Physical And Mobility Impairments
Welcome to the Physical and Mobility Impairments page which assists persons with Physical and Mobility Impairments and/or disabilities.
Physical Impairments refer to injuries, conditions, or diseases that impair a person’s mobility or physical appearance, possibly affecting their ability to participate equally in society.
As a quick guide for navigation, please use the list to the right.
If you do not find what you are looking for there, please scroll down for a comprehensive guide of information to assist both persons with disability and persons seeking to employ those with disabilities.
The physical impairments section unpacks:
– the types of disabilities or impairments that can effect ones mobility, and/or affect ones physical appearance in such a way that disadvantages them in society
– Sports and/or Hobbies that are available in South Africa for persons with disabilities, through various clubs and organisations,
– Service Providers, Organisations, Companies, Products, Educational and Health Care facilities and professionals that are available to assist persons with disabilities,
– Services available to companies seeking to accommodate persons with disabilities.
2. Select Your Category of Interest
Below are categories of specialised services and resources available to assist persons with Physical and Mobility Impairments, including Service Providers, Organisations, Clubs and Companies, that provide Products, Services, Information, Sport, Educational and Health Care facilities and professionals.
Please select your area of interest from the icons listed below:
3. Physical Impairments Category Guide
Sensory Impairments refer to injuries, conditions, or diseases that impair a person’s 5 senses, namely Sight, Hearing, Taste, Smell and Touch, possibly affecting their ability to participate equally in society. Our Sensory Impairments section addresses the consequent challenges and presents the different products, devices, services, and organisations, available to help. Below are the categories this section addresses. Please select your area of interest and let’s get you equipped and empowered.
– Definition & Types of Physical Impairments
– Services and Products available to assist persons with Physical Impairments.
2. Types of Physical Impairments
– Conditions that cause Physical Impairments.
– Organisations that can help.
– Guidelines to making your home accessible, including: Ramps; Multi-Story Homes; Bedrooms and
Bathrooms
– Companies that can assist.
– Home Automation and other Assistive Devices
– Assistive Devices and Accessories available in South Africa, including:
– Companies that sell and rent Assistive Devices and Accessories
– Organisations that Donate Equipment to assist persons with disabilities
5.Assisted living and Self Help Centres
– Types of Residential Facilities for persons with disabilities in South Africa.
– Lists of Residential Facilities for persons with disabilitie
Step by step Guideline to applying for Disability Grant:
– Who qualifies?
– How to apply?
– Contact details of branches in your area.
– Do you qualify for Disability Tax Relief?
– How do you Apply?
– Who Can Help?
– Education Rights for Persons with Disabilities
– Education options for persons with disabilities in South Africa
– Bursaries, Learnerships and Job readiness Programs
9. Healthcare / Rehabilitation
– Step-by-Step guideline to recovery/rehabilitation or adaption:
– Support Services and Peer Networks
– Medical and Health Challenges and Solutions
– Who can help and what are your options?
– What you need to know as an employer
– What you need to know as an employee
– Creating accessible working environments
– Types of organisations that assist persons with disabilities.
– Services and support that they provide
– Types of Sports organisations that assist persons with disabilities.
12. Parking Discs | Accessible Features
Accessibility Guidelines:
– The importance of accessibility for persons with disabilities
– The legislation governing accessibility for persons with disabilities
– Universal Design and Access – Who can help?
– National Building Regulations
– Accessible Parking Bays, Discs and Permits
13. Transport Services / Vehicle Hire
– Wheelchair-accessible public taxis, buses, and trains
– Private accessible transport services
– Where can I hire a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?
– Accessible parking disks
14. Travel / Accommodation
– Step-by-Step guideline to travelling:
– Planning Accessible Travel in South Africa,
– Accommodation, Transport, Nursing Services and Equipment Hire.
– Beaches, Trails, Safaris, Things to do; Key Travel tips and resources.
– International Travel and Global Considerations, tips and resources.
15. Service and Guide Dogs
– Assistance Dogs for Persons with Mobility Impairments and Diabetes: Types and Benefits
– Companies and Organisations that provide training
– The Association of Assistance Dogs
– What are Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs/Pets?
– Equipment Used, Regulations and Rulings
16. Sensitization and Awareness Training
– Training programs for businesses and communities to foster inclusion
– Disability Conscious Training to break down stereotypes
17. Sports and Activities
– Sports and hobbies available in South Africa.
– Sports Clubs and organisations that offer disability sport
18. Legal Rights & Policies
– South African Constitution – Protection against discrimination
– Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act
– Employment Equity Act (EEA) – Workplace accommodations
– White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD)
19. Vehicles, Driving, Vehicle Aids
Steps to Getting on the Road, including:
– Choosing the Right Type of Vehicle to Drive or as a Passenger
– Learning to Drive an adapted vehicle.
– Motor Vehicle Importation Rebates and Accessible Parking Disks
– Assistive Devices and Vehicle Aids, including lifts, hoist and Hand Controls
Disclaimers and References
Simplified Summary
The Physical Impairments landing page on the DiSA Information Desk provides information on different mobility products, supports, and services available to help people with physical disabilities live more independently.