Uniting Today,
To Strengthen Tomorrow
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”-Mother Teresa
We Rise By Lifting Others.
The Olifants River Association for Persons with Disabilities is, in terms of the NPO Act, a registered non-profit, non-governmental organization (NPO 006 – 639), which aims to enable Persons with Disabilities to achieve the highest level of achieve independence and integration in all facets of community life.
We also have the Reënboog day care Centre and have been delivering a structured development program for our children with Disabilities in the center and in the community for more than 15 years.
We currently have 24 children’s day center for children with disabilites from the age of 3 to 18 years, our children get 3 meals a day between 8 am and 1 pm. There is also a weekly program worked out for them per day by our Program Implementer and then carried out by our carers (teachers).
Making An Impact With Your Powerful
Support.
Services We Provide
PEER SUPPORT
In June 2010, the Peer Supporter Training Learnership commenced with the objective of training individuals with physical disabilities to serve as peer supporters within their communities. The program operates under the principles of community-based rehabilitation, fostering partnerships with disabled individuals to provide essential services. These peer supporters play a crucial role at the grassroots level, serving as advocates and caregivers within their communities. They actively identify new referrals, monitor clients, and mobilize fellow peers. By addressing the specific needs of disabled individuals, the program aims to enhance service efficiency and ensure broader support reaches those in need. These supporters are integral to the service delivery network for disabled individuals, operating directly within their local communities.
SOCIAL WORKERS
The Olifantsrivier Association for Persons with Disabilities was founded on February 25, 1995, to urgently address the need for services for individuals with disabilities in the Matzikama District. The organization serves various areas including Vredendal, Klawer, Vanrhynsdorp, Lutzville, Koekenaap, Doringbaai, Papendorp, and Ebenhaeser. Its primary objective is to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve the highest level of independence and integration across all aspects of their lives. Notably, Olifantsrivier APD is the only organization in the Matzikama area exclusively dedicated to providing services for individuals with disabilities, as other welfare organizations in the area offer a range of programs, making exclusive focus on disabilities challenging.
PROTECTIVE WORKSHOP
WOODWORK
There will always be a need for programs that address the needs of youth with disabilities, particularly after they complete their education. This group requires support, empowerment, and skill development to become as independent and integrated into society as possible. Often, they have limited or no support systems to assist them in making informed decisions about their future careers and community integration.
Olifantsrivier APD recognized the need to expand our services beyond the limited number of youth with disabilities currently utilizing them. We aim to significantly support more youth with disabilities in transitioning from home to an independent life within the community. At our woodwork group in Vredendal, we offer daily opportunities, guidance, and training to 10 youth with disabilities. They learn to design, prepare, create, and market wood products.
We will strive to:
• Raise awareness among youth with disabilities.
• Provide the support, services, and opportunities needed for independent living and a brighter future.
• Offer education and skills training.
• Prepare and empower youth with disabilities to make informed decisions about their future.
• Equip youth with disabilities for integration and inclusion into society.
If you are interested in these woodworks, please call us at 027 213 5764
DAY CARE CENTRE
Our daycare are for children with disabilities from the age of 3 to 18 years, our children get 3 meals a day between 8 am and 1 pm and where provide a balanced, safe and entertaining environment for them. There is also a weekly program worked out for them per day by our Program Implementer and then carried out by our carers (teachers).
Our program is put together with the help of the education department, occupational therapist, psychologist etc.
ROLLING SHOP
The Rolling shop is one of the services provided by OAPD, where items can be hired or purchased. We have the following items available for hire: wheelchairs, walkers (pulpit and tri-wheel) and crutches. The following items are available for purchase : adult diapers, Adult pads, linen savers, waterproof bedsheets, commodes and raised toilet seats. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our clients as well as the public, so if we get an enquiry for a product or item we do not stock we will try to assist by finding that product at the best possible price.
ABOUT US
Outcomes of Community needs assessments revealed that ongoing social services and emotional support to people with disabilities within Matzikama municipal area is insufficient.
Mrs. SD Malan, a former social worker and dynamic community worker, approached Mrs. Hurraford, former Provincial Director of the Western Cape Association for persons with Disabilities in advisory capacity with the view to the establishment of a non – governmental organization, to protect the interest of persons with disabilities.
Mrs. Malan coordinated a meeting with various stakeholders in the community and on 25 February 1995 the first Executive Committee for the newly established organisation, were elected. The Organization was called Olifants Association for Persons with Disabilities.
The Executive Committee launched several fundraising projects and organizational development increase as follows:
In 1995 The Constitution was formulated, approved and accepted by the members, after which the treasurer opened the first bank account
The first (“TPA – Transfer Payment Agreement”) funding agreement between the organization and the Department of Social Services was signed on the 14th of June 1999. The organization is a registered non – profit organization that is partially subsidized by the Department of Social Development. This is a private charity although subsidized by a State Department.
The official opening of the Reënboog Child Care Centre took place on the 25th of June 2006.
The organization continues to go from strength to strength in developing and expanding.