Living with a disability (Cerebral Palsy) in South Africa has given me an unique perspective of life. I have lived both in the ‘disabled’ world and the ‘able’ world and this helps me to understand both worlds. I often have felt that having experienced both ‘worlds’ I can form a bridge and help promote a greater understanding – an understanding that is often lacking and that leads to much misunderstanding because of the segregation that our society has encouraged up to now.
After school I went to Stellenbosch University which was a lifelong dream and this is where a passion for being involved in the disability field began. My involvement with disability affairs on campus as well as my determination to succeed in my academics and other community service got me noticed by the powers that be which led me to win the Rector’s Award for succeeding Against the Odds three years in a row. I soon became a spokesperson for disabled students and that has guided me to star hosting talks and workshops. After finishing my social work degree, I started a Non Profit Company called Bridging Abilities with a colleague. I was an executive director and operations manager for nine years. The company used sport and recreation to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
I am also a South African para-cyclist and am the only senior female competing on a tricycle in South Africa and the rest of Africa. I have competed in two World Cups and two World Championships, winning a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships and the World Cup in the WT1 category in 2016. I also have eight national titles.
My various experiences, positive and negative, have shown me how much education, awareness raising and discussion is needed. In my talks I cover various aspects of disability, such as the nature, effects, societal perceptions/misconceptions, interpersonal and intrapersonal factors/effects, as well as how to interact with persons with disabilities. I also create a safe environment where people can ask questions that they have always those about but never wanted to ask for fear of offending someone.
Groups that might benefit from a talk or workshop with me.
· If you want to become more comfortable in interacting with people with disabilities
· People within the disability sector who wants to hear from the other side or hear someone who has walked the journey and succeeded
· Companies / organizations who want to open their doors to people with disabilities
· People who are passionate about sports
· Women’s groups
· Churches
· Schools
· People who have disabilities
Places Where I Have Done Talks/Workshops
· Rhenish High School, 2018 (Grade 11 Life Orientation Classes)
· Shofar Christian Church 2017 – 2018 (Ministry leaders)
· Stellenbosch University 2012 – 2014 (Staff Workshops)
Ladies’ Tea In Plett
· Sterreweg Day Care Centre for Children with Disabilities, Plettenberg Bay (Staff Workshop)
Contact me via email for more info about workshop rates