ensures that those who live and work at
the Institute for the Blind can travel safely to and from the facility to the CBD.
The Western Cape Association for the Physically Disabled (WCAPD) has several affiliated organizations in the CWDM. These local organizations play a vital role in the lives of people living with disabilities, creating opportunities for them to access services, training, and employment, thus improving their dignity and quality of life.
The Casual Day initiative is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to those living with disabilities. With this in mind, Breede Valley APD visited CWDM’s Worcester Offices, Drakenstein APD went to the Paarl Offices and Witzenberg APD visited the offices in Ceres to promote Casual Day stickers…
Employees were ready with their R20.00 notes to meet the APD teams and take part in the fun.
