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This page deals with organisations that assist persons with Sensory Impairments and/or disabilities.

It features the various services and/or products that these organisations provide to assist persons with impairments and the Deaf, both directly and indirectly. As well as the assistance available to companies looking to accommodate persons with impairments and the Deaf.

The list on the right side of this page is a quicklink to some of these services and products. Additional information can be found in the content below.

Sensory impairments are conditions that affect one or more of the senses, including sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, and spatial awareness. This includes persons with Visual and Hearing Impairments, and those persons who are Deaf, Blind or Deafblind.

It is important to note that loss of one or more of your senses does not necessarily  lead to a disability or qualify you as a person with a disability. It depends on the severity of the impairment and how it affects your ability to participate in society.

Since 1981, persons with disabilities have organised themselves into their own organisations all over the world, including in South Africa. These organisations not only provide the needed products and services to assist persons with disabilities and the Deaf, but also provide a platform to ensure your voice is heard.

While striving to Identify needs, express views on priorities, evaluate services and advocate for change and public awareness, these organisations believe that persons with disabilities and the Deaf are their own best spokespersons.

What Are You Looking For?

  1. Disability Sensitisation, Awareness or Conscious Training?
    Provided by NCPD,and DiSA.
  2. Job Recruitment, Internships, Internships, Skills Development?
    Provided by NCPD and QASA.
  3. Residential Facilities and Self-Help Centres?
    Provided by National Institute for the Deaf (NID)
  4. Universal Design and Access + Reporting?
    Provided by NCPD, and DiSA.
  5. Donation or Selling of Equipment Including Braille Services?
    Provided by NCPD and Blind SA.
  6. Sign Language Courses (SASL)
    Provided by National Institute for the Deaf (NID)
  7. Orientation and Mobility Practitioners and Education Support
    Provided by Blind SA and NCPD

    View the information below to find further information on the Services and Products that these organisations provide.

“Nothing about us without us” – conveys the idea that people affected by a policy or law should be involved in its development and implementation. It’s a call to overcome oppression, empower people with disabilities and the Deaf, and demand equal inclusion.

  • Link to the National Council of Persons with Disabilities
  • Logo of Disability Info South Africa, your one stop access solution

Types of Organisations in South Africa that cater for Persons with Sensory Impairments

These organisations are divided into 4 main types, which determines who they cater for:

1. Cross Disability Organisations

Represents the interests of all persons with disabilities in South Africa, and includes the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and Disability info South Africa (DiSA).
Learn More about NCPD and DiSA and the services that they can provide

Double arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

2. Diagnostic-Focused Organisations

Represents persons in specific medical diagnostic groups in South Africa, and includes organisations such as Blind SA, The South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), DeafBlind and South African National Deaf Association (SANDA).
Learn More about Blind SA, SANDA and DeafBlind and the services they can provide.

Double chevron arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

3. Population Specific Organisations

Represent a population group, such as Women or Children with disabilities and includes South African Blind Women in Action) and South African Deaf Women Association (SADWA).
Learn More about SA Blind Woman in Action or SADWA and the services that they can provide.

Double chevron arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

4. Service Specific Organisations

Offers specific products or services suited for persons with Sensory Impairments, such as South African Library for the Blind and National Institute for the Deaf (NID), or Sports Organisations such as the South African Deaf Sports Federation,
Learn More about the South African Library for the Blind or NID and the services that they provide.

Double arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

1. Cross Disability Organisations

Cross Disability Organisations represents the interests of all persons with disabilities in South Africa.

1. The National Council of and for Persons With Disabilities (NCPD)

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is an NGO with a footprint throughout South Africa. It plays a lobbying and advocacy role when it comes to the rights of persons with disabilities. Delivering services targeted at the needs of Persons with Disabilities, and the creation of an equitable and inclusive society.

NCPD is “an umbrella body coordinating the advancement of the rights of persons with physical disabilities in accordance with the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and more.”

NCPD have nine provincial Associations for Persons with Disabilities with numerous projects and branches that focus on rural development, and social development.

NCPD offers a variety of services including

Logo for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, an organisation which provides specialised services for persons with disabilities in South Africa

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities have programs in place that aid persons with disabilities, to find jobs & acquire skills that they may need in the workplace.

“We offer BBBEE advice and services related to persons with disabilities, including Job placement, Skills development, Preferential procurement, Ownership and supply chain development.”

Read More about the Job Placement and Skills Development that NCPD provide:

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities offers Disability Equality Training courses to address the need for information about the reality of disability. Training is tailor made for every sector, including Tourism, Tertiary Education, Banking, Mining and more.

Through training they will find ways to challenge the organisational behaviour which reinforces negative myths and values, and which prevents disabled people from gaining equality and achieving full participation in society.

Training is done by an expert well trained team of persons with disabilities.

Read More about the Disability Equity Training that NCPD provide:

The NCPD is proud to be in a position to offer various SETA accredited training courses ( short course, learnerships and internships) together with corporate partners whom then get their BBBEE POINTS for the DTI scorecard.

We also do short training of Professionals in the Services and Health profession, for which these professionals get CPD points.

The courses for architects, and other professionals is not accredited for CPD points. Other training includes Caregiver training for carers of children or adults; Governance training; Fundraising training; Disability Equity training; Reasonable accommodation; Inclusive design; Various impairments and the implications; Drivers of persons with disabilities; Human Rights and advocacy; Assistive device repairs & Transport and driving training.

The majority of training sessions can be tailor-made to suit your needs.

Read More about the Training that NCPD provides:

Many persons with disabilities require the use of an assistive device for independence, but these devices are usually extremely expensive and therefore unaffordable for the majority.

The public health system does what it can to provide devices, but the demand is huge and it cannot entirely fulfil the need.

NCPD is not in a position to fund assistive devices, but from time to time, we are approached by donors wishing to fund assistive devices, which we can then pass on to individuals requiring devices.

Read More about Funding of Assistive Devices:

We go to certain areas to ascertain if the information we have on-hand is correct and/or to be up-to-date with the current situation in those areas.

The same goes for projects but with projects we also need to see how sustainable these projects are and if they need assistance to either stay the course or change the project toward better outcomes for the participants and beneficiaries of these projects.

Read More about the Economic Empowerment Services that NCPD provide:

Hearing loss can happen to anyone and NCPD would like to address the lack of services and support for this marginalised group through specific training and empowerment activities.

We provide the following to corporates:
i) How to reach full potential in the workplace despite deafness or hearing impairment.
ii) Communicating with Deaf or hearing-impaired employees in the workplace.
iii) From Paper to Practice: The White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the reasonable accommodation of persons with impairments/disabilities. (Accredited with 6 CPD points from HPCSA)

Workshops for Professionals working in the field of hearing loss and disability:
The Protocol and Guideline for identifying functional needs of a hearing impaired or deaf adult (accredited with 5 CPD points from HPCSA)

The following session is available to individuals, family members, NGO’s and NPO’s (including retirement centres):
Making the most of life despite hearing loss.

Vava iYouth is a project of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

As a youth wing of the NCPD, Vava iYouth is aimed at ensuring inclusion and equity for children and young persons with disabilities in South Africa in every facet of their lives and livelihoods.

We serve all youth with disabilities irrespective of impairment, race, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality.

Read More about the Va Va iYouth Project that NCPD provides:

Persons with disabilities are often excluded from many Events, Services, Information, Communication, Products and Venues, due to all users not considered during the planning phases.

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities can assist to prevent this from happening by applying Universal Design Principals during the design phase.

Read More about the Universal Design and Access Services that NCPD provide:

One would think, that since we live in an age where access and information is for the most part a click, persons with disabilities would enjoy all the same benefits as their non-disabled counterparts.

Yet, despite all these advancements , persons with disabilities still find themselves on the side-line when it comes to securing employment or simple matters like access to enjoy a sports match or theatre production.

The need to raise awareness is beyond dispute. NCPD invests in a number of initiatives aimed at educating and raising awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities.

Read More about the Awareness Raising Initiatives that NCPD provide:

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities can also supply information and assist with a variety of other Services, including: Universal Design; Access Audits; and Disability Equity Training.

Workplace services such as Job Placement, reasonable accommodation and Policy Review, Internships and training.

As well as Entrepreneurs with disabilities; Disability information and children’s programmes; Fund Raising and Referrals of persons with disabilities needing our services.

Contact us for more information on:
Tel: +27 11 452 2774 or Email: therina@ncpd.org.za or read the article below about the Fund-Raising Partnerships that the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities are involved in.

For more information on hearing loss please click on the links below:
– South African Hearing Institute ( SAHI ) www.sahi.org.za
– The Association for Hearing Loss Accessibility and Development (AHLAD) www.ahlad.org
– Road to independence www.roadtoindependence.co.za

Who and What is Road to Independence?
Road to Independence founder, Fanie du Toit experienced severe hearing loss for many years, but after 29 years had the miracle of being able to hear again after bilateral cochlear implants in 2011.

– He is a specialist of Hearing impairment and Deaf affairs for the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities.
– Presenter of “Leefwêreld van die Gestremde” on RSG and other community and national radio stations.
– Founder member of the Association for Hearing Loss Accessibility and Development (www.ahlad.org)
and an Adult Education Practitioner

Read More about Fanie du Toit and Hearing Loss Matters:

For more information contact Michele Tonks: michele@ncpd.org.za or Fanie du Toit: fanie.dt@ncpd.org.za

Image of Fanie Du Toit, Specialist of Hearing impairment and Deaf affairs for the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities.

Contact the National Council of and for Persons With Disabilities: Email: therina@ncpd.org.za |
Tel: +27 11 452 2774

2. Disability Info South Africa (DiSA)

DiSA is an NPC (NPO – 256-154) which provides a One-Stop Access Solution to assist persons with disabilities.
This includes Easy Access to information and Access to the environment.

Through the services that DiSA provide, we strive to create equality for all persons with disabilities in Southern Africa.

DiSA was started in 2015 as a free information service but has since evolved to include 4 Pillar services including:

Logo of Disability Info South Africa, your one stop access solution

1. Information Desk: – Informs People of their rights and who or what is available to assist them through our Free Information Website and Contact Centre.

2. Yes To Access: – Identifies Discrimination, Barriers to Access and Inequalities through our Reporting and Complaints Platform.

3. Accessible Cities South Africa: – Addresses lack of equal rights for persons with disabilities by creating awareness and providing professional services through our Accessible Cities Project Management platform, which includes Universal Access Consulting, Auditing Services, Disability Consciousness Training and more. Thus, working together with society, industry and DiSA “Access Warriors” to help break down barriers to equality.

4. DNN Platform: – Empowers and Inspires persons with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest potential through Interviews, Cartoons and Educational and Awareness Videos.

Through these 4 Pillars DiSA provides the services listed below, to Inform people with disabilities on who or what is available to assist them, Identify and address barriers to access and Empower and Inspire persons with disabilities to be the best that they can be.

DiSA services include:

DiSA offers a dedicated information website that serves as a one-stop resource for disability-related support and solutions. The platform connects individuals with relevant services, products, and organisations across South Africa.

DiSA also facilitates Advertising and Product or Service Referrals, helping businesses and service providers reach their target audience while ensuring people with disabilities access high-quality, tailored solutions for their needs. This service promotes inclusion and accessibility while bridging gaps in information and resources.

Read More about the DiSA Information Desk and the Services that we supply

DiSA offers a “Yes to Access” Complaints and Reporting Platform to empower individuals with disabilities and their families by addressing accessibility issues, discrimination, or service gaps.

This platform allows users to report challenges they encounter in accessing public or private services, facilities, or products.

DiSA collaborates with relevant stakeholders to resolve these issues, advocating for greater inclusivity, compliance with disability rights, and improved accessibility standards across South Africa.

Read More about the DiSA Yes to Access Complaints and Reporting Platform

Alan Downey, co-founder of Disability Info South Africa (DiSA), delivers Motivational Speaking engagements that inspire and empower audiences.

Drawing from his personal journey as a quadriplegic of over 30 years and his work in disability advocacy, Alan shares insights on overcoming challenges, embracing resilience, and focusing on possibilities.

His talks aim to shift mindsets, foster inclusion, and motivate individuals, companies and organisations to break barriers and create positive change.

Read More about Alan Downey and the Motivational Speaking services that he provides

Alan Downey, Executive Director of DiSA provides a variety of services to share his knowledge and experience gained over 30 years in a wheelchair and 10 years running the top disability information service in Southern Africa.

This includes but is not limited to:
– Interviews around disability related issues.
– Consultations regarding living with a physical disability and adapting to your circumstances. 
– Peer Support to individuals, organisations, companies and communities that include or interact with persons with physical disabilities.

As a passionate disability advocate, with a wealth of knowledge gained from researching and running a disability information service,he continues to fight for disability rights.

As a member of the Global Peer Support Network and administrator of DiSA, he provides unique insights, practical guidance, and empathetic support to persons with disabilities, as well as companies wishing to accommodate them.

His services aim to empower people with disabilities, raise awareness, and foster inclusion by addressing challenges, sharing expertise, and encouraging positive change.

Visit our DiSA News Network to view our various Interviews that Alan Downey from DiSA have produced

Igor Rix, is a qualified access consultant and co-founder of Disability Info South Africa (DiSA). He specialises in conducting Accessibility Audits and providing detailed reports on barriers within physical spaces and services.

Igor develops practical Implementation Plans to address these challenges, ensuring compliance with both national accessibility standards and international best practices. While focusing on fostering inclusivity for all individuals.

Ensuring all people of diverse needs and preferences, can fully participate and contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Read More about Igor Rix and the Accessibility Audits, Reporting and Implementation plans that he can provide

The Disability Conscious Training also known as “Disability Awareness Training” or Disability Sensitisation Training” is offered by DiSA in a comprehensive program designed to raise awareness and foster understanding of disability-related issues.

Tailored to your company needs this training is delivered in collaboration with Access Warriors and disability specialists and equips organisations, businesses, and communities with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive environments.

The training draws on the 30 years of lived experience of DiSA’s Executive Director, Alan Downey, a quadriplegic and disability advocate, as well as the extensive access consultancy expertise of co-founding director Igor Rix, a qualified access consultant.

Additionally, it leverages the vast resources of the DiSA website, a trusted platform for disability-related information in South Africa.

This unique combination ensures practical insights, expert guidance, and actionable strategies to help participants promote accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights within their company.

Read More about the Disability Conscious Training (Awareness/Sensitisation Training) offered by the DiSA Team of experts

DiSA spearheads their Accessible Cities Project Management, working alongside Access Warriors and other specialists to transform organisations, companies, educational facilities, communities’ and urban environments into inclusive, accessible spaces.

This initiative focuses on changing attitudes, creating awareness, developing policies and identifying and addressing barriers in infrastructure, services, and public spaces, to ensure compliance with accessibility standards..

By leveraging expertise in access consultancy, disability advocacy and a variety of other specialists, DiSA facilitates sustainable, practical solutions to remove barriers and change cities one step at a time, to create environments where everyone, including people with disabilities, can thrive.

Read More about DiSA’s Accessible Cities Platform and Projects

Alan Downey, from DiSA, produces Educational and Awareness Videos, Interviews, and Awareness Cartoons to promote understanding and inclusivity.

These creative and engaging resources address key topics related to disability, such as accessibility, assistive devices, sport, advocacy and other important disability related topics.

Through these Videos, Interviews, and Awareness Cartoons, DiSA aims to foster awareness and empower individuals, companies and organisations to face barriers head on and act toward a more inclusive society.

To promote inclusivity Alan Downey also provides Closed Captioning services to videos already created, to ensure that they reach the widest possible audience and are accessible to persons who are Deaf or have hearing loss.

Visit our DiSA News Network (DNN) to find out more about the Closed Captioning services that we provide, or to view our various Educational and Awareness Videos, Interviews, and Cartoons that DiSA have produced.

Contact DiSA: Please feel free to contact Alan Downey on: Email: info@DiSA.org.za or info@disabilityinfosa.co.za, or
Contact Number: Office: 021 761 4831 or Mobile/WhatsApp: 084 504 9176, to find out more about the services that DiSA provide, or to receive a quote.

2. Diagnostic Focused Organisations

Diagnostics Focused Organisations represents persons in specific medical diagnostic groups in South Africa

1. Blind SA

Blind SA is a National Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) of the blind and for the blind. (Reg. No. 000 606 NPO, PBO Ref. 130003512) Established in 1946 as the South African Blind Workers Organisation (SABWO), it was renamed Blind SA in 2004.

Situated at 5 Fuchs Street, Alrode, Alberton, Blind SA services the blind and visually impaired in all provinces in South Africa.

The vision of Blind SA is to do whatever is necessary or conducive to empower visually impaired people to become economically self-supporting and to live a full and meaningful life as citizens of South Africa.

The biggest challenges faced in our communities is the shortage of financial resources to enable our blind and visually impaired beneficiaries to reach their full potential as independent members of society.

The impact that Blind SA has had on the community is a more informed, empowered and enabled blind and visually impaired community.  Because we have so many such people who are in serious need of our assistance, we would welcome the opportunity and resources to be able to reach more people with the view of creating a self-supporting, independent and informed blind and visually impaired community throughout South Africa.

“Our Purpose is to end the cycle of poverty for Blind South Africans, empowering them with knowledge and information through education, braille and developmental services and to break down barriers, provide opportunities and create answers that improve the quality of life for the blind community so that they can live the life they choose.”

Advertisement for Blind SA, working towards the empowerment of all Blind persons in SA

Blind SA provide several Products and Services Including:

One of our primary goals is to promote quality education for all learners with visual impairments in South Africa. Our Education Committee addresses all issues concerning education from pre-school intervention to general, further and tertiary education and training, as well as adult basic education and training.

Learn More about the various educational services that Blind SA provide to assist learners with Visual Impairments:

It is crucial that specialised schools and resource centres are developed and strengthened to accommodate the blind and visually impaired.

Our committee will also support learners who can cope in mainstream schools, provided that adequate assistance is provided by education authorities and that the parents of the learners have made informed decisions. The Education Committee will continue to oversee the education and training of learners, as it is their constitutional right.

We also offer Interest-free loans to assist with living costs and study materials. Where appropriate, financial assistance is extended to parents or guardians of children who are at school. This is done through Blind SA’s Learners’ Fund.

Learn More about the various Facilities and Support that Blind SA provide to assist with the Education of persons with Visual Impairments:

Finding a job is hard enough for people without disabilities.  Blind SA facilitates training so prepare blind and partially sighted people for the workplace.  Added to this we train SMMEs to Start and Improve their businesses, which not only enables them to comparatively run their own business, but also to provide jobs for others.

Blind SA has also embarked on training which enables blind and partially sighted people to use computers, smart phone, as well training on food tasting and recognition of fragrances.  Added to this we train them skills for daily living.

Learn More about the Skills Development and Training that Blind SA provide to assist persons with Visual Impairments:

Getting a job is the starting point of self-sufficiency and dignity for most people, with no exception to the blind. In 1946, Blind SA (formerly SABWO) was formed to help blind and visually impaired South Africans. 

People who are blind or visually impaired can be found working in most industries. With the right skills, training, and technology there are few jobs the blind and visually impaired cannot do. Our assistance can successfully help integrate blind people into their new roles and into businesses.

Learn More about the ervices Blind SA provide to assist with the Employment and Upskilling of persons with Visual Impairments:

Blind SA provide independence training to blind and partially sighted persons so that they may live independently without depending on other people to take them around or perform skills of daily living on their behalf.

We aim to change the attitudes of sighted people towards people who have visual disability and educate them on how to assist a blind person and to respect the cane.

Through “Orientation and Mobility” we also train clients to enhance the learner’s personal mobility skills, and to develop insight into the challenges facing persons who are blind and partially sighted.

Learn More about Blind SA’s Orientation and Mobility Training Services:

Blind SA established Braille Services in 1953 and is the only producer of braille in all eleven official languages of South Africa. Access to the written word is the greatest communication barrier blind folk face.

Despite advancements in audio technology, reading and writing can only be attained through braille, making it key to literacy. We produce braille to order only and try to meet the reading needs of all our customers. Each page of every textbook needs to be transcribed into a braille master page, then duplicated and bound into useful study aids.

Our Heidelberg GT Platen Press allows for quick production and our Viewplus Braille and state-of-the-art software means we can print tactile diagrams and pictures.

Learn More about the Braille Services Blind SA offer:

Blind SA stock and sell a variety of Assistive Devices to assist persons who are Blind, this includes the:

– Mali-Bhala – a money counter and signature guide.
Read More about the Mali-Bhala on the Blind SA Website

– The Tatrapoint Mechanical Brailler – is a more cost-effective affordable braille writing machine manufactured in Slovakia. Blind SA has imported a limited number of units which are available for purchase.
Read More about the Tetrapoint Brailler on the DiSA Website

– Braille-Me – is an electronic braille note-taker and display produced in India. Blind SA entered into an exclusive distributor agreement after having tested the device.


Learn More about the various Facilities and Support that Blind SA provide to assist with the Education of persons with Visual Impairments:

To learn more about the Services & Products Blind SA offer click here: Blind SA – Orientation and Mobility page

CEO: Jace Nair – ceo@blindsa.org.za
Manager-Skills Development: Susan van Wyk – susan@blindsa.org.za
Manager- Braille Services: Philip Jordaan – philip@blindsa.org.za
Manager- HR & Admin: Cindy Zulu – hr@blindsa.org.za
HOD – Skills Development: Johnson Mdhluli – johnson@blindsa.org.za
HOD – Funding & Communication: Karin Gouws – karin@blindsa.org.za
Economic Empowerment Officer: Teboho Lehasa – eeo@blindsa.org.za
Development Officer: Thandile Butana – developmentofficer@blindsa.org.za
Assistive Devices (Sales and Technician): Roedolph Britz – technician@blindsa.org.za

For any other requirements, any of the above staff will direct you to the correct contact.

Contact: Blind SA Head Office: Tel: +27 11 839 1793/4, Website: www.blindsa.org.za
Physical Address: 5 Fuchs Street, Alrode, Gauteng, South Africa
Registration No’s: 000 606 NPO; PBO 130003512

2. DeafBlind South Africa (DBSA)

DeafBlind South Africa ((DBSA) was formed to provide a voice and support services to individuals who are DeafBlind, their families, caregivers and friends as well as any other persons closely involved with their day-to-day activities

It serves individuals who are DeafBlind of all ages, dealing with all conditions of DeafBlindness, no matter what the degree of severity of the dual sensory impairments.

The severity of combined visual and auditory impairments means that DeafBlind people cannot automatically utilize services for people with visual impairments or with hearing impairments. Therefore, DeafBlindness causes extreme difficulties regarding education, training, working life, social life, cultural activities, information, communication and mobility.

DeafBlindness must therefore be regarded as a separate disability which requires special methods of communication, mobility and special methods for coping with the functions of everyday life.

Learn More about DeafBlind South Africa and how they can assist persons who are DeafBlind

3. South African National Deaf Association (SANDA)

SANDA is an advocacy organisation at the forefront in promoting and advancing the rights of Deaf people at all levels of society. SANDA provides quality services, ensuring public accessibility and increasing awareness of issues affecting Deaf people at all levels in South Africa.
It serves individuals who are DeafBlind of all ages, dealing with all conditions of DeafBlindness, no matter what the degree of severity of the dual sensory impairments.

Learn More about South African National Dead Association and how they can assist persons who are Deaf

3. Population Specific Organisations

Population Specific Organisations represents the interests of all persons with disabilities in South Africa.

1. South African Deaf Women Association (SADWA)

South African Deaf Women Association (SADWA) is a Non-profit organisation of, by and for Deaf women that represents the interests of Deaf women throughout South African through advocacy, lobbying and awareness; capacity building, training and empowerment; networking and strategic partnership; ICT; and equitable access service delivery.

Click on the link below to learn more about the South Africa Deaf Women Association and how they assist deaf women in SA.

Learn More about the South African Deaf Women Association (SADWA)

4. Service Specific Organisations

Service Specific Organisations offers specific products or services suited for persons who are Blind or Deaf

1. South African Library for the Blind

The South African Library for the Blind renders a library and information service to blind and print-handicapped readers. They do this through the production of accessible South African reading material in development of a comprehensive library collection and rendering of advisory services to promote access to information.

Read More about the South African Library For The Blind and the Services they offer

2. National Institute for the Deaf (NID)

The National Institute for the Deaf (NID) provides several services to promote the use of Sign Language in South Africa. This includes providing the NID Sign Language Centre (NID SLC) which serves both the Deaf and the hearing communities by developing content, and by doing research in South African Sign Language (SASL). 

Other services provided include Compassionate Care Facilities for both the Deaf Multiple Disabled Adults and Deaf Elderly; Online SASL Courses; Online SASL Learner’s License course and Digital Interactive Educational Books.

Learn More About The National Institute for The Deaf and how they can assist you

Disability Sports Organisations

There are also a variety of Sports Organisations which assist and cater for persons with disabilities and the Deaf.

Disability Sports organisations are organisations which govern and promote Disability Sports and promote opportunities for people with disabilities and the Deaf, to participate in sports. These Sports Organisations can include national governing bodies, international federations, professional leagues, amateur leagues, and grassroots organisations and are categorised into the following:

1. International Disability Sports Organisations

For example the International Paralympic Committee  for persons who are Blind and The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) & Deaflympics for persons who are Deaf work to: Develop sports; Organise competitions; Promote rights; Support athletes; Exchange resources; Prepare standards; Plan events, etc. Read More about these International Sports Organisations on the DiSA Sports Page [LINK*]

Double arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

2. National Disability Sports Organisations

Govern some disability sports. A good example of this. is: South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD) for persons who are Blind and the South African Deaf Sports Federation or Deaf Sports South Africa (DSSA) for persons who are Deaf. These South African Sports Federations promote and develops sports for athletes with visual impairments and those who are Deaf respectively.Read More about these National Disability Sports Organisations and the services that they provide [LINK*]

Double chevron arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

3. Provincial Disability Sports Organisations

For example The Free State Sport Association for the Physically Disabled and Visually Impaired (FFSAPD), and Deaf Sports South Africa (DSSA) promote and develop sports in various provinces for people with disabilities and the Deaf respectively. Read More about FFSAPD or DSSA and the benefits of the services that they provide

Double chevron arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

4. Sports Club Organisations

which offer either a single or a variety of sports in a particular province or city in South Africa, this includes clubs such as the Differently Abled Cricket Club.
Read More about “The Differently Abled Cricket” on our Sports Page. [LINK*]

Double arrow indicating a click action is required should the reader wish to learn more about Cross Disability Organisations

Please visit our Sensory Impairments Sports page to find out more about these organisations and how they can assist you, or search for Sports organisations via our ” Sports Organisation” Search Facility.

Terminology: Why We Use The Words We Do

While the terms “Disability” and “Impairment” are often used interchangeably, they do in-fact have very different meanings.

An “Impairment” is something that has happened to the body which cannot be changed, such as a condition, disease or injury, while a “Disability” happens to the person with an impairment when society puts barriers in their way, fails to uphold their rights or does not provide reasonable accommodations.

Barriers that can create disability can be categorized into Environmental, Information, Communication and Attitudinal Barriers.

Visit our Information Desk to find out more about Disability and Impairment.

1. Disability-owned organisations (NPOs or NGO’s): are at least 50% owned by persons with disabilities and render disability services, including advocacy.

2. Representative organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs): Constitute the collective voice of persons with disabilities, are at least 50% owned by persons with disabilities, have membership and primarily advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and provide services to their members.

3. Disability Service Organisations (DSOs): Focus on service delivery (rehabilitation, habitation, counselling, training, employment support etc.) to persons with disabilities, and are not necessarily owned by persons with disabilities, or membership-based organisations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

– www.qawc.org
– www.qasa.co.za
– www.sasapd.org.za
– www.sascoc.co.za

– www.fssapd.co.za
– www.ncpd.org.za
– www.annhardingcheshirehome.org.za
– www.paralympic.org

– www.nappyrun.org.za
– www.casualday.co.za
– www.dpsa.org.za
– www.dacc.co.za