Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled

1
Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled

• Presentation to Portfolio Committee on Housing
• 11 September 2007

2
SERVICE AREA

• Cape Peninsula area between Bloubergstrand,
  Simonstown, Khayelitsha and Bonteheuwel
• Cover different areas (townships, informal
  settlements etc)
• Specialised social developmental services to
  persons with physical disabilities

3
STATEMENT OF NEED

• Persons with disabilities identified by the Dept.
  Social Development as one of the vulnerable
  groups
• Ground floor housing is a great need especially
  for wheelchair users
• Universal accessbility not only for tenants of
  homes but also for visitors
• Adequate housing especially for those living in
  informal settlements
• Long waiting lists to be addressed

4
STRUGGLES / CHALLENGES

• Living on the 2nd/3rd/top floor of flats makes
  mobility impossible for wheelchair users
• Housing Dept of the City not very accommodative
  towards persons with disbailities even though
  there are medical documents of support
• Houses not accessible in terms of accommodating
  needs of wheelchair users (no ramps, accessible
  ablution facilities, space too small etc)
• People in informal settlements find it difficult
  to be mobile. Also endure disasters
• Waiting lists very long and links with No 3 above
  

5
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS ?

• Flats have willing swop basis operation which
  will allow persons with disabilities to swop for
  ground floor housing
• There is a definite need for more housing with
  universal accessibility
• Accessibility not only for tenants but also
  provision made for visitors
• Take cognizance about medical validation of the
  needs of persons with disabilities