The Association was established on 25 February 1937 as Cape Cripple Care Association and was the first of its kind in South Africa. In 1983 the organisation underwent a name change and became Association for the Physically Disabled (Western Cape) which subsequently became Western Cape Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities in 2003, and in 2005 became Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities, fondly shortened to WCAPD.

MISSION

1. To advocate and lobby for the rights of persons with disabilities, and to influence legislation and policies so as to ensure that these rights are protected;
2. To promote and support measures which will prevent or reduce the occurrence of disabling conditions and their effects;
3. To promote the development of accessible and equitable community based rehabilitation and social development services and facilities in Branches;
4. To research and formulate policies and guidelines, and design service models for implementation by our branches, in order to ensure effective and efficient service delivery;
5. To support activities which will improve the access of the physical and social environment, thereby promoting the integration of persons with disabilities into the community;
6. To educate and raise awareness amongst the general public about disability;
7. To initiate and facilitate the formation of branches so as to address specific areas of need;
8. To build capacity of Branch Management Committees and staff through staff development programmes;
9. To provide supervision and consultation service to professional and other staff as required;
10. To mobilise resources for utilisation by the Association and its Branches;
11. To monitor and evaluate the overall functioning of Branches on an ongoing basis;
12. To network and form strategic partnerships with other role-players;
13. To ensure effective communication and information sharing between this Provincial Association and its Branches, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa;
14. To co-ordinate a Provincial database of clients served by Branches;
15. To enhance the sustainability of the Association and its Branches;
16. To ensure sound governance of the Association and its branches; and
17. To implement all or any of the foregoing objects by any lawful means which are registered in terms of the Non Profit Organisations Act of 1997 and the Income Tax Act, Act 58 of 1962.

Western Cape APD Constitution

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Western Cape APD Constitution Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities Constitution File Info <:95.6Kb 4:15

The Association is administered by a Provincial Council and a Management Committee, and employs 14 members of staff.

the Provincial Council

the management committee

The Management Committee utilises 6 Committees to assist it in running the organisation.

• In 1983, Cape Cripple Care Association underwent a change of name to Association for the Physically Disabled (Western Cape)
• and in 2003 became the Western Cape Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities
• and in 2005 became Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities.

Over the past 65 years, the Association has played a vital role in:

• the establishment of rural orthopaedic clinics;
• establishment of training for orthopaedic nurses;
• the supply of orthopaedic appliances and products;
• the establishment of social services throughout the Province (Branches);
• securing accommodation and establishment of group homes;
• establishment of sport and recreation facilities;
• vocational rehabilitation;
• establishment of protective workshops and sheltered employment;
• establishment of day care centres;
• ensuring suitable education;
• promoting a barrier free environment.

• Governance
• Funding
• Partnerships
• Finance
• Staff and Volunteers
• Access and Awareness
• Education
• Information
• Work & Employment
• Empowerment
• Care & Rehabilitation

We focus on person centred assessment and development - a way of helping people who want to make changes in their lives. It is an empowering approach to helping people plan their future and organise the support and services they need. Client centred assessments design rehabilitation, training, developmental programmes and career paths that would empower persons with disabilities towards independent living.