Home Programmes & Services
What we do
We believe true empowerment comes from meeting people where they live and providing care, opportunity and hope. Our programmes support every area of life for persons with physical disabilities.
Ten programmes across every area of life
Our programmes support every area of life for persons with physical disabilities, helping them achieve independence, dignity and equal participation in society.
A. Physical Care and Wellbeing
We support physical wellbeing and mobility by linking members to appropriate care, assistive devices and psychosocial rehabilitation services, so they can live comfortably and confidently.
B. Basic Needs and Accessibility
We assist our beneficiaries with essential daily needs including food, shelter, clothing, water, transportation and communication, while promoting environmental accessibility for a barrier-free life.
C. Health and Wellness
We support access to appropriate healthcare, counselling and wellness initiatives that improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.
D. Education and Skills Development
We equip individuals with knowledge and practical skills through training, workshops and mentorship to promote personal growth and employability.
E. Economic Empowerment
We help persons with disabilities find pathways to financial independence through work preparation and placements, entrepreneurship support and income-generating projects.
F. Social Integration and Inclusion
We encourage inclusion and social participation through community engagement, peer support and recreation that promotes belonging.
G. Human Rights and Advocacy
We champion the rights of persons with disabilities through education, awareness campaigns and advocacy to ensure equality and respect for all.
H. Community Development and Partnerships
We collaborate with local organisations, schools and businesses to build community-based resources that promote inclusion and accessibility.
I. Disability Awareness and Education
We raise awareness about disability issues in schools, workplaces and communities to build empathy, understanding and inclusion.
J. Organisational Sustainability
We are committed to the long-term sustainability of the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled through strong governance, transparency and partnerships.
How four of these come to life
No queues, no call centres. A social worker, a plan and follow-through, in your own community. Care that travels to the person, not the other way round. Here is what that looks like on the ground, including our protective workshops.
Social work at the door
Our SACSSP-registered social workers spend four days a week on the road, at least six homes a day — Manenberg, Khayelitsha, Silvertown, wherever members live. They carry counselling, practical plans and the authority to act.
This year that meant one custom-built wheelchair measured to one particular body, three donated chairs matched to new owners, and emergency relief that reached Du Noon fire victims while the ash was still warm.
A relief handover in the community. Real CTAPD photograph.
A young person we support. Real CTAPD photograph.
Families & children
A child's disability reorganises a whole household. We intervene early — inclusive learning support, referrals that actually land, and counselling for caregivers who are running on empty.
And every December, Ukonwaba: one day that belongs entirely to the children. Gifts, grass, noise, no appointments.
A seat at the table
Once a month, in each of our communities, members meet in a Consumer Forum and say what is working and what is not. Two forum representatives sit on our Board with full voices. That loop - member to forum to Board - is how we stay honest.
Beyond our walls: rights education in schools, gender-based violence awareness workshops, and community-radio interviews where our members speak for themselves.
Our members on air with community radio.
Skills that earn
Dignity has a payslip. Across six sites, members work and earn:
- Athlone — protective workshop at the Reable Centre (recycling)
- Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain — workshop at God's Favourite House Church
- Du Noon — vegetable garden: grown by members, sold by members
- Parkwood & Langa — sewing and sewing training
- Bonteheuwel — recycling workgroup
- Citywide — SETA learnerships and Department of Employment & Labour workgroups
Work that pays
Members at the Du Noon garden project. Real CTAPD photograph.
Skills that lead to work
A skills session in progress. Real CTAPD photograph.
Sewing that sells
In our sewing workshop. Real CTAPD photograph.
No referral needed. Just call.
If you or someone in your family lives with a physical disability in one of the suburbs we serve across Cape Town, phone 021 637 1204 or come to 152 Tarentaal Road, Bridgetown. You can see the suburbs we serve on the map on our home page. A social worker will sit with you, assess what is needed, and take it from there.
In short (Easy Read)
- We visit people at home and help with counselling and wheelchairs.
- We help children and their caregivers.
- We run work projects where members earn money.
- Call 021 637 1204. You do not need a referral.