Accessible Cities - South Africa (AC-SA)

Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) is the 3rd of the 4 pillars which fall under the DiSA Umbrella. AC-SA is a DiSA initiative to create awareness for the need for inclusive environments and to promote and showcase the partnerships that we have formed and work with to promote and help build a truly Accessible South Africa for all persons with disabilities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines, "An impairment as any temporary or permanent loss or abnormality of a body structure or function, whether physical or psychological" and that "Disability is imposed by society when a person with a physical, psychosocial, intellectual, neurological and/or sensory impairment is denied access to full participation in all aspects of life, and when society fails to uphold the rights and specific needs of individuals with impairments."

The 4 Pillars of DiSA. Click on the image to enlarge.

Disability info South Africa (DiSA) supplies a “Free One - Stop Information Service” for and about persons with disabilities. Started in 2015 by Alan Downey, DiSA not only provides easy access to information via our website, but also a free contact centre, providing advice and guidance to those in need. Having access to these services is a basic human right and is the first step towards creating an inclusive South Africa, where no person is excluded or discriminated against and everyone is aware of their rights and what or who is available to assist them.

Over the last 7 years DiSA has become South Africa’s Premium Free Disability Information Portal and has recently also evolved to not only Inform persons with disabilities on what services and products are available to assist them through our Information Desk, but also Identify and log barriers to access through our Yes to Access platform, with the aim to Address and remove these inequalities, discrimination and barriers with the assistance from various Access Warriors, through our Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) platform. Via our DiSA’s News Network (DNN), we aim to Empower, Inspire, Educate and Entertain via our "Laugh At Life" - Cartoons; YouTube Channel; Facebook Page; Facebook Group and future Blog and Newsletter platforms, driving change and Inspiring persons with disabilities to be the best version of themselves.

By working with various like minded companies, individuals and organizations, we aim to create a link between them and the individuals, companies, clubs and organizations that need assistance, with the aim of building an inclusive, accessible South Africa for all.

Current Policies & Legislation

The Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 has highlighted the major economic disparities in societies and the devastating and lasting effects that discrimination, marginalization and inequality have had and still have on the lives of many people in South Africa, especially persons with disabilities. This is despite the fact that our Constitution which was published in 1996, states:

“Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.” - The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Since 1996 various other policies, Acts and regulations have been written and sanctioned to attempt to ensure that all persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights as other South Africans. These policies, Acts and regulations include but are not limited to:

The SANS 10400 part S which has been part of the National Building Regulations since 2011. It prescribes the basic design compliance which are applicable to all public buildings. These building and design guidelines, in conjunction with the Universal Design Principles, are meant to be applied by all architects, draftsmen and designers to provide inclusive and accessible environments for all.
In December 2015 the country's first White Paper on the rights of person's with disabilities was approved by cabinet. It acknowledges the deficits in access to education, reproductive health and rights, services as well as health care among persons with disabilities.The vision of the WRPD is the "creation of a free and just society inclusive of all persons with disabilities as equal citizens."
Date of Commencement: 16 June 2003 Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 includes various sections covering discrimination based on Gender, Race and Disability, including:
- 9. Prohibition of unfair discrimination on ground of disability Subject to section 6, (Neither the State nor any person may unfairly discriminate against any person.) no person may unfairly discriminate against any person on the ground of disability, including:
  - (a) denying or removing from any person who has a disability, any supporting or enabling facility necessary for their functioning in society;
  - (b) contravening the code of practice or regulations of the South African Bureau of Standards that govern environmental accessibility;
  - (c) failing to eliminate obstacles that unfairly limit or restrict persons with disabilities from enjoying equal opportunities or failing to take steps to reasonably accommodate the needs of such persons.

Despite these policies and legislation listed above as well as various others, many persons with disabilities, still do not have access to various public buildings; accessible public transport; inclusive education; employment; entertainment or recreational environments and essential products and services, such as equipment and easy access to government pensions and food parcels, thus preventing them from becoming active members of society.

Despite some improvements over the last 26 + years many of these regulations and policies are still not

enforced and properly regulated, leaving many persons with disabilities and the elderly still feeling isolated from society. We at DiSA believe that the time for change is Now, we need to remove these inequalities, discrimination and barriers. Through our Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA) platform, we can achieve this if we unify all persons with disabilities, the organisations that represent them, as well as the business sector at large, and demand with one Voice the need for change and an inclusive, Accessible South Africa. We say "Yes To Access, Lets Break the Shackles of our Disabilities and claim our right to be part of an equal society."

Why We Need Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA)

No company or organisation is an island, we all need to work together to make the change that we so desperately need. Accessible environments are like puzzles, they include different pieces, without all of these pieces, the puzzle will never be complete. With access to our information; database of products, services and service providers, as well as our Access Warriors such as: Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB), The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Inclusive Design, Bradshaw LeRoux, Nicky's Drive, Paws4life Training Academy, Bamboo Rock, Happy Factory Casa iLanga Guest House, Annelise - NPO Fundraising Forum, Smergos, INVEN-D, C-UR-ABLE, Jessica Pita - Flying Blind, as well as various other friends and Members of DiSA which will be joining our AC-SA platform, we believe that DiSA can be the link to solidify everyone and form one chain working together to address these inequalities, discrimination and barriers to create a level playing field - Leaving No One Behind.

Through the reporting, identification and the logging of various barriers via our Yes to Access platform, DiSA not only provides a platform for anyone to report barriers to access or discrimination, but we will also find possible solutions and specialists, working together to tick all the boxes of accessibility.

Via our DiSA News Network (DNN) platform and the videos and webinars that we produce, we will not only create awareness for the shortfalls but also celebrate companies and environments that are accessible and inclusive, therefore inspiring and encouraging other companies to follow suit and become truly accessible.

Accessible Cities South Africa - Partnerships

DiSA is committed to form partnerships with both the Business and Disability Sectors, as well as well as various Government departments, so as to be able to achieve our goal of transforming our Cities in South Africa.
As a member of the “Cities for All” Campaign, which DiSA is a signatory and supporter, we are committed to drive change from the ground up.

To help achieve this and transform South Africa to make it accessible, DiSA have formed various other partnerships under our Accessible Cities South Africa banner. The time for talking is over, we can no longer sit on the sidelines and wait for government to enforce change. We call on all Companies, Organisations and Government Departments to join forces with us and become "Access Warriors" to fight for change and become truly accessible.

What are Access Warriors?

An Access Warrior is someone who is committed to partner with DiSA on our Accessible Cities South Africa platform, where we will promote them and the work that they are doing and they will work together with DiSA and other Access Warriors, to either embrace change or provide services that enable change:

Accessible Cities - Access Warriors: Include Companies, Schools, Travel and Accommodation Service Providers, Universities, Businesses, Government Departments and Sports or Recreational Facilities that are willing to embrace change and want to become more inclusive and accessible to all people, especially persons with disabilities.
Access Warriors - Service Provides: Are Companies, Individuals and Organisations who can supply Services, Products and Support, to assist persons with disabilities and would like to be part of this network of passionate South African's who want to help adapt the environment, cities and human settlements that we live, work and play in and to make them accessible for all people, especially persons with disabilities.

The time is Now, by merging everyone’s time, resources, expertise and influence, we can Unlock the Shackles of disability and emerge from our comfort zones with the joyful anticipation of success.

Accessible Cities - Access Warriors

If your Company, School, University, Travel and Accommodation Service Providers, Business, Government Department, Sports or Recreational Facility would like to join us as an Access Warrior, and stake your claim as part of Accessible Cities South Africa, it is your duty to inform all role players and stakeholders in both the public and private domains:

of the underlying causes of the current marginalisation and social exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD’s) and to recognise them for their commitment; and
to become accessible and inclusive in their Organisations, Companies, Schools, Universities, Businesses, Government Departments and Sports or Recreational Facilities.

As a representative of one of the above and as a group, you would be required to acknowledge the necessity of taking a proactive approach and to commit to the following 7 principals below, which include:

Raising Awareness for Disability Rights.
Initiating a Duty of Care to Respect, Value and Include Everyone.
Achieving a certified level of Universal Accessibility.
Identifying and contracting professional, ethical and accountable service providers in the Disability Sector.
Taking a pragmatic approach to employing PWD’s.
Challenging their peers and competition to equal or better their pledge to be recognised as accessible and inclusive.
Become an Access Warrior in support of Access, Disability Rights and the Needs and Care of persons with disabilities.

Once you and your "group" that you are a representative of, has made the pledge to become "Inclusive" as per the points above and you have completed our "Accessible Cities South Africa Compact Agreement" below:

We will set up a meeting to discuss your needs and which "Access Warrior - Service Providers " listed on this page can assist you.
You will pay the yearly admin fee to join our Accessible Cities - South Africa page with a link to a one-page write-up about your company.
Once "Accessible and Compliant", you will be listed as "Accessible and Compliant" and will be recommended to those companies or individuals contacting us looking for Accessible venues or services in South Africa.
We will create a YouTube Video to promote your services that you supply and create awareness through this video.
You will be awarded your "Access Warrior" badge to be displayed on your website and email footer.
Your advert and pages on our Accessible Cities South Africa platform will be promoted and your Facebook adverts and video will be posted to our social media platforms.

By merging everyone’s time, resources, expertise, influence and passion and by working towards one goal with a plan and timeline in place, we believe that we can make the change that is needed.

Access Warrior - Service Provider

All "Access Warrior - Service Providers" are required to work together with DiSA and the other "Access Warrior - Service Providers" and to report on any progress with the Accessible Cities projects. To qualify as an "Access Warrior - Service Provider", you would be required to pay a yearly admin fee and be able to supply at least one of the following services listed below:

Life Coaches, therapists and/or Motivational Speaker's
Disability Insurance Specialists, Disability Tax Specialists or Financial Adviser's
Qualified and Certified Builders, etc.
Qualified and Certified Web Designers
Disability Awareness Training
Disability Inclusion Training in the Workplace/Educational Facilities
Disability Job/Learnership Recruitment Specialists
Suppliers of Assistive Devices, Services and Educational Equipment for PWD's.
Accessible Transport Suppliers
Accessible Education Service Providers
Information Service Providers - Companies willing to sponsor the advertising on DiSA to assist small companies, clubs or organisations and to make information about these service providers easily accessible.
Universal Access Consultant - Qualified and Certified

Through our network of committed qualified service providers working together on various selected projects, we aim to be able to transform areas into fully accessible environments, which will eventually grow to become Accessible Cities where no-one is left behind and everyone can reach their full potential.

Those companies or individuals contacting us looking for the services listed above or for a "Full Accessible" package for their business, educational facility, etc. will be introduced to various "Access Warrior - Service Providers" who are advertised on this platform to make their services easily available. Each of these qualified service providers will form an essential piece of the puzzle, which put together will make a perfect picture of accessibility.

Benefits of Joining Accessible Cities South Africa

As a member of Accessible Cities South Africa, your services will not only be promoted on this platform, but you will also be offered various opportunities to be part of Accessible City projects as they develop. Through this platform, we will change lives and enhance your reputation as an Access Warrior, celebrating battles won and arming ourselves to go out and break down more barriers to access.

Benefits include:

One page advert dedicated to your company or organisation on our Accessible Cities Platform.
250 – 300 word introduction to your company or organisation on our Accessible Cities Home Page.
Introduction to companies or individuals contacting us looking for the services that you supply or a "Full Accessible" package for their business, educational facility, etc.
Include a YouTube Video to promote your services that you supply and create awareness through this video. Please note that there are two price options here. Please visit our Accessible Cities prices to find out more or Contact Us if you have any questions.
2 Facebook adverts promoting your company or organisation.
You will be awarded an “Access Warrior” badge and Certificate.
Your company or organisation and services or products that you provide will be promoted via various webinars that we run and you may be invited to take part in these webinars to give some information about your company or organisation and the services or products that you provide.

"Access Warrior - Service Providers" that have joined this platform to make their services easily available will form an essential piece of the puzzle to help DiSA promote accessibility and break down barriers to create accessible environments.

Accessible Cities - South Africa Compact Agreement

The "Accessible Cities South Africa Compact Agreement" is an agreement between DiSA and other passionate companies or organisations that follow the same principals listed above, that would like to join DiSA on our Accessible Cities South Africa platform, so that they can fight for change to help build an Accessible, Inclusive South Africa.

If you would like to join us and become an Access Warrior - Service Provider, or join forces with us to fight for change and become an Accessible Cities - Access Warrior, please complete our compact form below, so that we can work together creating Accessible Cities in South Africa and beyond.

Do You Agree to AC-SA principals listed above

Reason For Joining Accessible Cities

Type of Stakeholder

DiSA Partners in Access - Access Warriors

Both Access Warriors who provide products or services that enable change and those companies and organisations that embrace change and work with us to find solutions to various barriers, are listed below and currently include Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB), The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Bradshaw LeRoux, Happy Factory, Nicky's Drive, Paws4life Training Academy, Bamboo Rock, Casa iLanga Guest House, Annelise - NPO Fundraising Forum, Smergos, INVEN-D, C-UR-ABLE and Jessica Pita - Flying Blind.

Please read the information below to find out more about these organisations and companies and how they promote inclusive environments and Break Down Barriers, or Contact Us if you would like to be part of our Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA) platform and would like to find out more about the services that we can provide. You can contact Alan Downey on: 084 504 9176 or email us on: info@DiSA.org.za.

Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB)

The Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) founded in 1877 is the recognised “Voice of Business” in the region, working to create an enabling environment for economic activity and a platform for business to flourish. BKCOB who has their headquarters in East London/Buffalo City and offices in Queenstown counts over 700 businesses as members in good standing representing the private sector, thought leaders and academic institutions from a wide array of sectors. The driving focus of the Chamber is to represent the interests of business by identifying, developing and promoting the major issues that contribute to economic activity and growth.

At regional level, the Chamber strives to promote the socio-economic advancement of all people living and working in the Border-Kei region. It addresses issues around economic and industrial development; factory and business regulations; rates and local taxation; energy; town planning; crime; traffic and parking; regulations for informal traders; training needs; rail and air transport; freight handling; and tourist attractions.

We at DiSA are truly excited to be given the opportunity in 2021 to work with the Border-Kei Chamber of Business. Through this partnership we aim to identify barriers and inform and raise awareness in the corporate environment about disability in the workplace, so as to assist in clarifying and educating all parties involved.

Through our Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) campaign and in collaboration with BKCOB, we at DiSA believe that we have found the perfect partner with which to launch and run our pilot Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA) campaign. By partnering the "Voice of Business" with "South Africa’s Premium and Free Disability Information Portal", who has taken on the baton in the race to "Accessible South Africa - 2030", we believe that we can make the changes that South Africa so desperately need. The Time Is Now - We Are Stronger Together!

National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is a cross-disability organization which represents the interests of all persons with disabilities in South Africa. NCPD is a NGO with a footprint throughout South Africa that plays a lobbying and advocacy role when it comes to the rights of persons with disabilities. "We're an umbrella body coordinating the advancement of the rights of persons with physical disabilities in accordance with the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and more. We have nine provincial Associations for Persons with Disabilities with numerous projects and branches that focus on rural development as well as social."

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities does advocacy work and services leading to an equitable and inclusive society. "We are affiliated to the South African Disability Alliance, as well as Rehabilitation International." Our programmes cover the whole of South Africa and Services include but are not limited to:

Motivational Speaker's
Disability Tax Specialists
Disability Awareness Training
Disability Inclusion Training in the Workplace/Educational Facilities
Disability Job/Learnership Recruitment Specialists
Accessible Transport Suppliers
Universal Access Consultant - Qualified and Certified

In November 2018, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) joined Disability info South Africa (DiSA) and became an active member of DiSA by not only assisting us with various daily queries that we receive through our website, but also by supporting us financially through advertising with us in 2018 and then continuously renewing their yearly advert. 2023 is the 6th year that NCPD will has supported DiSA, to assist us in supplying this free service to assist persons with disabilities. In August 2021, NCPD became one of the 1st organisations to come on board and join our Accessible Cities South Africa platform and then renewed their membership in 2022 and 2023.

Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting

Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting was established in 1998 and are recognized leaders in Disability Inclusion. “We focus on sourcing, identifying, developing and retaining diverse talent within your organization. Through our range of Disability Awareness Campaigns, Stereotype Busting Training, Strategic Consulting, and On the Ground support services, we leverage the benefit of their extensive network and experience in Disability Inclusivity to create enabling and flexible business environments.“

“For companies seeking to employ talent, our role is to assist you in creating an accessible work environment that provides equal opportunities for employment of people with a disability. In a nutshell, we represent both job seekers with a disability, and assist companies with including and developing people with a disability by creating a disability inclusive environment. We also offer SETA Accredited Learnership Programmes and various other services including”:

Environmental Accessibility Audits
Disability Awareness Training / Equity Training
Communications Campaign
Empowerment Training for Persons with a Disability
Bursary Management Programme
Accessible Education Service Providers
ODIN: Online Disability Inclusion Network

In June 2017, Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting joined Disability info South Africa (DiSA) and became an active member of DiSA by not only assisting us with various queries that we receive through our website, but also by supporting us financially through advertising with us in 2017 and then continuously renewing their yearly advert including in 2023 the 7th year that Bradshaw LeRoux has supported DiSA, to assist us in supplying this free service to assist persons with disabilities. In October 2021, Bradshaw LeRoux also joined our Accessible Cities platform and then renewed their membership in 2022 and 2023 to support us in our goals to improve access for persons with disabilities.

Happy Factory

Happy Factory focuses on advancing the art of people strategy with a unique consulting experience by crafting meaningful people initiatives and programs for companies through creativity, imagination & authenticity. To wevolve the world and create great human experiences by crafting meaningful people initiatives and programs for companies through creativity, imagination and authenticity. To be a Wevolved global firm offering unique people strategies advancing the way companies engage their people. Happy Factory provide the following services:

Disability Awareness Training and Inclusion Training
Career Transitioning & Career Planning
Team Dynamics - Individual and Team Values
Innovation Programs
Customer Service Training
HR Audits
Employee Well being Programs.

In August 2021, Happy Factory became only the 5th company or organisation to come on board and join our Accessible Cities South Africa platform and then renewed their membership in 2023 and 2024.

Nicky's Drive

Nicky’s Drive is a registered non-profit organisation (086-364-NPO) that aims to assist South Africans with disabilities, to assist them to be more mobile and independent through the funding that they supply for car adaptions. The lack of accessible public transport is one of the greatest barriers to the employment of persons with disabilities in South Africa. The ability to drive an adapted car provides more than just freedom, it enables persons with disabilities to develop their self-confidence, gain better access to education and work opportunities and thus make a valuable contribution to society through their work and family life.

Founded in 2011 by Nicky Abdinor, Nicky’s Drive is funded through Nicky's motivational talks at conferences and events. Since 2011 TEDx Talk, Driving Dreams, Nicky has become a sought-after motivational speaker and has travelled around the world and appeared online sharing her story of resilience and cultivating optimism in uncertain times. Besides her unique story, Nicky has the added expertise as a Clinical Psychologist that further enhances her message to create sustainable changes in our attitudes, beliefs and emotions. A portion of Nicky’s speaking fee is donated to Nicky’s Drive and goes directly towards the funding of car adaptations in South Africa.

Current services supplied by Nicky's Drive and Nicky include:

Sponsorship of Hand Controls
Motivational Speaking
Disability Awareness Training / Equity Training / Disability and Diversity Training
Therapy Consultations.

In August 2021, Nicky’s Drive joined Disability info South Africa (DiSA) and became an active member, by not only assisting us with various queries that came via the DiSA website regarding individuals needing financial support to purchase Hand Controls, but also supporting us financially through the membership that they purchased from us in 2021. Joining our Accessible Cities platform in January 2022 and for then renewing their Membership in 2023 and 2024, Nicky’s Drive continues to be a valuable member and "Access Warrior" improving accessibility by removing the barriers that many people face in their daily lives.

Paws4life Training Academy

The Paws4life Training Academy is a specialised K9 training facility based in Cape Town which was started in 2015. We live by the motto: “Your dog is not just a dog”. We not only train puppies and dogs but we create an everlasting bond between human and dog.

Our founder has specialised knowledge in various areas of dog training and is also a qualified behaviourist. Paws4life has a few trainers who are qualified in their areas and specialities.

Through education, we strive to improve the lives of animals and in turn improve the lives of their people – cementing the bond between humans and canines. We also strive to provide affordable dog training that provides for the needs of all dog owners. The Paws4life training academy provide the following Assistance Dog Training:

Persons with Autism: Autism Support Dogs.
Persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychiatric Service Dogs or PTSD Dogs
Persons with Epilepsy or Seizures: Epilepsy Alert Dogs
Persons with Psychiatric Conditions: Psychiatric Service Dogs
Persons who have Cerebral Palsy or are Medically Frail: Multipurpose Service Dogs
Persons who use Wheelchairs or are Unstable on their Feet: Mobility Assistance Service Dog or Balance Dogs
Persons with Diabetes: Diabetic Alert Dogs
Persons who are Deaf or have Hearing Impairments: Hearing or Alert Dogs.

In April 2022, The Paws4life Training Academy joined DiSA and became an active member, by not only assisting us with various queries that come via our website regarding Assistance Dogs, but also by supporting us financially through the membership that they purchased from us in 2022 and for then renewing their Membership in 2023. By Joining our Accessible Cities platform Paws4life have become an "Access Warrior" helping us create awareness for the needs of Assistance Dogs and the laws regulating them.

Bamboo Rock

Bamboo Rock is a project management company that has been in operation for 16 years and who specialise in universal access and disability. Bamboo Rock was established to address a need in South Africa for an organisation that is focused on bringing people with a disability and organisations together through skills development, life skills and business training, access auditing, reasonable accommodation assessments and a rigorous project management approach.

Bamboo Rock services include:

Universal Access Consulting Services
Universal Access Audits
Universal Design Input
Project Management of Projects for People with a Disability
Model Development for Projects for People with a Disability
Universal Access Training
Universal Access Website Audits

In June 2022, Bamboo Rock joined DiSA on our Accessible Cities Platform and became an Access Warrior by, not only being available to assist us with various queries regarding Universal Access Design that we receive, but also by supporting us financially through this partnership that we have formed in 2022 and then renewing their Membership in 2023. Together through our Accessible Cities - South Africa platform, all Access Warriors will work together to break down barriers, creating Accessible Cities, one step at a time.

Casa iLanga Guest House

Casa iLanga is a Wheelchair Accessible Guest House situated in Somerset West in the Western Cape. The Casa iLanga Guest House is owned by Geertje Van den Broeck and has recently been completely renovated, boasting a modern and elegant ambience with a touch of contemporary African décor in all five bedrooms and is now accessible by wheelchair. Casa iLanga has also been tastefully transformed to accommodate guests with special needs in all en-suite rooms, leisure spaces and communal areas.

In September 2022, The Casa iLanga Guest House joined DiSA and became an active member, by not only creating accessible environements, but also by supporting us financially through the membership that they purchased from us in 2022. By Joining our Accessible Cities platform at the same time, Casa iLanga Guest House has also become an Access Warrior and understands that accessibility means more than just supplying a ramp and therefore also provide various equipment to make your visit more convenient. In 2022 the Casa iLanga Guest House was also visited by a DiSA Disability Expert to ensure that they are Wheelchair Accessible and that all guests with Mobility Impairments have their needs catered for.

Annelise - NPO Fundraising Forum

Annelise de Jagger is known for her excellent leadership, business skills, and innovative ideas for which she has won numerous awards. Annelise is an inspirational teacher, and as a qualified Neuro Coach, she focuses on emotional intelligence and personal development of the people and groups she works with. She excels in both the corporate and charity sectors, where she has worked extensively for the past 30 years and has initiated and run large fundraising campaigns, both nationally and internationally. Raising more than R200 000 million through innovative campaigns which have been running for 25 consecutive years in South Africa!

For the past number of years, Annelise has been focusing on empowering people through personal development via her inspirational seminars, workshops and training series she empowers people in both the corporate and NGO sector. The NPO Fundraising Forum is for people working in the Non-Profit sector including welfare organisations, schools and even churches. As a member of the NPO Fundraising Forum, you will receive practical training on how to successfully promote and raise funds for your organisation.

Current services supplied by Annelise de Jagger include:

NPO Fundraising Forum - NPO Fundraising Forum
Living a life that matters - Corporate Training
Charity Support Services - Online Training Academy

In August 2022, Annelise joined Disability info South Africa (DiSA) and became an Access Warrior and active member of DiSA, by not only assisting us with various queries that came via the DiSA website regarding individuals wanting to start organisations, but also organisations looking for advice or assistance to improve their current organisation through marketing.

Smergos

Smergos are disability inclusion specialists who are inspiring motion towards a more inclusive, accessible and empathetic world. Smergos offers a tailored solution for companies to integrate people with disabilities in a measurable, sustainable, and empowering way.

The following areas are services that they supply and are integral milestones along their road map that can be easily implemented in any organisation:

Wheelchair Bags and Accessories
Awareness and inclusion training
Physical accessibility audit
Online accessibility audits
Mentoring for interns / employees with disabilities
Coaching for managers
Research and development strategies
Inspirational and motivational talks
Bespoke toolkits

In 2017, Smergos became one of the first companies to join DiSA and became an active member, by not only assisting us with various queries that come via our website from persons looking for products that they sold, but also by supporting us financially through the membership that they purchased. By Joining our Accessible Cities platform in 2023 and then renewing in 2024, Smergos has also become an "Access Warrior" helping us to create awareness for the needs of persons with disabilities through the services that they provide.

INVEN-D - Gerhard Coetzee

INVEN-D and Gerhard Coetzee are renowned for their innovative and creative engineering solutions which are specifically designed to assist persons with disabilities. Their focus on tailoring equipment and devices to suit the individual needs of each of their clients have transformed the lives of countless persons with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy greater independence and participation in everyday activities. INVEN-D currently provide the following services under the umbrella of universal design:

Consulting
Product problem solving
Research and development
Manufacturing
On sight installation/ fitment
Tailor made product solutions.
After sales service and maintenance

In March 2023, INVEN-D joined DiSA and became a member of our Accessible Cities platform. By Joining our Accessible Cities platform, INVEN-D has also become an "Access Warrior" through the services that they provide, helping us to "Break Down Barriers" and change peoples lives for the better!

C-UR-ABLE

At C-UR-ABLE we help sighted people create environments so people with low vision can thrive AND we help people with low vision how to live fully in these spaces. C-UR-ABLE was founded by Jenny Webster out of a lifelong experience navigating life with a degenerative eye disease. In this journey of joy and Pain she saw that many of the frustrations are fixable. Advances in affordable technology allow people with visual impairments to access information if designed accessibly. Services that C-UR-ABLE provide include:

We show Designers of digital and physical spaces how to incorporate tasteful accessibility principles to increase customer inclusion.
We help people new to low vision to process their diagnosis as a platform for learning skills for meaningful living.
We teach low vision clients how to use their smart phones for independent communication, electronic magnification and access to information.

In July 2023, C-UR-ABLE joined DiSA and became a member of our Accessible Cities platform. By Joining our Accessible Cities platform, C-UR-ABLE has also become an "Access Warrior" through the services that they provide, helping us to "Break Down Barriers" and change peoples lives for the better!

Jessica Pita - Flying Blind

Jessica Pita is a Motivational Speaker, Content Creator, and Founder of Flying Blind and Mission with a vision. "Throughout my school career, I realized how much people needed to be educated on the topic of disabilities as not many people knew the correct etiquette that should be used around people with disabilities."

"I originally started Flying Blind as a podcast in hopes to share my story and experiences to inspire people with disabilities and just let them know that they are not alone. They are people too and deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone else."

"Flying blind gave me the opportunity to teach people and spread awareness about all coverage of disabilities from my perspective as a blind person. I had a goal of ensuring that people knew all they should about disabilities and removing the automatic thoughts and labels on the disabled community."

"I did not think the podcast was enough though, and thus came about Mission with a Vision. Having the capability of speaking face to face with people allows me to make connections with others and, again, use my experience to put their problems into perspective."

In October 2022, Jessica Pitta and Flying Blind joined DiSA on our Accessible Cities Platform and became an Access Warrior to help spread awareness about persons with disabilities from her perspective as a blind person. Together through our Accessible Cities - South Africa platform, we hope that all Access Warriors will work together to break down barriers and perceptions, one step at a time.