On March 1, the world celebrates the wheelchair – a wonderful assistive device that empowers millions to gain more independence. We recognise the important role that this assistive device plays in the lives of our members. Moreover, we recognise that it can be inaccessible to many in South Africa due to the (often astronomical) costs of purchasing a wheelchair. We have several programmes in place to assist our members with acquiring a wheelchair and ensuring it is functional.
Bread tags are collected and resold to a recycling company. The funds received go towards donating a wheelchair to a person in need. It takes roughly 200 km of bread tags or 450 kg of bottle tops to fund a basic wheelchair.
There are not enough funds for every wheelchair user to have a customised chair suitable to their level of disability. We do encourage our members to apply for mobility aids that suit their individual needs.
Bread tags can be dropped off at your nearest QASA office or regional association.
Provision of mobility and assistive devices
Recognising that a wheelchair should ideally be customised to the needs of the individual, we also have programmes in place to help members purchase mobility or assistive device – including but not limited to wheelchairs. Members are encouraged to reach out for assistance with any assistive device required. We will consider the application on a case-by-case basis.
We have also strategically partnered with businesses that are passionate about keeping our members mobile. Sabat Batteries have been generous in its support of the organisation donating batteries to QASA members who make use of power wheelchairs. We are grateful to their support.
In addition, Sabat Batteries hosts its annual Power Wheelchair Race. Read more here.