One of the highlights of 2026 for us so far was the opportunity to welcome an international delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to Jo-Dolphin/Swartland APD.  The visit formed part of the CPA’s three-day Forum on Legislating for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, hosted in Cape Town, and attended by parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from across the Commonwealth.  Recognising the importance of connecting policy discussions with real-world practice, the CPA approached us in search of a local organisation that could provide delegates with a first-hand view of disability support services in action.

The visit offered a unique opportunity to demonstrate how inclusion is not only discussed in boardrooms and legislative chambers, but also implemented every day within communities across the Western Cape.  Delegates were welcomed with an introduction to our work by Erica du Toit, providing insight into the role we play in advancing opportunities, support services and inclusion for persons with disabilities throughout the province.

The group then toured the Jo-Dolphin facility under the guidance of Estrellita Geldenhuys and Jo-Dolphin Chairperson Heidi Myburgh.  Visitors were given a glimpse into the many ways the organisation supports children, young people and families.  The tour included visits to classrooms, where delegates observed educational activities and interactions with children, as well as a stop at the opportunity shop, which highlights another important aspect of community support and sustainability.

Along the way, delegates learned more about the services offered by Jo-Dolphin, the role played by volunteers, and the partnerships that help sustain programmes, including support received from government.  The visit concluded in the coffee shop, where guests had the opportunity to observe young people receiving practical training in kitchen and hospitality skills while enjoying refreshments.  The now-famous chocolate mug cakes proved to be a particular favourite among visitors.

Beyond the tour itself, the occasion held significant strategic value.

With delegates representing countries including England, Ireland, Trinidad and Tobago, India, Malaysia, the United States of America and South Africa, the visit provided a rare platform to share our story with an influential international audience.  Opportunities such as these play an important strategic role in raising our profile, demonstrating the value of community-based disability services, and positioning us as a credible voice in international conversations around disability rights and inclusion.  They also create valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and relationship-building with leaders and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth.

Perhaps most importantly, the visit reinforced a powerful message: meaningful inclusion happens when policy and practice work hand in hand.

By opening our doors and sharing our work, we were able to demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when communities, organisations, volunteers and government work together to create opportunities for persons with disabilities.

This was more than a site visit.  It was an opportunity to tell our story on a global stage, highlight the remarkable work taking place within our network, and demonstrate to the Commonwealth what inclusion truly looks like.  It is an experience that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout moments of the year.

If you would like to learn more about our work, arrange a site visit, or explore opportunities to engage with our network and programmes, we invite you to contact Erica at awareness@wcapd.org.za.  We would welcome the opportunity to show you inclusion in action.