About Us

Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (WCAPD) is a registered Non-Profit (NPO 003-105) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 18/11/13/406).

We are dedicated to the holistic development and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.  Our focus is on providing inclusive and innovative approaches to improve their quality of life and access to basic services, especially in situations of severe poverty.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are equal and active citizens.  WCAPD goes beyond basic assistance by offering capacity-building opportunities to registered Associations for Persons with Disabilities (APD) branches and community-based service providers across the province.

We work with various stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their families, to achieve universal access, equality, and inclusion.

Theory of Change

The Theory of Change is a powerful tool that helps organisations like WCAPD to clarify our goals, assumptions, and strategies for creating lasting impact.  It is a comprehensive framework that outlines the steps we take to achieve our mission and the desired outcomes we aim to accomplish.  In this context, we undertook the Theory of Change exercise to articulate our understanding of the complex social issue of disability inclusion and to identify the key factors that contribute to the marginalisation of persons with disabilities.

Through this exercise, we sought to answer critical questions such as:

  • What are the root causes of exclusion and marginalisation of persons with disabilities?

  • What are the key barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society?

  • What are the essential conditions necessary for creating an inclusive environment that values and empowers persons with disabilities?

By exploring these questions, we aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and to identify the most effective strategies for addressing them.

Short to Medium Term Results

Our Theory of Change envisions a society where persons with disabilities are welcomed and valued, and where barriers are minimised to enable their full participation and contribution.  We strive for a future where perceptions and biases are challenged, and inclusive environments are created, leading to progress towards self-advocacy and access, equity, and inclusion.

The Work We Do

To achieve these results, we focus on minimising barriers and disabling factors, promoting active participation and decision-making of people with disabilities, protecting and promoting their rights, increasing availability and accessibility of resources and structures, fostering collaboration and education, and combatting stereotypes and promoting awareness of capabilities and contributions.

What is Needed

We recognise that creating lasting change requires inclusivity and equitable access, disability information, awareness, education, and sensitisation, as well as advocacy and self-representation.

The Challenges We Address

We tackle the physical, social, emotional, financial, and mental health barriers that limit the potential of individuals with disabilities.  We also address the lack of public awareness, discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion from policy development and implementation.  By understanding these challenges and working together, we can create a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are empowered to thrive.

Our Purpose and Principles

Our Mission

Empowering Inclusion:

Creating, facilitating and advocating for opportunities for inclusion of all persons with disabilities.

Our Vision

Inspiring Inclusion for All:

Empowering every individual through equal opportunities, fostering inclusive communities that value diversity, equity, and social justice, and promoting a culture of belonging.

Our Value Proposition

Respect:
Upholding respect and dignity for all individuals, promoting fairness, integrity, and inclusivity.

Inclusion:
Embracing diversity, recognising the contributions of all individuals, and involving beneficiaries, volunteers, sponsors, and staff in planning and decision-making processes.

Empowerment:
Fostering independence and equality for all individuals, committing to building human capacity at every level of our organisation.

Our Structure

WCAPD is among the nine provincial associations located across South Africa affiliated with the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), which in turn is affiliated with the South African Disability Alliance (SADA) and Rehabilitation International (RI).

It collaborates with various registered APD branches to deliver accessible and inclusive services to individuals with disabilities and their families across the Western Cape.

The rights and responsibilities of each branch are clearly defined in the Branch Constitution.

Legacy and Origin

On February 25, 1937, the Cape Cripple Care Association was established, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in South Africa.  This followed the establishment of the Invalid Children’s Aid Committee, the Lady Michaelis Orthopaedic Hospital, Princess Alice Orthopaedic Hospital, and St Joseph’s Home for Chronically Invalid Children.

In that same year, Lord Nuffield of England generously donated £100,000 to South Africa for the development of orthopaedic surgery and for the discovery and cure of crippling disabilities.

Recognising the need for a national body, the Cape Cripple Care Association convened a conference in Cape Town in June 1939.  This led to the establishment of the National Council for the Care of Cripples in South Africa, accompanied by the adoption of a cripples care charter during the conference.  In 1939, the trustees of Lord Nuffield’s gift appointed the National Council as the executive for the Nuffield Trust.

Initially focused on coordinating orthopaedic services for persons with disabilities, the organisation soon realised a broader need to address social issues affecting individuals.  This realisation prompted a shift towards a more holistic approach, where the organisation now considers the individual’s circumstances comprehensively and works towards fostering their independence.

Throughout its history, the organisation has undergone several name changes and is currently known as the Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities, affectionately shortened to WCAPD.