Gauteng

About The GPAPD 

The GPAPD is a registered, provincially based NGO which came into existence in January 2008. The GPAPD is a proud member of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), an organisation who have been committed to providing services and opportunities to people with physical disabilities for well over 70 years.

We responded to a need for an over-arching structure to co-ordinate the work of organisations, providing services to persons with physical disabilities.

Currently there are 32 member organisations and 10 developing members. Direct and indirect Social Work services also rendered in areas where there are none.

Working closely with various Government and Community structures in Gauteng, the GPAPD is able to respond to the needs identified within a community to provide assistance to persons with primarily physical disabilities. GPAPD has a dedicated group of committed, professional personnel who strives to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families in the Gauteng province.

Our Background

The Gauteng Provincial Association for Persons with Disabilities (GPAPD) is a registered non-profit organisation that came into existence in 2008 and responded to a provincial need for advocacy / lobbying for the rights of persons with disabilities, empowerment, mentorship to organisations rendering a similar service, skills training and job placements for persons with disabilities. In addition, GPAPD provides Social Work services to people with disabilities, their families and significant others in and around Gauteng focusing more especially on townships and informal settlements.

GPAPD Objectives

The Eastern Cape Provincial Council for Persons with Disabilities (APDEC) is a not for profit organization affiliated constitutionally to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). APDEC was established in December 2007 and registered with the Department Social Development as an NPO on 11th August 2008. APDEC’s area of operation stretches over 168 000 square kilometers and is divided into seven districts and two metropoles. We are currently represented in Amathole, Buffalo City, Saartjie Baartman, Nelson Mandela Bay (including Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch) and Mthatha districts, but still need to establish a footprint in the Chris Hani, OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo and Ukhahlamba districts. According to the 2011 census, there are approximately 478 000 persons with disabilities living in the Eastern Cape.

GPAPD Programs

Our areas of Focus and Services rendered are: Empowerment /Training to:

• Staff of GPAPD and member organisations.
• Board of Management Members.
• Sub-committee members.
• Protective Workshops / Project Members.
• Promote transparent and accountable financial management.

Organisational Development assist members to:

• Ensuring proper administrative structures are in place.
• Maintaining documents required by legislation and donors/funders.
• Drawing up and implementing relevant policy documents and proving guidance in positive labour practices.

Awareness/Education/Sensitisation to:

• Eliminate discrimination/prejudices regarding people with disabilities.
• Create an understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities and responding appropriately.
• Utilise the full potential and skills of persons with disabilities, promoting independence (e.g. employment opportunities).
• Promoting accessibility to persons with disabilities in terms of housing, transport, conference centres, hotels etc. (Universal Design). Access audits and advice on making your building accessible is also available from GPAPD. Quotations provided on request.

Advocacy/Lobbying:

• For improved conditions and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• Oppose policies and unfair practices.
• Developing legislation that will uplift the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
• Improving the working conditions of social workers and other staff employed in the NGO Sector.

Social Work Services include Poverty Alleviation:

Promote training and marketing opportunities for sale of items made by persons with disabilities e.g. through our shop at Gold Reef City. Referrals and assistance in accessing state grants and pensions. The training is a 1-day training programme which costs R250 per person (negotiable). The cost includes theoretical training on probable causative factors, experiential training (e.g. how does it feel to be blind) a copy of the training manual and attendance certificates.

Care and Support service:

• Supportive / Counseling services.
• Assessment / Securing mobility aids etc.
• Statutory services.
• Group work (sharing / learning).
• Info on their particular disability and coping skills.

Issues of parking discs/ beach permits/motor vehicle rebates:

This service is available from GPAPD and information on the advantage, procedure and cost is available upon request.

GPAPD Events

Casual Day, Nappy Run, Sensitization and Awareness programs, Assistance towards securing Parking Discs for persons with disabilities and Motor Vehicle Rebates, Employment & Learnership Placements, Organizational Development in assisting Member Organisations & Developing Member Organisations, Advocacy & Lobbying, Social Work Services, Care & Support Services and Community Education/Development Services

GPAPD Contacts