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Creating opportunities for people with disabilities

About a million South Africans are blind or visually impaired.

Dream House Workshop for the Blind was established in 1929, with the aim of providing sheltered employment to visually impaired people.

“In 1990 the Workshop made changes to make it more business- oriented and available to those with any disability challenges, and from all races.

Blind South Africa President Cathy Donaldson said about a million South Africans are blind or visually impaired.

“Finding employment and accessible and supportive work environments remains a primary challenge, but although the situation is difficult, it is through the existence of various organisations that strive for a better life and equal opportunities for both blind and disabled people.

“Dream House Workshop for the Blind is one such social enterprise that is helping to create and maintain substantial permanent employment opportunities for blind, disabled and previously disadvantaged people.

“People with disabilities are often looked down on as if they are not capable of achieving much,” she said.

Blind South Africa managing director Emmie Boshoff said for this reason, they always challenge and encourage their employees to try the impossible.

“Today the social enterprise comprises of four companies, three of which are registered as (Pty) Ltd enterprises.

“The purpose of the (Pty) Ltd Companies is to generate income for the Non-profit Section 21 supporting its drive to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including unskilled and previously disadvantaged members of the community.

“The quality products and services that are in demand include a wide range of cane products, repair of cane furniture and riempies, upholstery and curtains, a selection of blinds, including Venetian and wooden Venetian blinds, bamboo and vertical blinds, fertilizer sticks that feed pot plants for up to 100 days and a lot more,” he said.

Boshoff said during the peak season, up to 150 extra people are employed on a contract basis, to cope with the orders.

“During the quiet season, our own people are sent home with just a small allowance, with devastating financial implications for them,” he said.

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