Provision of developmental social and related services to persons with disabilities and their families & carers.

Please list links to your Website and Social Media Platforms here:

http://www.wcapd.org.za
http://www.facebook.com/westerncape.apd
http://www.twitter.com/@WC_APD
https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-cape-association-for-persons-with-disabilities
https://za.pinterest.com/wcapd/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVe3b7yhldjxYOT7llSxuaw

Describe in detail what your Organisation does:

We are passionate about an inclusive society in which persons with disabilities are equal and active citizens.

We have a proud 81 year history of working with persons with disabilities and their families where they take the lead in achieving their potential, dreams and goals, and ultimately independence. This may include (but is not limited to) sourcing mobility devices, dealing with social issues within the home, arranging for home care, caring and stimulating children with severe disabilities or lobbying for accessibility in the community.

We begin a journey with the person, helping them to plan their future and supporting them in developing their ability to become independent. The person is always central to their own development, making changes to their own life in order to achieve their goals and dreams.

Our services are free of charge and open to anyone who needs help.

Vision
Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities strives towards an inclusive society in which persons with disabilities are equal and active citizens.

Mission
To work together with persons with disabilities and their families in facilitating social development and upliftment services whereby they take the lead in removing barriers and achieving independence.

Core Values
Respect : We believe that all people are deserving of respect and dignity, and everyone is to be treated with fairness and integrity
Inclusion : We embrace diversity and recognise the contribution of all individuals while including beneficiaries, volunteers, sponsors and staff in planning and decision-making
Empowerment : We strive towards independence and equality of all people and undertake to build human capacity on every level of our organisation.

How long has your Organisation been operational?

81 years (since February 1937)

In your opinion, what has been the most challenging aspect of running your Organisation?

Staff retention
Sourcing funding

Describe your Nonprofit Journey in three words:

Rewarding, challenging, interesting

Do you collaborate with other Causes? If yes, would you like to mention them?

We are one of 9 Provincial Associations situated throughout South Africa affiliated to the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA), which in turn is affiliated to the South African Disability Alliance (SADA) and Rehabilitation International (RI).

We also partner with other organisations with similar goals –
Western Cape Network on Disability, QuadPara Association Western Cape, Cape Mental Health, Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability, Muscular Dystrophy Foundation (Cape), Association for Hearing Loss Accessibility & Development, Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association, Shonaquip, Uhambo Foundation, National INstitute for the Deaf, Kaleidoscope, CapeMobility, Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre and Disability Desks at Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

If you had one Organisation wish, what would it be?

Sufficient human and other resources for us to achieve our goals

In your opinion, which skills do Nonprofits in your Country lack?

Governance and financial management

Looking back at your Cause Journey, what advice would you give a newbie Organisation? 

Recruit people who are passionate about your cause, and then invest in them.

If you could change one thing about the Nonprofit Landscape, what would it be?

The idea that society has of NPOs as charities who should be grateful for any funding or voluntary services that others are willing to donate.

Which Cause achievement are you most proud of? Feel free to elaborate on why and include any links:

Our growth across the province to the point where we have 27 Branches reaching most areas of the Western Cape, bringing essential support services to persons with disabilities in both rural and urban areas.

Last question, if your friends had to describe your Organisation in three words, which would they use?

Tenacious, flexible, person-centred

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