2022: THIRD TERM NEWSLETTER

This 'bumper edition' of the Newsletter is packed with information! The Training Programme includes a range of topics such as:
- Introduction to epilepsy,
- Introduction to labour law,
- Autism: Programmes in place for young adults,
- Supporting siblings of children and adults with intellectual disability,
- Capacity building and compliance for NPOs: Legal structures; NPO registration and Governance
- Learning to communicate: An alternative communication resource, communication apron
Please click on the link below for the details and to register. The full Training Programme is also avalable at: https://wcfid.co.za/training/

SUBMISSIONS TO PARLIAMENT

WCFID SUBMISSION TO PARLIAMENT (portfolio Committee on Basic Education) BASIC EDUCATION LAWS AMENDMENT BILL. A missed opportunity to legislate and fund inclusive education and education for children with disabilities.

WCFID made a written submission and requested an opportunity to make an oral submission on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (BELA Bill) `{`B2-2022`}` in June 2022. The written submission notes the Bill’s silence on inclusive education and education for children with disabilities, and specifically its silence on the right to education of learners with severe to profound intellectual disability.
It is silent on the systemic exclusion of learners who attend special care centres (NGOs). This silence undermines the rights of these learners to care, protection, dignity, equality, non-discrimination and education.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Japtha, Advocacy Manager at: advocacy@wcfid.co.za

HEAR OUR VOICES - HEAR OUR MESSAGE

This year the WCFID chatted to some young people with intellectual disability about their lives, their hopes and dreams. Young people with intellectual disability have the same interests, hobbies, hopes and dreams as their peers but feel they are not given the same opportunities to explore this and that they are unfairly judged. This International Disability Awareness Day, 03 December 2021, has the theme of ‘The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke – Create and Realise an Inclusive Society Upholding Rights of Persons with Disabilities’. Let’s listen to the voices of young people with disabilities and aim to build an inclusive society for their future.

THE WCFID TURNS 50 YEARS: 1971-2021

As part of the WCFID's 50th year celebration, an awards ceremony was held to recognise and thank a few people for their special contribution to the development and growth of the 'Forum'.
It was a difficult task to limit the awards to a certain number of receipients, ideally, the WCFID would have wanted acknowledge the entire intellectual disability community!

To view the awards ceremony, please clink on the link below.