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 strategic framework that maps out how meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities can be achieved. It helps identify the root causes of exclusion, define the conditions needed for change, and guide the interventions that lead to long-term impact. This process began with key questions:

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

  • What barriers prevent full participation in society?

  • What conditions are necessary to build inclusive environments that value and empower persons with disabilities?

True inclusion requires more than access, it demands transformation. Persons with disabilities continue to face entrenched barriers – physical, social, economic, and attitudinal – shaped by stigma, stereotypes, and systemic exclusion from decision-making and policy development. These barriers limit mobility, independence, and participation, leading to diminished mental wellbeing, reduced opportunities, and a cycle of marginalisation.

Our Theory of Change guides efforts to break this cycle.
It is rooted in human rights, dignity, and equity, and focuses on:

Reducing disabling factors in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

Promoting self-representation and leadership among persons with disabilities.

Building inclusive ecosystems through advocacy, education, collaboration, and capacity-building.

The Theory of Change diagram below visually represents this pathway—from root causes to outcomes and serves as a reference point for aligning programmes and partnerships with our longterm vision.

Metrics for Success

Measuring impact is essential to understanding progress and guiding future action. The Theory of Change is supported by a set of metrics that help evaluate whether strategic interventions are leading to meaningful outcomes. Examples of what can be measured include:

  • Changes in access and inclusion, such as increased participation of persons with disabilities in education, employment, and community life.

  • Shifts in public attitudes and awareness, tracked through surveys, feedback, and engagement levels.

  • Policy and systems change, including the adoption of inclusive policies, improved service delivery, and representation in decision-making structures.

  • Empowerment and leadership, reflected in the number of persons with disabilities taking on leadership roles or contributing to advocacy efforts.

  • Improved wellbeing and quality of life, assessed through self-reported outcomes and longitudinal data.

These indicators help monitor progress, inform programme design, and ensure accountability to the communities we serve.

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.

Click on the branches below to learn more
Map-for-Website WORCESTER CERES MALMESBURY VELDDRIF VREDENDAL PAARL STELLENBOSCH HAWSTON RIVERSDALE CAPE METROPOLE MOSSEL BAY GEORGE OUDTSHOORN LAINGSBURG BEAUFORT WEST

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.