Subsidy cuts could dramatically affect lives of the blind and deaf
IT MAY not be in the best part of town and their offices are definitely not plush, but the staff at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society in central Durban know how to bring out that glow of confidence and a palpable sense of achievement in their clients.
The Independent on Saturday visited the society this week, following reports that the Department of Social Development intends cutting subsidies to NPOs which would have a major impact on those needing social services – particularly specialised services which need highly specialised skills.
Shown around the centre by social worker, Dinalise Swart, the first workshop we visit is basketry which is headed by Elija Ngwenya.
While Ngwenya might not be able to see, his basketry weaving has the touch of a master and he patiently helps the others around him in the sunny room.
Going next door, we visit the assembly section where plumbing goods and bath accessories are made. Swart says their products, such as plugs and pipe attachments, are in high demand as they are much cheaper than most suppliers. Thembi Ngcungama and Grace Ntaka chat happily to each other in sign language. They are both achievers and it’s obvious they have a pride in their work.
KZN Blind and Deaf’s deputy director, Nad Ramsarup says their first goal for their sight and hearing impaired beneficiaries is to provide them with independence.
This needs orientation and mobility practitioners, which requires a highly and very sought after skills set.
“Such skills are very scarce and highly specialised, such as using a white cane to move around and only qualified trainers can work with blind people in public spaces. We also teach independent living skills, such as cooking or making tea,” says Ramsarup.
He adds he is very concerned about what will happen to their beneficiaries if subsidy cuts are made and they have to reduce their staff complement. “NPOs like ours play a vital role in communities across the world. It’s our 80th anniversary this year and we assist blind, deaf as well as combined blind and deaf clients and multi-disabled, such as a combination of autism and deafness.
“Should these services be taken away, this independence will be taken away, which could not only result in physical injuries, but also issues such as depression, plus placing additional burden on families and government health services.
“Not only that, but each of our beneficiaries is a person who deserves to have their basic rights honoured,” he says.
Apart from the independence training, specialised practitioners teach Braille and sign language and provide a literacy service as well as sign language interpreters, work placement and awareness training at places such as hospitals and schools.
They also help place children into special schools and are currently working on a research project to establish the number of sight impaired children in the region.
“There are not enough special schools and sometimes there is simply no place for them. We have found children who are 11 or 12 years old who have never gone to school. In special schools, the children have to stay in a hostel, where caregivers need specialist skills. This all requires funding,” he says.
Ramsarup is proud to disclose Justice Zak Yacoob, retired constitutional court judge, went through KZN Blind and Deaf Society when he was a child.
As we leave, a group of blindfolded nurses are undergoing sensitise training on the stairs and are all blindfolded. We watch them trip, fall and stumble, it’s not an easy world when you cannot see or hear.