Training & Events

With over 30 programs annually, we equip caregivers and professionals with skills to address challenges and provide exceptional support.

Training Programme: 2025

  • Please note that all training is funding dependant which may result in unforeseen changes to the Training Programme. Check the newsletter and training registration forms for changes.
  • Unless specified for a closed group or for members only, training sessions are open to all interested. It is essential to register for training. Register online at: www.wcfid.co.za
  • General Attendance Certificates and CPD/CPTD Attendance Certificates (whichever is applicable) are available for those who attend for the full duration of a training session.
  • CPD/CPTD payments – Where CPD/CPTD points are pending, the WCFID will request payment from you once approval for accreditation has been received from statutory/professional bodies.
  • Those who have registered for CPD/CPTD points will be notified of approvals and details for payment via email
  •  After your proof of payment has been emailed to Shakira Khan at: coordinator@wcfid.co.za your CPD/CPTD Attendance Certificate will be emailed to you.

As an option, certain workshops are also available for onsite training: ‘Understanding Intellectual Disability’; ‘Learning by Doing’; ‘Learning to Think’; ‘Learning to use the Toilet’; ‘The Right to Protection’ and ‘Look Ahead’.

Coming Soon

Disclaimer

Details shared at training sessions or events are for informational purposes only. It remains the responsibility of the user to carefully consider any additional information. This includes considering individual circumstances, relevant law and legal opinion, before making any decisions based on details shared at the WCFID’s training sessions or events. details shared at the WCFID’s

January 2025  

Self advocates

SELF-ADVOCACY PROGRAMME:
Second last session of the 2024/2025 group

Thursday, 23 January 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Presenters: WCFID and The Living Link Centre
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland
No cost, closed Group

In May 2025, we will open this group to all adults with intellectual disability who would like to attend the next series on, ‘How to be a Self-Advocate’. Please note that all self-advocates participating in the current programme may continue with the programme starting in May 2025.

Email any queries to the Training Coordinator, Shakira Lakay: coordinator@wcfid.co.za

Picture1

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: FINANCIAL AND TAX COMPLIANCE

Wednesday, 29 January 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Presenter: Cheryl-Lynn Freeman, CEO of Mzanzi Business Services, Finance and Business Trainer, SMME and NPO Specialist
Cost: Members, R150 per person (pp), Non-Members, R250 per person (pp)
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland

Maximum of 20 people for this session

February 2025  

Picture1

BASIC CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT ACT (BCEA) AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Wednesday, 05 February 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Catherine Isaacs, Attorney, Isaacs & Associates
Cost: Members, R200 pp
Non-Members, R300 pp
Venue: Auditorium, Outpatients Building, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland
Maximum of 40 people for this session

 

This four-hour session will cover the BCEA and dispute resolution, including issues such as: sick leave; warnings; misconduct; the disciplinary process and grievance process.

Attendees will receive a free printed resource to accompany the presentation.

Picture2

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & WELLNESS (DoH&W) BUSINESS PLAN FORM

Provisional Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Facilitators: DoH&W representative and the WCFID Team
A no cost, members only meeting
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland
Maximum of 25 people for this session

The facilitators will guide attendees through the documentation required by the DoH&W. The date is dependent on when the department makes its call for submissions.

Picture3

THE FOUNDATIONS OF TEAMBUILDING

Date: Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Presenters: Sandy Butler, Human Resources & Project Coordinator and
Melanie O’Connor Horn, Trainer, WCFID
Cost: Members, R150 pp
Non-members, R200 pp
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland
Maximum of 25 people for this session

This session will focus on leadership and communication aspects of human resource management, with some practical ideas for teambuilding.

Picture3

PROVINCIAL DISABILITY FORUM

26 FEBRUARY 2025
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Recreation Hall, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland
This no cost meeting will be hosted by the Department of Social Development.

The invitation to this meeting will be sent out by DSD in due course.

March 2025  

MARCH IS INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

The WCFID will be presenting two different sessions on intellectual disability in March 2025. The first is a face-to-face session aimed largely at caregivers, and the second is a Zoom webinar, aimed at a broader audience including professionals.

Picture65236

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY FOR CAREGIVERS

Date: Wednesday, 05 MARCH 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Presenters: The WCFID Team and a Self-Advocate with intellectual disability
Cost: Members, R50 pp
Non-members, R120 pp
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital, Maitland
Maximum of 20 people for this session

This workshop will provide caregivers with insight into the condition and the lived experience of a person with intellectual disability.  Alternative training on 12 March.

Picture5

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY: SYNDROMES & LEVELS

Date: Wednesday, 12 MARCH 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Presenters: Melanie O’Connor Horn, Trainer and Shakira Lakay, Social Worker, WCFID
Cost: Members, R50 pp (R150 with HPCSA CPD points)
Non-members, R120 pp (R250 with HPCSA CPD points)

ZOOM Online

This session will cover the causes, diagnosis common syndromes and levels of intellectual disability with a brief introduction to communication and social support.

HPCSA CPD points pending

Picture6

SELF-ADVOCACY PROGRAMME: Last session of the 2024 /2025 group

Thursday, 06 March 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
 
Presenters: WCFID and The Living Link Centre
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital Maitland
A no cost session for a closed group
 
In May 2025, we will open this group to all adults with intellectual disability who would like to attend the next series on, ‘How to be a Self-Advocate’. Please note that all current self-advocates may continue with the programme starting in May 2025.

 Please email any queries to the Training Coordinator, Shakira  Lakay: coordinator@wcfid.co.za

Picture7

PRINCIPALS MEETING: ALL PRINCIPALS AND SUPERVISORS OF SPECIAL CARE CENTRES / 24-HOUR CARE FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH SEVERE TO PROFOUND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Date: Thursday, 13 MARCH 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Gail Davids, Director and Vanessa Japtha, Advocacy Manager, WCFID
A no cost, members only meeting
ZOOM Online

Picture8

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SUPPORTER?

Date: Wednesday, 19 MARCH 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Presenters: WCFID Team, Rebecca Johns, Registered Counsellor and other panelists, with an opening address by a self-advocate with intellectual disability.
Cost: Members, R50 pp (R150 with SACSSP CPD points)
Non-members, R120 pp (R250 with SACSSP points)
Venue: WCFID Training Room, Alexandra Hospital Maitland
SACSSP CPD points pending

Maximum of 30 people for this session

 

A discussion about facilitating self-agency, expression and independence for people with intellectual disability.

Picture9

A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOOL FOR INCLUSION OF PEOPE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Date: Wednesday, 26 MARCH 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Presenter: Dr Catherine Pitt, Occupational Therapist and Manager of Joyce Chevalier Centre Protective Workshop
Cost: Members, R50 pp (R150 with HPCSA & SACSSP CPD points)
Non-members, R120 pp (R250 with HPCSA & SACSSP CPD points)
ZOOM Online

HPCSA & SACSSP CPD points pending

Dr Pitt will share this simple, practical tool to facilitate community inclusion for people with intellectual disability. The tool can be used by organisations, professionals and families.