Accessible Cities I Access Specialists
Over the last 10 years DiSA has become South Africa’s Premium Free Disability Information Portal. In recent years our service offering has evolved to not only Inform persons with disabilities about the services and products available to them, but to Identify and log barriers to access through our Yes to Access platform, and to Address and remove these inequalities, discrimination and barriers with the assistance of various Access Warriors, through our Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) platform.
At DiSA we believe an accessible South Africa is possible. Accessible Cities works towards the realisation of that goal. By standing together – by merging everyone’s time, resources, expertise, influence and passion and by working towards one goal with a plan and timeline in place, we believe that we can be the change that is needed.
Through our network of committed qualified service providers working together on various selected projects, we aim to be able to transform areas into fully accessible environments, which will eventually grow to become Accessible Cities where no-one is left behind and everyone can reach their full potential.
What Are You Looking For?
Accessible Cities South Africa
1. Current Policies and Legislation
2. Why We Need Accessible Cities-SA (AC-SA)
3. Accessible Cities – SA Partnerships
i. What are Access Warriors?
ii. Becoming An Accessible Cities – Access Warriors
iii. Access Warrior – Service Provider
iv. Benefits of Joining Accessible Cities SA
4. Accessible Cities-SA Compact Agreement
5. DiSA Partners in Access – Access Warriors
– Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB)
– BradshawLeRoux
– Happy Factory
– Nicky’s Drive
– Paws4life Training Academy
– Bamboo Rock
– Association of Assistance Dogs S.A
– Bidii Yetu No Limits
6. How Can We Help You?
1. What is ‘Accessible Cities’
Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) is a DiSA initiative formed to create awareness for the need for inclusive environments. It showcases various access specialists and partnerships that we have formed and work with to promote and help build a truly Accessible South Africa for all persons with disabilities.
2. Become a Partner for Change
DiSA partners with various specialists which we term Access Warrior is someone who is committed to partner with DiSA on our Accessible Cities South Africa platform, where we will promote them and the work that they are doing and they will work together with DiSA and other Access Warriors, to either embrace change or provide services that enable change.
3. Meet Our Partners
DiSA have partnered with various companies and organisations that we term Access Warriors. These companies and organisations provide products or services that improve access for people with disabilities, thereby enabling change for good. By merging everyone’s expertise, influence and passion, we work towards one goal with a plan and timeline in place to make the change that is needed.
Accessible Cities South Africa
Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) is the 3rd of the 4 pillars which fall under the DiSA Umbrella. AC-SA is a DiSA initiative to create awareness for the need for inclusive environments and to promote and showcase the partnerships that we have formed and work with to promote and help build a truly Accessible South Africa for all persons with disabilities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines, “An impairment as any temporary or permanent loss or abnormality of a body structure or function, whether physical or psychological” and that “Disability is imposed by society when a person with a physical, psychosocial, intellectual, neurological and/or sensory impairment is denied access to full participation in all aspects of life, and when society fails to uphold the rights and specific needs of individuals with impairments.”
Disability info South Africa (DiSA) supplies a “Free One – Stop Information Service” for and about persons with disabilities. Started in 2015 by Alan Downey, DiSA not only provides easy access to information via our website, but also a free contact centre, providing advice and guidance to those in need. Having access to these services is a basic human right and is the first step towards creating an inclusive South Africa, where no person is excluded or discriminated against and everyone is aware of their rights and what or who is available to assist them.
Over the last 7 years DiSA has become South Africa’s Premium Free Disability Information Portal and has recently also evolved to not only Inform persons with disabilities on what services and products are available to assist them through our Information Desk, but also Identify and log barriers to access through our Yes to Access platform, with the aim to Address and remove these inequalities, discrimination and barriers with the assistance from various Access Warriors, through our Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) platform. Via our DiSA’s News Network (DNN), we aim to Empower, Inspire, Educate and Entertain via our “Laugh At Life” – Cartoons; YouTube Channel; Facebook Page; Facebook Group and future Blog and Newsletter platforms, driving change and Inspiring persons with disabilities to be the best version of themselves.
By working with various like minded companies, individuals and organizations, we aim to create a link between them and the individuals, companies, clubs and organizations that need assistance, with the aim of building an inclusive, accessible South Africa for all.
1. Current Policies and Legislation
The Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 has highlighted the major economic disparities in societies and the devastating and lasting effects that discrimination, marginalization and inequality have had and still have on the lives of many people in South Africa, especially persons with disabilities.
This is despite the fact that our Constitution which was published in 1996, states:
“Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.”
Since 1996 various other policies, Acts and regulations have been written and sanctioned to attempt to ensure that all persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights as other South Africans. These policies, Acts and regulations include but are not limited to:
Despite these policies and legislation listed above as well as various others, many persons with disabilities, still do not have access to various public buildings; accessible public transport; inclusive education; employment; entertainment or recreational environments. Or essential products and services, such as equipment and easy access to government pensions and food parcels, preventing them from becoming active members of society.
Despite some improvements over the last 26 + years many of these regulations and policies are still not enforced and properly regulated, leaving many persons with disabilities and the elderly still feeling isolated from society.
We at DiSA believe that the time for change is Now. We need to remove these inequalities, discrimination and barriers.
Through our Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA) platform, we can achieve this if we unify all persons with disabilities, the organisations that represent them, as well as the business sector at large, and demand with one Voice the need for change and an inclusive, Accessible South Africa.
We say “Yes To Access, Let’s Break the Shackles of our Disabilities and claim our right to be part of an equal society.”
2. Why We Need Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA)
No company or organisation is an island, we all need to work together to make the change that we so desperately need.
Accessible environments are like puzzles, they include different pieces, without all of these pieces, the puzzle will never be complete. With access to our information; database of products, services and service providers, as well as our Access Warriors such as
We believe that DiSA can be the link to solidify everyone and form one chain working together to address these inequalities, discrimination and barriers to create a level playing field – Leaving No One Behind.
Through the reporting, identification and the logging of various barriers via our Yes to Access platform, DiSA not only provides a platform for anyone to report barriers to access or discrimination, but we will also find possible solutions and specialists, working together to tick all the boxes of accessibility.
Via our DiSA News Network (DNN) platform and the videos and webinars that we produce, we will not only create awareness for the shortfalls but also celebrate companies and environments that are accessible and inclusive, therefore inspiring and encouraging other companies to follow suit and become truly accessible.
Accessible Cities South Africa: Partnerships
DiSA is committed to form partnerships with both the Business and Disability Sectors, as well as well as various Government departments, so as to be able to achieve our goal of transforming our Cities in South Africa.
As a member of the “Cities for All” Campaign, which DiSA is a signatory and supporter, we are committed to drive change from the ground up.
To help achieve this and transform South Africa to make it accessible, DiSA have formed various other partnerships under our Accessible Cities South Africa banner. The time for talking is over, we can no longer sit on the sidelines and wait for government to enforce change. We call on all Companies, Organisations and Government Departments to join forces with us and become “Access Warriors” to fight for change and become truly accessible.
What are Access Warriors?
An Access Warrior is someone who is committed to partner with DiSA on our Accessible Cities South Africa platform, where we will promote them and the work that they are doing and they will work together with DiSA and other Access Warriors, to either embrace change or provide services that enable change:
Access Warriors:
Companies, Schools, Travel and Accommodation Service Providers, Universities, Businesses, Government Departments and Sports or Recreational Facilities that are willing to embrace change and want to become more inclusive and accessible to all people, especially persons with disabilities.
Service Providers:
Companies, Individuals and Organisations who can supply Services, Products and Support, to assist persons with disabilities and would like to be part of this network of passionate South African’s who want to help adapt the environment, cities and human settlements that we live, work and play in and to make them accessible for all people, especially persons with disabilities.
The time is Now, by merging everyone’s time, resources, expertise and influence, we can Unlock the Shackles of disability
and emerge from our comfort zones with the joyful anticipation of success.
Becoming an Access Warrior
If your Company, School, University, Travel and Accommodation Service Providers, Business, Government Department, Sports or Recreational Facility would like to join us as an Access Warrior, and stake your claim as part of Accessible Cities South Africa, it is your duty to inform all role players and stakeholders in both the public and private domains:
– If the underlying causes of the current marginalisation and social exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD’s) and to recognise them for their commitment; and
– To become accessible and inclusive in their Organisations, Companies, Schools, Universities, Businesses, Government Departments and Sports or Recreational Facilities.
As a representative of one of the above and as a group, you would be required to acknowledge the necessity of taking a proactive approach and to commit to the following 7 principals below, which include:
1. Raising Awareness for Disability Rights.
2. Initiating a Duty of Care to Respect, Value and Include Everyone.
3. Achieving a certified level of Universal Accessibility.
4. Identifying and contracting professional, ethical and accountable service providers in the Disability Sector.
5. Taking a pragmatic approach to employing PWD’s.
6. Challenging their peers and competition to equal or better their pledge to be recognised as accessible and inclusive.
7. Become an Access Warrior in support of Access, Disability Rights and the Needs and Care of persons with disabilities.
By merging everyone’s time, resources, expertise, influence and passion and by working towards one goal with a plan and timeline in place,
we believe that we can make the change that is needed.
Access Warrior – Service Providers
All “Access Warrior – Service Providers” are required to work together with DiSA and the other “Access Warrior – Service Providers” and to report on any progress with the Accessible Cities projects. To qualify as an “Access Warrior – Service Provider”, you would be required to pay a yearly admin fee and be able to supply at least one of the following services listed below:
– Life Coaches, therapists and/or Motivational Speaker’s
– Disability Insurance Specialists, Disability Tax Specialists or Financial Adviser’s
– Qualified and Certified Builders, etc.
– Qualified and Certified Web Designers
– Disability Awareness Training
– Disability Inclusion Training in the Workplace/Educational Facilities
– Disability Job/Learnership Recruitment Specialists
– Suppliers of Assistive Devices, Services and Educational Equipment for PWD’s.
– Accessible Transport Suppliers
– Accessible Education Service Providers
– Universal Access Consultant – Qualified and Certified
– Information Service Providers – Companies willing to sponsor the advertising on DiSA to assist small companies, clubs or organisations and to make information about these service providers easily accessible.
Through our network of committed qualified service providers working together on various selected projects, we aim to be able to transform areas into fully accessible environments, which will eventually grow to become Accessible Cities where no-one is left behind and everyone can reach their full potential.
Those companies or individuals contacting us looking for the services listed above or for a “Full Accessible” package for their business, educational facility, etc. will be introduced to various “Access Warrior – Service Providers” who are advertised on this platform to make their services easily available. Each of these qualified service providers will form an essential piece of the puzzle, which put together will make a perfect picture of accessibility.
Accessible Cities: South Africa Compact Agreement
The “Accessible Cities South Africa Compact Agreement” is an agreement between DiSA and other passionate companies or organisations that follow the same principals listed above, that would like to join DiSA on our Accessible Cities South Africa platform, so that they can fight for change to help build an Accessible, Inclusive South Africa.
If you would like to join us and become an Access Warrior – Service Provider, or join forces with us to fight for change and become an Accessible Cities – Access Warrior, please complete our compact form below, so that we can work together creating Accessible Cities in South Africa and beyond.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to join our Accessible Cities Project, please fill out the form below, or contact Alan Downey directly on:
Email: info@DiSA.org.za or info@disabilityinfosa.co.za
Mobile & WhatsApp: 084 504 9176
Thank you for your interest, support and understanding.
DiSA Partners in Access: Access Warriors
Both Access Warriors who provide products or services that enable change and those companies and organisations that embrace change and work with us to find solutions to various barriers, are listed below and currently include Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB), Bradshaw LeRoux, Happy Factory, Nicky’s Drive, Paws4life Training Academy, Bamboo Rock, Association of Assistance Dogs and Bidii Yetu.
Please read the information below to find out more about these organisations and companies and how they promote inclusive environments and Break Down Barriers, or Contact Us if you would like to be part of our Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA) platform and would like to find out more about the services that we can provide.
You can contact Alan Downey on: 084 504 9176 or email us on: info@DiSA.org.za.
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) founded in 1877 is the recognised “Voice of Business” in the region, working to create an enabling environment for economic activity and a platform for business to flourish. BKCOB who has their headquarters in East London/Buffalo City and offices in Queenstown counts over 700 businesses as members in good standing representing the private sector, thought leaders and academic institutions from a wide array of sectors. The driving focus of the Chamber is to represent the interests of business by identifying, developing and promoting the major issues that contribute to economic activity and growth.
At regional level, the Chamber strives to promote the socio-economic advancement of all people living and working in the Border-Kei region. It addresses issues around economic and industrial development; factory and business regulations; rates and local taxation; energy; town planning; crime; traffic and parking; regulations for informal traders; training needs; rail and air transport; freight handling; and tourist attractions.
We at DiSA are truly excited to be given the opportunity in 2021 to work with the Border-Kei Chamber of Business. Through this partnership we aim to identify barriers and inform and raise awareness in the corporate environment about disability in the workplace, so as to assist in clarifying and educating all parties involved.
Through our Accessible Cities-South Africa (AC-SA) campaign and in collaboration with BKCOB, we at DiSA believe that we have found the perfect partner with which to launch and run our pilot Accessible Cities South Africa (AC-SA) campaign. By partnering the “Voice of Business” with “South Africa’s Premium and Free Disability Information Portal”, who has taken on the baton in the race to “Accessible South Africa – 2030”, we believe that we can make the changes that South Africa so desperately need. The Time Is Now – We Are Stronger Together!
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Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting was established in 1998 and are recognized leaders in Disability Inclusion. “We focus on sourcing, identifying, developing and retaining diverse talent within your organization. Through our range of Disability Awareness Campaigns, Stereotype Busting Training, Strategic Consulting, and On the Ground support services, we leverage the benefit of their extensive network and experience in Disability Inclusivity to create enabling and flexible business environments.“
For companies seeking to employ talent, our role is to assist you in creating an accessible work environment that provides equal opportunities for employment of people with a disability.
In a nutshell, we represent both job seekers with a disability, and assist companies with including and developing people with a disability by creating a disability inclusive environment. We also offer SETA Accredited Learnership Programmes and various other services including”:
– Environmental Accessibility Audits
– Disability Awareness Training / Equity Training
– Communications Campaign
– Empowerment Training for Persons with a Disability
– Bursary Management Programme
– Accessible Education Service Providers
– ODIN: Online Disability Inclusion Network
In June 2017, Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting joined Disability info South Africa (DiSA) and became an active member of DiSA by not only assisting us with various queries that we receive through our website, but also by supporting us financially through advertising with us in 2017 and then continuously renewing their yearly advert including in 2024 the 8th year that Bradshaw LeRoux has supported DiSA, to assist us in supplying this free service to assist persons with disabilities. In October 2021, Bradshaw LeRoux also joined our Accessible Cities platform and then renewed their membership in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to support us in our goals to improve access for persons with disabilities.
Read More About Bradshaw LeRoux
Happy Factory focuses on advancing the art of people strategy with a unique consulting experience by crafting meaningful people initiatives and programs for companies through creativity, imagination & authenticity. To evolve the world and create great human experiences by crafting meaningful people initiatives and programs for companies through creativity, imagination and authenticity. To be a an evolved global firm offering unique people strategies advancing the way companies engage their people.
Happy Factory provide the following services:
– Disability Awareness Training and Inclusion Training
– Career Transitioning and Career Planning
– Team Dynamics – Individual and Team Values
– Innovation Programs
– Customer Service Training
– HR Audits
– Employee Well being Programs.
In August 2021, Happy Factory became only the 5th company or organisation to come on board and join our Accessible Cities South Africa platform and then renewed their membership in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Read More about Happy Factory
Nicky’s Drive is a registered non-profit organisation (086-364-NPO) that aims to assist South Africans with disabilities, to assist them to be more mobile and independent through the funding that they supply for car adaptions.
The lack of accessible public transport is one of the greatest barriers to the employment of persons with disabilities in South Africa. The ability to drive an adapted car provides more than just freedom, it enables persons with disabilities to develop their self-confidence, gain better access to education and work opportunities and thus make a valuable contribution to society through their work and family life.
Founded in 2011 by Nicky Abdinor, Nicky’s Drive is funded through Nicky’s motivational talks at conferences and events. Since 2011 TEDx Talk, Driving Dreams, Nicky has become a sought-after motivational speaker and has travelled around the world and appeared online sharing her story of resilience and cultivating optimism in uncertain times.
Besides her unique story, Nicky has the added expertise as a Clinical Psychologist that further enhances her message to create sustainable changes in our attitudes, beliefs and emotions. A portion of Nicky’s speaking fee is donated to Nicky’s Drive and goes directly towards the funding of car adaptations in South Africa.
Current services supplied by Nicky’s Drive and Nicky include:
– Sponsorship of Hand Controls
– Motivational Speaking
– Disability Awareness Training / Equity Training / Disability and Diversity Training
– Therapy Consultations.
In August 2021, Nicky’s Drive joined Disability info South Africa (DiSA) and became an active member, by not only assisting us with various queries that came via the DiSA website regarding individuals needing financial support to purchase Hand Controls, but also supporting us financially through the membership that they purchased from us in 2021. Joining our Accessible Cities platform in January 2022 and for then renewing their Membership in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Nicky’s Drive continues to be a valuable member and “Access Warrior” improving accessibility by removing the barriers that many people face in their daily lives.
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The Paws4life Training Academy is a specialised K9 training facility based in Cape Town which was started in 2015. We live by the motto: “Your dog is not just a dog”. We not only train puppies and dogs but we create an everlasting bond between human and dog.
Our founder has specialised knowledge in various areas of dog training and is also a qualified behaviourist. Paws4life has a few trainers who are qualified in their areas and specialities.
Through education, we strive to improve the lives of animals and in turn improve the lives of their people – cementing the bond between humans and canines. We also strive to provide affordable dog training that provides for the needs of all dog owners.
The Paws4life training academy provide the following Assistance Dog Training:
– Persons with Autism: Autism Support Dogs.
– Persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychiatric Service Dogs or PTSD Dogs
– Persons with Epilepsy or Seizures: Epilepsy Alert Dogs
– Persons with Psychiatric Conditions: Psychiatric Service Dogs
– Persons who have Cerebral Palsy or are Medically Frail: Multipurpose Service Dogs
– Persons who use Wheelchairs or are Unstable on their Feet: Mobility Assistance Service Dog or Balance Dogs
– Persons with Diabetes: Diabetic Alert Dogs
– Persons who are Deaf or have Hearing Impairments: Hearing or Alert Dogs.
In April 2022, The Paws4life Training Academy joined DiSA and became an active member, by not only assisting us with various queries that come via our website regarding Assistance Dogs, but also by supporting us financially through the membership that they purchased from us in 2022 and for then renewing their Membership in 2023, 2024 and 2025. By Joining our Accessible Cities platform Paws4life have become an “Access Warrior” helping us create awareness for the needs of Assistance Dogs and the laws regulating them.
Read More About Paws4life
Bamboo Rock is a project management company that has been in operation for 16 years and who specialise in universal access and disability. Bamboo Rock was established to address a need in South Africa for an organisation that is focused on bringing people with a disability and organisations together through skills development, life skills and business training, access auditing, reasonable accommodation assessments and a rigorous project management approach.
Bamboo Rock services include:-
– Universal Access Consulting Services
– Universal Access Audits
– Universal Design Input
– Project Management of Projects for People with a Disability
– Model Development for Projects for People with a Disability
– Universal Access Training- Universal Access Website Audits
In June 2022, Bamboo Rock joined DiSA on our Accessible Cities Platform and became an Access Warrior by, not only being available to assist us with various queries regarding Universal Access Design that we receive, but also by supporting us financially through this partnership that we have formed in 2022 and then renewing their Membership in 2023 and 2024. Together through our Accessible Cities – South Africa platform, all Access Warriors will work together to break down barriers, creating Accessible Cities, one step at a time.
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The Association of Assistance Dogs SA is a key initiative created under DiSA’s Accessible Cities platform.
It is dedicated to promoting the use of professionally trained Assistance Dogs to enhance the independence and quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
Assistance Dogs are life-changing partners that empower individuals with disabilities to navigate daily challenges with confidence. By setting training standards, registering Assistance Dogs, and collaborating with leading training organisations, the Association of Assistance Dogs seeks to ensure that these dogs are trained, respected, recognised, and able to perform their vital roles effectively
To this end, the “Association” works closely with various “Accredited Training Facilities” such as Paws4Life Training Academy, The Smart Service Dog and Honeys Garden Medical Alert Dogs, to set the standards for Assistance Dog Training and to ensure that all Assistance Dogs registered through the “Association meet strict ethical and professional guidelines.
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Bidii Yetu No Limits is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in New Mexico and dedicated to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities through sports.
In 2023 Bidii Yetu No Limits had a Vision to create a world in which people with impairments discover the strength to overcome the barriers that hold them back, regardless of their disability.
Their mission was exemplified by organizing adaptive and able-bodied cycling events, such as a notable journey that the organised covering over 3,000 kilometres across five countries in Southern Africa. Furthermore, Bidii Yetu showed their commitment to creating awareness and growing the sport of Adaptive Cycling by donating money raised during the cycling event, to various organisations involved in Adaptive Cycling, including DiSA.
In 2024, after completing this amazing event, Bidii Yetu No Limits joined our “Accessible Cities South Africa (AC – SA)” platform by providing funding to DiSA to help promote adaptive cycling and create awareness for the benefits of sport for persons with disabilities.
Through the funding provided by Bidii Yetu, DiSA have been able to:
– Create various videos to create awareness for the benefits of sports, including Adaptive Cycling for persons with disabilities.
– Provide free advertising on the DiSA website to promote various selected Sports Clubs that provide Adaptive Cycling for persons with disabilities.
Thereby assisting DiSA to promote the sport of Adaptive Cycling to persons with disabilities and making the information about these clubs easily accessible through our information service. Through this partnership between DiSA and Bidii Yetu, we look forward to growing the sport of Adaptive Cycling to make it truly accessible to all persons with disabilities.
Read More about Bidii Yetu
How can we help you?
At Disability Info South Africa (DiSA), we are committed to help you break free of the shackles of your disability through our One-Stop Access Solution that we provide to improve your daily living with the right tools.
Explore our trusted range of assistive devices—from mobility aids to positioning supports—carefully selected to suit your lifestyle and needs – Browse now and take the next step toward accessible living!
Key Objectives of the Information Desk include:
– Providing support and assistance to Persons with Disabilities and their families through our free Contact Centre.
– Linking People with the products and services they need to findprovide these products and services.
– Providing a free information service showing the various products and services that are available to suit your needs.
– Providing advertising opportunities to disability related Service and product suppliers.
Unlocking The Shackles of Your Disability Using the Key of Knowledge embodies our belief that knowledge is power.
With the correct information at your fingertips, you can break free of the barriers to reach your goals and dreams.
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Browse DiSA’s Assistive Devices now!
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