MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A project aimed at making the lives of persons with disabilities easier, was officially launched in Mossel Bay on Friday evening, 26 July.
The project, Disability Accessibility Mossel Bay (DAM), is being incubated by the Education and Training Hub for Autism Needs (ETHAN).
DAM is a 5-star rating system designed by persons with disabilities for persons with disabilities, and is focused around how accessible and comfortable a facility is for persons with disabilities.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, who attended the launch at the Bahia Bleu Restaurant & Lounge, congratulated Mossel Bay on the project.
"This model is aimed at making Mossel Bay the first disability-friendly town in South Africa, and I am honoured that the Western Cape Department of Social Development can be a partner in such an important initiative."
Throughout the launch evening, those in attendance heard stories from various community members with disabilities and the challenges they face in their everyday lives.
The DAM sub-committee, consisting of Jacques Mostert, Patrick Saayman, Amanda Bester, Diane Hobbs, Louw-let Fourie, and Ronel Mareé challenge public places (businesses, restaurants, malls, hotels, guest houses etc.) to make “reasonable adjustments” and to make their spaces more welcoming, attractive and user friendly for persons with disabilities.
Bahia Bleu has come forward as the first establishment to provide this accessibility on their premises. The restaurant was recognised at the launch as the first to receive a 5-star rating from DAM.
"The beauty of this system is that it also supports universal access principles – whether you are getting on in your years and have some challenges reading a small print menu, or prefer quieter, calmer places, or are just trying to get a pram into your favourite restaurant," said the committee.
Mossel Bay Mayor, Dirk Kotzé, also in attendance at the launch, congratulated the teams from ETHAN, the Department of Social Development, Alma Kapp and the team from Mossel Bay Municipality, who have all made this initiative possible.
"I look forward to seeing DAM grow from strength to strength as we take hands with the community and the private sector to, not only grow universal access in Mossel Bay, but make Mossel Bay the most accessible town in Africa!"
Where can you start to make your establishment more accessible to persons with disabilities?
1. Email DAM at disabilityaccessmbay@gmail.com and ask to sign up.
2. DAM will email you the criteria for a self-audit.
3. Do your self-audit.
4. Contact DAM for an assessment, evaluation and training.
5. Once completed you will receive a certificate and a plaque showing your rating status.
