Opening doors, creating hope
Nestled in the suburb of Chatsworth, the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (APD) has been working tirelessly to empower people living with disabilities. Days before the organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary, CHARLENE SOMDUTH reflects on its work.
FOR many people, the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (APD) has given them a new lease of life through its Chatsworth Protective Workshop programme, in partnership with local businesses.
This initiative gives those with physical disabilities the experience they need to secure jobs.
“We have partnered with local businesses, like Asialink, who import and export plumbing materials. We currently have a team working on assembling and packaging taps.
“They are set up in groups, one to unpack the pieces, another to assemble the taps and the last group to pack the taps,” explained senior social worker Nalini Moodley.
“We are empowering them with skills, so they can get jobs in a factory, or something similar,” she added.
Moodley said the workshop had been running for 30 years and a number of people with disabilities entered the open labour market.
“We take in people whose ages range from 18 to 59 and currently have a group of 25 attending the workshop from Monday to Friday. They remain in the programme until they find jobs and receive incentives for their work.”
The workshop supervisor, Lilly Moodley, is a shining example of how attending these programmes can be of benefit.
Moodley began visiting the organisation from the age of five.
“I was born with post-polio, which made my bones weak and left me unable to walk. For many years, I used crutches. As I got older and my bones weakened, I started using a wheelchair.”
Growing up, Moodley visited the organisation twice weekly with her mother, Savandari, for physiotherapy.
“By the time I was 15, I was already attending the association and learning how to sew and knit from other volunteers,” she said.
“When I turned 21, I became part of the workshop assigned to businesses. Although I had a disability, I never allowed it to slow me down. I had a strong support system in my family and the staff at the organisation.” Her tenacity resulted in her being employed by the organisation as a workshop supervisor.
She leads and supports individuals with similar backgrounds.
“I never thought I would get the opportunity to do something like this.”
Former carpenter Balan Moodley’s life was turned upside down 30 years ago, after doctors discovered he had a brain tumour.
“Soon after the diagnosis, I underwent an operation to have the tumour removed. However, complications from the surgery left me unable to walk and it affected my speech,” he said.
“I was at the lowest point in my life.”
Moodley, 53, was the sole breadwinner in his home.
“Losing my mobility was difficult and I could not cope with the situation. I took care of my family financially and not having a job was tearing me apart inside.”
The grandfather of one had found a new lease of life at APD.
“I was sitting at home idle and my neighbour told me about the association and the programmes it offered and I decided to join them.
“I found a new purpose. Apart from being in the workshop, I also fund-raise for the organisation and sell Casual Day stickers at the local malls. I now feel empowered.”
Youngster Julius Mzlie is hoping the skills he learns help him secure a job to better provide for his family.
Mzlie, 24, of Bottlebrush informal settlement, in Crossmoor, lives with his mother and five siblings.
Although they have electricity, his family, he said, had to walk a distance to get tap water.
Mzlie, who struggles to grip onto objects with his left hand, said that despite their tough living conditions and his disability, he remained positive his life would improve.
“I attend the programme, so I can learn how to do things that will hopefully help me get a job and earn a proper salary. I want to one day have a proper home with running water,” he added.