Durban North Academy

It’s always nice to report on a success story and this one is no exception.

Anastacia Lebona completed the Business Practical Learnership program in September 2014. Anastacia has a physical disability but she never allowed this to dampen her enthusiasm. She showed great potential right from the start of the program and very rarely missed a class, being always eager to learn. Needless to say, she completed the course with flying colours.

Anastacia would attend on-site practical work with Bidclick , who sponsored her learnership, requested that she gain practical experience on their site once a week, and were so impressed with her dedication, hard work, and performance that they offered her employment as soon as the learnership program ended! She is currently getting experience in various departments within the company as she is groomed for a future supervisory role.

There are huge benefits for clients who choose to take on and employ learners whom they have sponsored on a learnership program, making them eligible for the 5 bonus points on the Skills Development score card. The disabled learners not only receive a qualification at the end of the Learnership program but are also groomed and coached as confident, hardworking and employable people who are keen to learn more.

Natasha Mc Allister
Operations Manager – KZN

International Multiple Sclerosis month: (1 – 31 May)

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is an effort by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) to raise awareness of the condition. The goals are to promote an understanding of the disease, and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, degenerative condition of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting the brain, the spinal cord and the optic nerve. It is the most common disabling neurological disease among young adults and affects around 3000 to 4000 people in South Africa. MS is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are almost twice as likely to develop it as men. MS is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the connections between the brain and the body’s nerves are damaged.

The term “multiple sclerosis” means “many scars.” This is because multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition characterized by scars or lesions in the spinal cord and the brain. Though MS has been recognized as a disease since the mid 1800’s, its cause still remains a mystery. Scientists are working with several theories about the cause of MS as their foundation for efforts toward a cure.

Scientists suspect that MS may be indirectly linked to a virus or bacteria. Up to now, no virus or bacteria has been identified, and there is no evidence that MS is contagious. However, the clear involvement of the immune system in MS indicates this path of research may be promising. MS is not directly inherited, but it is clear that genetic factors play a role in who gets the disease. In some populations such as the Eskimos, the illness is unheard of.

As well as myelin loss, there can also sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres. It is this nerve damage that causes the accumulation of disability that can occur over time. The underlying damage to the brain and spinal cord may become permanent, leading to physical disability or cognitive impairment (problems with memory, thinking and other mental functions). While there is no cure for MS, major strides in understanding the disease and knowing when and how to treat MS have been made over the past decade.

 

Madre Human
General Manager – I Can!

Through corporate sponsorship (usually ED or SED spend) Khulisani is providing working experience for people with a disability who have completed learnerships. It’s a win-win…

Khulisani’s mission and focus is to get these young people with a disability employed!

One of the key areas which we have identified as suitable, sustainable and beneficial (to all parties) is work in care facilities: tending to the young and old.

In order for our ex-learners to be employed, a level of training and experience must be attained. Through companies supporting Khulisani (usually an Enterprise Development contribution, but sometimes an SED contribution) Khulisani can pay suitable ex-learners (with a disability) to work at selected, chosen locations (such as LIV Village, TAFTA, Durban Children’s Home, The Domino Foundation etc) providing them with:

• An income (Khulisani pays their monthly wage)
• Confidence through support and coaching
• The necessary work experience to grow and develop
• Uniforms, supervision and management (to ensure all parties are satisfied with the agreement, and that a high level of approval is reached)

Learn To Earn is an authentic way for your company to position it’s ED or SED spend while helping to provide People with Disabilities with an opportunity to gain valuable job experience – please contact us for information or enquiries.

Rachael Erskine
National Operations Manager
Khulisani

 

 

Life as a child has not been as I wished it to be. From a very young age my parents have been struggling as they had no idea why I behaved this way or what could possibly be the reason why I have not been progressing at school as other children did. My parents decided to send me to a doctor and was then referred to a psychologist as I presented signs of autism. After many tests it was then confirmed that I have autism which led to also having a learning challenge. My journey as a young boy was so different to that of other boys. As a result, my mum had to watch me very closely.

I went to Quest High School and there I felt as if I did not belong. After some time my brother saw how unhappy I was, he then helped me find a school that would cater for my disability. That is when I learnt about this academy, I Can! I applied and went through the application process. The day I was informed of starting at I Can!, I was excited but also nervous at the same time. Scared in terms of: would I like it there and would the other learners accept me. I was always so self-conscious and always tried so hard fitting in. This academy has been one of the best things that has ever happened in my life. I am so confident, I have friends and above all I can be myself. The best part was winning best dressed at the Valentines competition as I have never won anything in my life and I was not afraid to step up and go collect my prize. I had such a huge smile on my face, truly one of the best days of my life. I could not believe that this was me and how my life has changed.

I am grateful for this opportunity of being surrounded by such amazing people. Having a learning challenge has its ups and downs but it should not limit you or discourage you from living your dreams. I for one have not, this has allowed me to dream, be more confident, gain experience and become a better man.

By Unathi Magwa, 19

The students in the East London Academy made a humbling request by asking if they, as an academy, could visit one of the neighbouring children’s home. They wanted to give back to the community and be in a position of being a Giver rather than being the Receiver. I remember them saying, “Mam, people always donated things to us, so we want to donate now and show appreciation of what we have because of I Can”. The staff members were thrilled.

This past summer, the campus went to Sunshine Child & Youth Care Centre. We donated food that was bought and donated by the students themselves. This gesture was one that both inspired and motivated the staff as we realised that the perceptions of our students are changing. They are learning to be more independent and said “Personal Finance taught us to budget so we can buy some stuff for the children”.

Understandably, taking pictures with the children was forbidden therefore the only pictures taken were that of the student’s.

I am proud to say that the difference I Can is making in these students’ lives has instilled in them a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially in the children at Sunshine Child and Youth Care Centre. We will continue to give to those who are less fortunate this coming winter.

Busisa Nokama
Academy Supervisor – East London

On 2 April, the world celebrated International Autism Day.

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the name given to four previously separate disorders, now recognized to be a single condition with different levels of symptom severity. ASD now encompasses autism, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder.

ASD is characterized by:

1. Deficits in social communication and social interaction
2. Restricted repetitive behaviours, interests and activities
3. There is often some degree of sensory processing disorder, typically either over-reactive (e.g. dislike being touched) or under-reactive (e.g. bangs objects, enjoys vibration)
4. Symptoms are present in the early developmental period of life (typically the first 3 years of life)
5. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social and occupational areas of life

The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability that children with ASD can have. Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled.

ASD is primarily a social disability which presents early in life and presents with infinite variations within the spectrum. It can occur in individuals of all levels of intelligence.

Perhaps ASD is best described by Dr. Mary Temple Grandin (born August 29, 1947), an American professor, a best-selling author, an autistic activist and a consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. She also invented the “hug box“, a device to calm those on the autism spectrum.

“I find great value and meaning in my life and have no wish to be cured of being myself. If you want to help me then don’t try to change me to fit into your world. Grant me the dignity of meeting me on my own terms, recognize that we are equally alien to each other …, work with me to build more bridges between us.” – Temple Grandin (1999)

Compiled by:
Rowan Robinson
Manager: Agriculture and Special Projects

“Change has a bad reputation in our society. But it isn’t all bad — not by any means. In fact, change is necessary in life — to keep us moving … to keep us growing … to keep us interested. … Imagine life without change. It would be static … boring … dull.” — Dr. Dennis O’Grady

At the Kempton Park Academy we embrace change with both hands… the following are some changes that had taken place…

New Office Space

After waiting for almost a year, Kempton Park staff have finally moved in to their new office space. Since May 2014 our National Recruitment Manager as well as our own Operations Manager have been juggling offices after the Gauteng regional office was moved to the new Braampark Academy in Johannesburg.

The good news is that we have now moved into our new space, our managers have settled and we have an additional two classes! These classes have been colour coded: Pink – I Can! Clean and Green: I Can! Learn.

The new space includes a very conveniently placed reception area as well as a large sheltered area outside for the learners to relax in. There is a private kitchen and extra ablution facilities for the learners.

Petronella Mthethwa
Academy Supervisor
Kempton Park

People with Down syndrome are odd looking, weird and they are definitely not normal like us. This is the thoughts of many ignorant people…to that, we at I Can! ask what is normal???? There is no such thing, we are all made to be unique and special and there is nobody else like you!

Whether you are black or white, fat or skinny, have big feet or tiny hands… people should embrace their differences and limitations and be more accepting of others. We should celebrate the strengths of ourselves, as well as others.

Individuals with Down Syndrome have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 and they have physical characteristics such as low muscle tone, small stature and an upward slant to the eyes. They also experience varying degrees of cognitive delays, from very mild to severe, most delays however, are mild to moderate.

Yes, this condition does affect their quality of life as they have certain limitations, but more so the attitudes and ignorance of people are their biggest disability. With the right support and encouragement these individuals, as with any individual, can aspire to reach their dreams. There are people with Down Syndrome who have become actors, Paralympic athletes and even artists. The possibilities are endless if given the chance.

The 21^st of March marks Human Rights Day in South Africa, but we also celebrated Odd Socks day which is held to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. Our learners enjoyed dressing up in their odd socks and letting their “freak flag” fly so to speak.

I would just like to end off this article by saying different is normal, everybody has something that makes them unique and sets them apart from everybody else! Accept it! Embrace it! Love it!

Odd socks. They may be odd, but they are still socks!

Nikki McMahon
Academy Supervisor
Bellville

Down syndrome or Down’s syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features, and mild to moderate intellectual disability. The average IQ of a young adult with Down syndrome is 50, equivalent to the mental age of an 8 or 9 year old child, but this varies widely.

Down syndrome can be identified during pregnancy by prenatal screening followed by diagnostic testing, or after birth by direct observation and genetic testing. Since the introduction of screening, pregnancies with the diagnosis are often terminated. Regular screening for health problems common in Down syndrome is recommended throughout the person’s life.

Most individuals with Down Syndrome have mild (IQ: 50–70) or moderate (IQ: 35–50) intellectual disability with some cases having severe (IQ: 20–35) difficulties. Those with mosaic Down Syndrome typically have IQ scores 10–30 points higher. As they age, people with Down Syndrome typically perform less well compared to their same-age peers. Some after 30 years of age may lose their ability to speak. This syndrome causes about a third of cases of intellectual disability. Many developmental milestones are delayed with the ability to crawl typically occurring around 8 months rather than 5 months and the ability to walk independently typically occurring around 21 months rather than 14 months.

Commonly, individuals with Down Syndrome have better language understanding than ability to speak. Between 10% and 45% have either a stutter or rapid and irregular speech, making it difficult to understand them.

To really understand Down Syndrome – rather watch this video clip. The syndrome is explained and described by the experts!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o0VV3C_ydak&feature=youtu.be

People with Down Syndrome can live a happy and fulfilling life if they are given the love and care that they deserve. Ask us, we know!

Nalini Cuppusamy
Recruitment Consultant
KZN

“If you can dream it, you can do it” has been the driving force behind the life of Tim Harris from Tim’s Place (a diner found in New Mexico).

Born in 1986 with Down Syndrome, Tim’s life has been defined by exceeding expectations and inspiring those around him. “I’m here to change the world with hugs” he says. Tim’s Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) is a non-profit corporation that aims to inspire people from all over the world with disabilities to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives via entrepreneurship and inclusion in their communities.

We look at our very own non-profit organization EmployAbility-Vulindlela (opening the way) which is a registered Section 21 Company that focuses on supported employment for persons with disability. EmployAbility-Vulindlela has the vision that person with disabilities will be accepted for their abilities rather than their disabilities. To this end we focus on the successful integration of people with intellectual disabilities into the mainstream labour market.

Anyone with the right support, can achieve their dreams.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/y6He0FWoFj0?autoplay=1&hd=1&rel=0&fs=1&KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=370&width=640?autoplay=1&hd=1&rel=0

Natascha Mc Allister
Operations Manager
KZN