Living with a disability can be quite challenging - not only for the person him/herself, but also for the family and loved ones. Senecio was founded in 2008 by a group of Occupational and Physiotherapists who were acutely aware of the lack of support that exists for people with disabilities in the disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Although South Africa boasts excellent medical personnel and care facilities, it is more often than not inaccessible for those who need it most. Although therapy is offered at the state-run hospitals, it is difficult for patients to get to the hospitals on a regular basis once they are discharged. Specialised therapy is not always available on a regular basis at the District Hospitals.

Public transport for people with disabilities in the urban areas and townships is very limited and costly. At risk infants usually get therapeutic input only for the first few weeks, or for a fortunate few, a few months, before disappearing into the townships or rural areas. Lack of understanding the condition and the importance of regular therapy plays a huge role. Parents of children with disabilities are not always able to care for these children on a day to day basis and the children are placed in special care centres. Irregular therapy and incorrect handling can cause irreparable, preventable complications.

Senecio’s emphasis is on empowering the people living with disabilities and their families or carers with knowledge of the condition and how to manage it on a daily basis in order to reach their own highest possible potential.

Senecio will positively impact the lives of people with disabilities and their families

News

On Saturday 5 May Senecio members Jeremy, Sanien and Ernie took part in the annual Hermanus Runners and Wheelers competition. Sanien did us really proud by being the first woman to finish the 10km race. Senecio assisted Denino, a wheelchair user from the Strand, and 7 of his friends to attend the race. It was really a wonderful day, enjoyed by all.

The Senecio therapists have just completed a very successful block at Gabriella Centre. It is heart warming to see the improvement in the competency of this very effective and motivated staff. The next two weeks they will be working at Sive Nathi in Blackheath.

Our staff is expanding! Social worker Freda Steenkamp will be joining the Senecio team in the middle of May. Next week we will be interviewing potential candidates for the physio/occupational therapy post that will be available from July.

Volunteers are always very welcome. Occupational therapist, Lise van den Boom, is currently volunteering at Sive Nathi. The extra pair of hands are more than welcome, especially at Sive Nathi with their almost 40 children! Lise has embraced the opportunity to gain experience from the highly knowledgeable and experienced Senecio therapists.

As many of our beneficieries are Xhosa speaking, we decided to enroll in an isiXhosa course. Our very competent teacher, Maud Xauka is full of confidence that at least some of us will be able to master some of the language! Today is her birthday. Minemnandi kuwe Maud. (Happy birthday, Maud!)

Marie presented a workshop for a multidiscilpinary team from the Western Cape Education Department on the Senecio approach at Special Care Centres on 17 April.

Marie is representing Senecio at Malemulele Outreach project in the Eastern Cape.

Until recently plastic bags were filled with sand, and used for posture management at the centres as part of the Umzimba Wam programme. After a lot of trial and error we have come up with a new idea. Sand, kindly donated by Somerset Sand and Stone is put into bags made of waterproof material. These bags are made by members of Aanhouwen, a Work facility for adults with disabilities in Somerset West. Rupick Textiles and Foamrite in Somerset West gave the material for the outer covers at a reduced cost. Several members of the public assisted in making the outer bags. The Senecio therapists are very proud of these new products. Sibongile will be the first centre to officially be using it.

Our hero, Jeremy managed to complete the Two Oceans half marathon in 3 1/2 hrs despite the pouring rain. Jeremy, we are SO proud of you!

Jeremy Hazell prepares to do the Two Oceans in a wheelchair! Support him via BackABuddy. All proceeds to go to Senecio.

The website has undergone a complete overhaul. As is the case with any such thing, there might still be broken links or other errors. Please do not hesitate to report any such errors.

The new layout incorporates Senecio's aims to expand to into an organisation with four branches, namely Ukunakekela, Umzimba Wam, Ndiyafunda and BackUp SA.

Please feel free to browse the website and provide us with any feedback.