About Us

Disability info South Africa NPC

Registration Number: 2019/376416/08
NPO Reg. 256-154
PBO number: 930083434

DiSA, officially known as Disability Info South Africa, is an NPC which serves as a One-Stop Access Solution to empower persons with disabilities by providing both Easy Access to information and services to improve Access to the Built and digital environment.

Started in 2015 by Alan Downey, Disability info South Africa has been supporting people with disabilities and their families for over 10 years.

At DiSA we understand the journey.
We understand the challenges individuals with disabilities face.
But we also understand the profound difference that equal access and the right support and resources can have on this journey.
It is this understanding and passion that drives DiSA.

At DiSA we are passionate about helping, enabling and empowering persons with disabilities to live the best life they can.
We are committed to advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, promoting access and inclusion –
Because We Have Lived It!

One-Stop Access Solution

At DiSA we firmly believe an accessible future for all is possible and that people with disabilities have a significant contribution to make.

We Are dedicated to realising this vision through our services that we provide, whereby we Inform people with disabilities, who or what is available to assist them, Identify and Address barriers to access and Inspire, Educate, Entertain and Empower people with disabilities to be the best that they can be.

Information Desk Icon

Information Desk

DiSA informs and empowers people by highlighting who and what is available to assist them through our free information website and contact centre. We showcase a wide range of products, sports, services, and support options, and connect users directly with the companies and organisations that provide them and support DiSA through advertising partnerships.

Universal Access Icon

Universal Access

Universal Access is the principle that all people, regardless of ability, should be able to access and use environments, services, products, and information safely, independently, and with dignity. Our Access Consultants specialise in assessing, advising on, and guiding the design of physical spaces, systems, and services to ensure they are inclusive, compliant, and usable by everyone.

Accessibility Specialists

The Accessible Cities Platform showcases a range of accessibility specialists and strategic partners that DiSA works with to promote and build inclusive, accessible environments across South Africa.
Through these collaborations, the platform supports meaningful access and enables persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in society.

Awareness Training

Awareness Training

Our Awareness Training Programme forms part of a broader training initiative that includes Sensitisation Training and Disability Conscious Training, aimed at transforming workplace culture, improving accessibility, and fostering meaningful inclusion. All services are tailored to your organisation’s unique needs and delivered by DiSA in collaboration with our specialised accessibility partners, ensuring informed, practical, and effective outcomes.

DISA’s News Network (DNN) News and Media Platform

News and Media

DiSA’s News Network (DNN) is our dedicated news and media platform designed to inspire, educate, entertain, and empower persons with disabilities.

Through a diverse range of content—including awareness and educational videos, motivational talks, cartoons, interviews, blogs, newsletters, and social media platforms—DNN promotes positive representation, practical knowledge, and meaningful engagement.

Discrimination Complaints Icon

Discrimination Complaints

Yes To Access (YTA) is an online reporting platform developed by DiSA to uphold and promote the civil right of persons with disabilities to equal and fair access.

The platform invites anyone in society to voluntarily identify and report barriers to access and instances of disability discrimination, helping to raise awareness, encourage accountability, and support more inclusive environments.

Sometimes we all just need a
Helping Hand from
Someone Who Gets It!

At DiSA We Get It!
We understand the difficulties of the journey.
We understand that no disability is the same.
Our Goal is to facilitate and enable the Access YOU need
Information = Empowerment | Access = Inclusion
How can we help you ?

Meet the DiSA Team

Meet Alan Downey

Meet Igor Rix

Alan Downey

Alan Downey, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Disability info South Africa (DiSA) is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility.
Over the last 10 years since starting the DiSA information service, he has worked to promote awareness, support, and provide information that empowers people with disabilities to live with independence and dignity.

Igor Rix

Igor Rix is a Co-Founder of DiSA and a Universal Access Consultant. Igor’s passion is addressing the accessibility and knowledge barriers.

For the past 15 years he has worked tirelessly to provide accessibility and inclusive design advice to various UA projects.
Igor’s motto is: ‘Where there is an inclusive will, there is an accessible way… and it starts today!

Disability info South Africa” (DISA) was developed by Alan Downey 21 years after breaking his neck in a diving accident. “After spending 21 years in a wheelchair, I came to realize that many persons with disabilities did not get the same support that we had, and while living with a disability is difficult, it can be made easier if you have access to the right information and support structures to assist you.

With this in mind, I decided to research and develop a web site that could help others in a similar situations to myself.”
“In 2015, after 20 years in a wheelchair, I realized that there was still a dire
need for this free information support service for and about the 4 main Disability groups in South Africa, namely Mobility, Intellectual, Visual and Hearing Impairments.”

In May 2017, two years after researching and building DiSA, Alan officially launched the free service and began selling advertising space to various companies, clubs and organizations that provide products and services to assist persons with disabilities. Through this advertising and support over the next 4 years that Alan received and continues to receive, he has been able to assist thousands of people in need and grow and improve DiSA to become the “Go-to-information portal” for all persons with disabilities, thus creating a link between persons with disabilities and the companies, clubs and organizations that are available to assist them.

In 2019 Alan saw the need to expand DiSA and employ personal to help him grow this service. To do this, he realized that he needed to find other avenues of funding to supplement the revenue gained from the yearly advertising that he was receiving. In August 2019, after partnering with Igor Rix and Gregory Marks, Disability Info South Africa NPC was registered (Registration No: 2019/376416/08), so as to facilitate this funding. “In 2021, we received our NPO registration number and May 2021 marked 6 years since the birth of DiSA.”

Vision
Over the last 6 years, DiSA has become the Go-To Information Portal for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa, creating easier and more convenient access to essential information via our free website and support service.

Our Vision is to improve access for persons with disabilities and grow DiSA and the support services that we supply. We aim to do this by following 4 principals: – Inform, Identify, Address and Empower.

Inform – People of their rights and who or what is available to assist them.
Identify – Discrimination, Barriers to Access, Inequalities and Lack of Information.
Address – the lack of equal rights for persons with disabilities by working together with “Access Warriors”, organisations, government departments, companies and interested parties to break down these barriers to access and to make a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.
Empower – all persons with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest potential and be the best that they can be.

By following these 4 principals, using our platforms and support services that we have created, we strive to make the necessary changes for an Accessible South Africa, creating easy access to venues, environments, information, products and services, to enable persons with disabilities to break free of their barriers and comfort zones and experience success.

In Your Own Words

  • “Alan Downey from DiSA focuses on customer’s requirements by paying attention to their needs by understanding their products and services, thus finding top solutions and channels aligned to best ROI. Impressed by the good customer communication and feedback received, creating a good company image.”

    Soul Vision Group (marketing coordinator for Care by Sr. Sue).
  • Thank you for your response and your services are highly appreciated. You have an inspirational story which brings courage, hope and motivation to all of us living with a disability. Thank you so much for sharing your brilliant mind with us and making it possible for us to have access to all the necessary information. I believe in giving credit where credit is due; Be encouraged. With GOD all things are possible. May he broaden your horizon. Dream On.
    Dreams come true.
    Eugene Andrews 
  • Ever since I visited this site I have been in contact with Alan, if you need any assistance from adapting your home to help with tax refunds even assistive devices – Alan really goes the extra mile. I have been in contact personally with the people listed on his website. Its a good website to have at your fingertips. Thank you Alan! I have found this website very useful.

    Fatima Mustapha

How can we help you?

At Disability Info South Africa (DiSA), we are committed to provide a One-Stop Access Solution to create a more inclusive society.

Guidance & Support

We provide personalised guidance and practical support to help individuals with disabilities navigate accessibility challenges and available resources in South Africa. 

Accessibility Audits

Be part of the solution not part of the problem. Get a professional Accessibility Audits to assess report, and recommend improvements for creating inclusive, barrier-free environments.

Disability Awareness Training

Do you employ persons with disabilities? DiSA provides Disability Awareness Training to educate and empower businesses, staff, management and communities to foster inclusive, respectful, and accessible working environments. 

Call to action image of an african women in a wheelchair, seated in an office environment.
Let’s Chat. We Can Help!

Advocacy & Resources

Do you have a problem? Contact DiSA, we connect individuals with the right legislation and support networks to help them on their journey. 

Looking for talented staff?

Don’t overlook talented individuals with disabilities— ability comes in many forms. We have specialized recruitment companies that can assist. Get in touch with us today! 

Access the Disability Market

Look no further! Advertise with us today and become part of our community!

Together, we can create a world where independence has no limits!

Disclaimers and References

DiSA is committed to promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities as outlined in the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We strive to ensure that all content on our website reflects appropriate, respectful, and inclusive language in alignment with these principles.

However, we also provide a platform for companies and organisations to advertise their services and products. While we encourage advertisers to adhere to correct terminology and inclusive practices, DiSA cannot guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of the language used by external parties in their content.

Please note: Any views, language, or terminology used in advertisements, promotional material, or external links do not necessarily represent the views of DiSA.

DiSA disclaims any responsibility for inaccuracies or language that may not align with the White Paper or best practices for disability terminology.

Should you however encounter language or content that you believe is inappropriate or offensive, we encourage you to contact us at info@disa.org.za, so that we can address the issue.

DiSA remains dedicated to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all individuals. We appreciate your understanding and collaboration in supporting our mission.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

DiSA provides a platform for companies and organisations to advertise their products and services to assist persons with disabilities and their families. While we make every effort to list reputable and credible service providers, the inclusion of any company, organisation, product, or service on our website does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee by DiSA.

Please note the following: DiSA is not involved in the delivery, quality control, or customer service of any product or service offered by advertisers listed on our platform.

Any agreements, purchases, or arrangements made between users of this website and advertisers are solely between those parties. DiSA is not responsible for the outcome of such interactions.

DiSA disclaims any liability for dissatisfaction, damages, or disputes arising from products or services supplied by companies or organisations listed on our website.

We encourage users to thoroughly research and verify any service provider or product before engaging with them. If you have concerns or encounter issues with an advertiser listed on our platform, please let us know at: info@disa.org.za. We value your feedback to help maintain the integrity of our platform.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

DiSA is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to assist persons with disabilities and their families. However, the nature of online content and external resources means that information can change frequently.

Please note the following: DiSA cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of all information on our website, particularly information obtained from external sources or links to third-party websites.
External websites may update or remove content without notice, which can result in broken links or outdated information. DiSA is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or functionality of external websites.

While we make every effort to keep our information current, some content may become outdated over time.
We encourage users to verify information directly with the relevant third parties or organisations before making any decisions based on the information found on our platform.

If you encounter a broken link or outdated content, please notify us at: info@disa.org.za and we will address it as soon as possible.
Thank you for understanding and helping us maintain a reliable and accessible platform.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

The Information services and website that we offer free of charge, is privately run and funded and is not run or funded by the government. We rely on advertising, paid services and donations to supply and improve this Free information service that we do provide.

The Companies, Clubs, Schools and Organisations that are listed on this site, have advertised or made donations to the Website and have therefore assisted us be able to provide this free Service.
Please support them as they have supported Us and please contact us via info@disa.org.za, if you can advertise with us or would like to make a donation. Alternatively, visit our “Support Us” page to find out how you can support us or acquire our services. – Thank You.

If you encounter a broken link or outdated content, please notify us at: info@disa.org.za and we will address it as soon as possible.
Thank you for understanding and helping us maintain a reliable and accessible platform.

Please Note: We do assist with inquiries via email but may need to send or copy your details and inquiry to various other organisations, companies or government departments, that we sometimes consult, so that we can help you in the best way possible.
If you have any objection to us sharing your query or contact details, please notify us in your email. We will only share your information to assist you and will never sell or use your personal information for any other purposes.

DiSA waivers any liability for what happens if information is shared or used for marketing or other purposes by other organisations who do have consent to view such information.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

Please note that this website uses images and videos that are AI-generated and created to visually represent certain information, concepts or scenarios for illustrative purposes.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

Disability Info South Africa (DiSA) is committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013. By using our free information service, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Collection of Personal Information:
DiSA may collect and process your personal information (such as name, contact details, and inquiries) solely for the purpose of assisting you with your requests and providing relevant information or support.

Use and Storage:
Your personal information will only be used for the purpose it was collected for, we may need to send or copy your details and inquiry to various organisations, companies or government departments, that we sometimes consult, so that we can assist you in the best way possible.
If you have any objection to us sharing your query or contact details, please notify us in your email. We will only share your information to assist you and will never sell or use your personal information for any other purposes.
DiSA implements appropriate measures to secure your personal information against unauthorized access or loss.

Consent:
By submitting your details through our Contact Form, or contacting us via our email address, you consent to allow DiSA to process your information as outlined in this disclaimer. If you are not comfortable with DiSA sharing your information for the above purposes, please contact us directly at info@disa.org.za.

Access and Updates:
You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information at any time.
To do so, please contact us at: info@disa.org.za.

Third-Party Websites:
DiSA is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites linked on our platform. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of third-party sites before sharing personal information.
For any queries or concerns regarding the handling of your personal information, please contact us at: info@disa.org.za.
Thank you for trusting DiSA to support you with accessible, inclusive, and reliable information.

Simplified Summary

The DiSA “About Us” page shares our story, lived experience, services and commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities across South Africa.