​As the world marks International Day of People with Disabilities, the founder and Director of Shangri-La Community Development Project, Amor Malan, has called on society to make efforts to move persons with disabilities from the periphery by maximizing their access and effortless participation into the formal education system and the mainstream economy.
Malan added that they are not disabled, but are differently able, so what they wants is the support and recognition in every sector of society.

She founded the self-help organization two decades ago, after realizing that people like her who suffer from high-level spinal injuries need support services and special attention all the time. But also, to support the development of persons with disabilities’ capacities by providing them with a common platform to exchange and share their experiences.

The 55-year-old who is a wheelchair user said being disabled should not stop anyone to chase their dreams.

“I urge every person with disability to take the initiative and do whatever they want to do, disability is not necessarily an inability”.

The residential facility which is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development since 2000, provides permanent accommodation for people with disabilities around Vaal and provides meals, care attendants, and transportation services to people with disabilities. The centre also provides monthly food packages for families with disabilities within the community of Vaal to ensure that no disabled people are left behind or go to bed without a meal.

Malan said they started the facility as they realized that there were many persons with disabilities like her who requires 24-hour care or some assistance throughout the day. Some of these people can stay with their families, while others have permanent caregivers who live with them. She added that their facility caters to people who cannot live with their families or on their own due to their disability and the assistance they require, and they cater for young adults, adults, and seniors.

The centre employs eleven (11) staff members who are trained to take care of the resident’s day-to-day needs.

The centre has wheelchair ramps to allow access and provides transport for the residents. Malan indicated that staying in their centre allows the residents to take control of and be responsible for their lives. The residents live in what is basically a communal home for wheelchair users and combine their various skills to ensure the smooth running of the centre.

The centre has the capacity of seven (7) beds and currently provides accommodation to five (5) adults with spinal cord injuries and other couple both having disability approved to come in January, however, Malan said they would also want to expand if resources allow them because they realize that the facility is helpful to many people living with a disability.

“We receive many applications for people who want to stay here so the idea of growing the facility is there, but it will depend on the resources and who comes forward to lend a hand. But what we have realized is most people are comfortable and find peace in our facility”, she added.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Malan said while the day aims to promote an understanding of disability rights and mobilises support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, she feels this should be done 365 days throughout, not just one day.

Malan added that the issues around disability need to be further elevated and we must ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into the mainstream economy.
She said the social exclusion they experienced in the past must be buried in the past and now every person with a disability should begin to make a difference in society. “

Malan further said as persons living with disabilities, all they want is to be part of this world as a sector they believe they have a legitimate role to play in society, therefore want to make equal contribution.

Malan said Covid-19 has placed people with disabilities under difficult conditions because they are unable to get help from others due to Covid regulations.