6th AfriNEAD Conference

6th AfriNEAD Conference

Disability unplugged-Beyond Conventions and Charters: what really matters to persons with disabilities in Africa.

Table of Contents

EXCUTIVE SUMMARY BY CHAIRPERSON PROF GUBELA MJI….……………………………..….3
ORGANISING COMMITTEE……………………………………….…………………………..…….6
REFLECTIONS FROM THE ORGANISER OF THE CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 3 DECEMBER..9
IN MEMORY OF RACHEL KAMCHAHCHA KACHAJE……………………………….……………..10
PROGRAMME OVERVIE.………………………………………………………….………………..11
SCIENTIFIC COMMISSIONS……………………………………….……….…………………….15

COMMISION A: CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES……………………..………..15

COMMISION B: EDUCATION: EARLY CHILDHOOD TO TERTIARY…………………….……..16

COMMISION C: ECONOMICEMPOWERMENT……………………………………….………..17

COMMISION D: SYSTEMS OF COMMUNITY REHABILITATIONS………………………….….17

COMMISION E: HEALTH AND HIV & AIDS……………………………………………………18

COMMISION F: DEVELOPMENT PROCESS  IN AFRICA, POVERTY, POLITICS ANDINDIGENOUS KWONLEDGE SYSTEMS……………………………………………………………………………..19

COMMISION G: HOLISTIC WELLNESS, SPORT, RECREATION, SEXUALITY &SPIRITUALITY……………………………………………………………………..………..20

COMMISION H: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY/DEVICES……………………………………..21
MINUTES OF THE TRIANUAL AGM………………………………………………..,.,.,..……27
PICTUR……………………………………………………………………  ……………….30
SPONSERS………………………………………………………………………………….31
(Kindly note that the page numbers are not reflected on this page)

Dear Friends and Colleagues

Despite the challenges presented to the global community by COVID-19, the AfriNEAD Conference Organising Committee, after consulting and getting advice from key stakeholders of AfriNEAD, opted to continue with the planned conference albeit on slightly different dates and format:  1st – 3rd December 2020,  and virtually, for the first time.  We were aware that this might have undermined some AfriNEAD stakeholders’, gaining access to the conference as they might have struggled with issues of internet connectivity.This conference was dedicated to MS Rachel Kachaje who died in July of 2020. She has been part of AfriNEAD Governing Board since 2007. Rachel, a previous Minister for Disability and Elderly for the Malawi Government, had a sterling record of advocating for human rights and dignity for persons with disability. She was a Chairperson of Disabled People’s International (DPI), Executive Director and Founder of Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA), Co- founder of Disabled Women in Development (DIWODE), Chairperson of Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) Board Secretary for Africa Disability Forum (ADF) and recently elected chairperson of the Commonwealth Disability Forum (CDPF). We are grateful to Ms. Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo (the Global Disability Advisor for the World Bank Group), who delivered a keynote address in memory of Rachel.The COVID-19 crisis has shone a spotlight on our pre-existing social inequalities with certain groups being doubly affected by this pandemic. Persons with disabilities already have baseline higher burdens of disease and rates of poverty than those who are not disabled, including challenges within our health systems, which are not conducive to their needs. Hence conferences like AfriNEAD conference need to continue as they offer hope in changing the above-mentioned situation. We would like to extend a word of gratitude to Edit Micro Systems for their technical support – a job well done. Edit Microsystems (Pty) Ltd is an award-winning company that has supplied technology solutions to educational institutions, corporations, and community upliftment projects throughout Southern Africa for over 28 years. AfriNEAD intends in future to use the space of virtual offering of conferences and seminars, as a learning curve and an opportunity to further strengthen the AfriNEAD network.The 6th AfriNEAD conference with the title: “Disabilityunplugged– Beyond Conventions and Charters: what really matters to persons with disabilities in Africa” was a celebration of the coming home of AfriNEAD conferences, after tabling successful conferences in: Zimbabwe (2011), Malawi (2014) and Ghana (2017). The plan was to host the conference at the Artscape – Cape Town’s main centre for the preforming arts. A huge thank you to Dr Marlene Le Roux for this generous offer, had we had a face-to-face conference. I would like to extend gratitude to the Stellenbosch University Disability Unit and the Cape Town Network for Persons with Disability for their support in preparing for the conference. We also would like to thank the Stellenbosch University Rectorate especially Prof Eugene Clote, Dr Nico Elm and the Premiers Office for their Financial support.In preparing for the conference, we also knew that this would be a time for internal reflection by Stellenbosch University (SU) on the ground covered in creating an inclusive University. It was within this endeavour that the following actions were taken: (a) tabling of monthly publication prepared by present and past students with disability, reflecting on their experience of being a student with disability at SU, (b) the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Social Sciences to Ms Rachel Kachaje, unfortunately by the time it was awarded, she already had passed away, (c) the tabling of a sign language and disability seminars with reports from these seminars presented to the University management for their action.The conferences received 53 papers presented in the eight AfriNEAD research areas which were supported by approximately 21 keynote addresses. This was a well-attended conference with a total number of 176 registrations and 156 that attended the conference (see details at end of this report).The 3rd day of the conference was the International Day for Persons with disability and for this event, AfriNEAD Conference Organizing Committee joined hands with the City of Cape Town in hosting this event. There were many dignitaries which attended the conference, and we are grateful for the support and the dignity they brought to the conference. The AfriNEAD partners both at local, national, regional, and international levels came out to further endorse the relevance of this network. We appreciate their support for the work done by this network.The conference closed with critical recommendations that came from both the outcome of the 8 research areas (taken from UNCRPD Articles) and the AGM. Below are some of the critical issues that the AfriNEAD Secretariat and the Governing Board will have to follow:

  • Structure of AfriNEAD: both physical and conceptual structure.
    • Bringing in younger people to drive the network.
    • Build on mandate that AfriNEAD is a research coordinating body.
    • Put time to generate funding.
    • Strengthen the Disability Research Country Working Groups (DRCWGs).
  • Develop framework for hybrid model of offering conferences.
  • Membership issues: membership structure contained in the Governing document.
  • There is a framework of actions and functions in the AfriNEAD Governing document.
  • Membership fees are highlighted in the document.
  • Strengthen the document specifically the area of fee structure.
  • Governing structure – create a clear succession plan.
  • Select a new Governing Board.
  • Implement shifts before 2023 AfriNEAD conference.
  • Partnership – consolidating and renewing.
  • Expand international partners with AfriNEAD.

The network has been active for 14 yrs., it wants to extend gratitude to the Governing Board that has stood by AfriNEAD since its inception in 2007. We want to also thank our international partners for responding to the UNCRPD that states: “Countries’ are to provide development assistance in efforts by developing countries to put into practice the Convention”. States Parties recognize the importance of international cooperation and its promotion, in support of national efforts for the realization of the purpose and objectives of the present Convention and will undertake appropriate and effective measures in this regard, between and among States and, as appropriate, in partnership with relevant international and regional organizations and civil society, in particular organizations of persons with disabilities.
We look forward to 2023 when again we will table the 7th AfriNEAD conference, and we believe that by that time we will have a hybrid model as we will have learnt how to live with COVID – 19.Stay well and be safe.

Prof Gubela MjiChairperson for AfriNEAD.
oOo

REFLECTIONS FROM THE ORGANISERS 

  • Introduction and background

The privilege to host the return of the African Network for Evidence-to-Action in Disability (AfriNEAD) conference to South Africa in December 2020 came amidst a historically unexpected context, the Corona virus. The conference was to be held at Artscape, a premier theatre in the City of Cape Town. Planning for the 2020 conference started in earnest in 2019, prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nobody could have predicted how the world would be impacted at that stage.  In December 2019, Stellenbosch University (SU) also declared the year 2020 as the Year of Persons with Disabilities where we planned to pause and reflect on our success and as well explore the areas of disability inclusion that needed improvement. During 2020, Rachel Kachaje, a stalwart in the world of disability, sadly passed away. The year 2020 was a tumultuous year indeed!

  • Conference organising Committee (CoC)

In conjunction with the Disability Unit (DU), the Transformation Office (TO) and AfriNEAD based at the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation studies (CDRS), we planned a range of reflective activities, such as a Human Rights lecture in March, articles published by staff and students with disabilities in the SU media, Casual Day activities according to the 2020 theme and seminars, to name a few. These activities culminated in the 6th AfriNEAD conference 1-2 December 2020 followed by the celebrations of  International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2020.A conference organising committee was established early in 2019 which consisted of staff members from the Disability Unit, the Transformation Office, Western Cape Network for Persons with Disabilities, AfriNEAD chairperson and secretariat, staff from the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, selected NGOs in Cape Town and the private sector willing to support the success of AfriNEAD and its conference. Sub-committees were formed with leads, given the pockets of work that needed to be done to make the conference a success. These committees were:

2.1          Finance and Fundraising led by Rustim Ariefdien

2.2          Marketing and Media   led by Dalene Swart (later led by Luigia Nicholas)

2.3        Programme led by Gubela Mji

2.4        Education led by Callista Kahonde (later led by Lieketseng Ned) 

  2.4          Accessibility, Venue and Logistics led by Hillary Lane

2.5          Public Relations (Internal with SU) led by Marcia Lyner-Cleophas

2.6          Technology Team led by Dalene Swart and Hillary Lane

The 6th AfriNEAD conference was finally held on a virtual Zoom platform, with the digital back-up support of Edit Micro, a digital, hardware- and Software Company in Table View, Cape Town. We were very grateful for the offer of Artscape for the physical venue, but large groups in one space was not allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  • Organization

The conference was ultimately virtually organised, starting with physical face to face meeting then moving to virtual meeting via the Microsoft Teams platform. This meant that the costs of the conference as initially established was drastically reduced to virtual participation costs only.57 Abstracts were received and 53 accepted. All presenters were encouraged to do pre-recordings of their presentation, given the difficulties that could arise with digital and live presentations. 

  • The virtual conference opening

The virtual conference opening had everybody at the edge of their seats, as if they were in the Artscape Theatre (where they were meant to be) a theatre waiting for a performance. The big difference was that most of us were sitting in the comfort of our homes or offices across the world. Delegates came from Norway, Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, USA. And many others – a Total of 32 countries. The virtual event was opened by Prof Gubela Mji, chairperson of AfriNEAD. The first session for the first day was chaired by Mr Mzolisi ka Toni. The moderator Ms Luigia Nicholas assisted in linking up the different sections of the conference. The opening of the second day was chaired by Mr Rustim Ariefdien. We appreciate the many chairs that assisted to chair the many sections of the conference. The 3rd of December was chaired by Ms Hillary Lane.  The conference was also supported by representatives from WHO Geneva and African Region (Mr Chapal Khasnabis, Dr Mac Maclachlan & Dr Aissatou Sougou) and Ms Irene Esambo Minister for People with Disability from the DRC. Ms Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, the Global Disability Advisor for the World Bank Group delivered a speech in honor of and celebrating the life of Ms. Rachel Kachaje.

  • Virtual conference presentations (live and video recorded)

The conference comprised presentations introduced by the many chairpersons, who in turn was introduced by a moderator. Presentations were mostly recorded. Most recordings had captions added and South African Sign Language interpretation was available during the conference. French interpretation was available as needed. Apps such as Otter.ai and Live Transcribe was recommended where participants needed speech-to-text conversion during the conference. We have managed to have some of the conference presentations available (www.sun.ac.za/AfriNEAD)Five commissions were established for the conference, in which presentations were themed and feedback given. The commissions were:

Commission A: Children and Youth with Disability

Commission B: Education: Early to Tertiary

Commission C: Economic Empowerment

Commission D: Development Process in Africa: Poverty, Politics and Indigenous Knowledge

COMMISSION E:  Health and HIV/AIDS

COMMISSION F: Systems of Community Based Rehabilitation

COMMISSION G: Holistic Wellness: Sport, Recreation, Sexuality, Spirituality

COMMISSION H: Assistive Technology/Devices

Presentations were done by various key researchers and notable people with disability, civil society and NGO’s and various universities across the globe. Details are evident in the conference programme. No research writing workshop took place during this virtual conference given the challenges this could present. The virtual conference had a registration of 174 people and was attended 156 people, and was considered a successfully executed conference, given the novelty of doing an AfriNEAD event in completely virtual format for the first time.

  • AfriNEAD in the future

It is envisaged that a hybrid form of the conference be explored going forward: virtual and face to face. This would likely attract the traditional and wider audience and would allow for a wider economic range of participation. Bringing into the fold younger researchers and participants need to be endeavored as we charter the way forward. The digital age and new ways of thinking about the world is fostered in this way.

 Dr Marcia Lyner-CleophasChairperson: 6th AfriNEAD CoCHead: Disability Unit, Stellenbosch University. 

oOo   

REFLECTIONS FROM THE ORGANISER FOR CELABRATING THE 3RD OF DECEMBER
I have been arranging the events of celebration International Day of People with Disabilities for at least 10 years.  In the main it was with the financial support from the City of Cape Town, however of late the City of Cape Town has been instrumental in arranging the celebrations. In 2009, follow the 2nd AfriNEAD conference in Cape Town the delegate from the conference joined the International Day with the celebration in Stellenbosch where the then acting State President of South Africa Mr Kgalema Motlanthe and the late Prof Russel Botman, presided.  So the choice to hold the 6th AfriNEAD conference on the 1st & 2nd of December was made so that AfriNEAD could once again celebrate this day with the people of Cape Town. Together with the City of Cape Town a program was drawn up of keynote speakers; Cllr Badroodien. MAYCO member for Social Services and Health, who gave the welcome from the City of Cape Town, Prof Gubela Mji , the chairperson of AfriNEAD, Alan Winde, the Premier of the Western Cape, Prof Wim de Villiers, the Vice Chancellor of Stellenbosch University and then to end of the speeches we heard from Marlene le Roux, the CEO of Artscape theater . All these, addresses spoke about the need for the inclusion of people with disabilities in society and they congratulate the work which was being done by AfriNEAD. The entertainment included students from my old school, Vista Nova perform extracts from Shakespeare, thereafter we had two interludes of singing from two wonderful ladies who are visually impaired. To end of the day’s entertainment, we had a display of ballroom dancing from a young lady in a wheelchair. The highlight of the entertainment however was, without a doubt the Zumba class, which had been filmed on locations at Woodside Special Care Centre, a home to 94 people with profound disabilities. We were as to play this hour- long segment twice!!The City of Cape Town provided Technical support as well as delightful meal packs to 1000 people at various canters around Cape Town. So, despite the Corona Virus, we were able to go ahead and celebrate International day of People with Disabilities, in a virtual way, but still provide good entertainment!

Hillary Lane AfriNEAD coordinator

oOo
IN MEMORY OF RACHEL KAMCHAHCHA KACHAJE

The 6th AfriNEAD conference in 2020 is honored and celebrated the life of Rachel Kamchahcha Kachaje. It is within this context that AfriNEAD invited the UN. Global Disability Advisor Ms Charlotte Vuyiswa McClain – Nhlapho to deliver a keynote address in remembrance of her life on the 1st of December 2020.
In honoring and celebrating the life of Ms Kachaje, AfriNEAD was recognising the extensive work that Kachaje has done, and achieved, in raising awareness about challenges experienced by persons with disability at local, regional, and international levels. A disability activist at heart Kachaje worked her way to become the Minister for disability and the elderly in Malawi.
She was a strong believer in development of partnerships and ensured that the work done by the late Mr Alexandra Phiri, previous CEO of SAFOD in working close with AfriNEAD continued. She worked closely with the present CEO of SAFOD Mr Mussa Chiwaula on issues of partnerships with AfriNEAD. Kachaje used to claim that important documents such as the UN Standard Rules for Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, the UNCRPD and the SDGs would find it impossible to implement their mandate without partnerships.
To her, partnerships afforded space for development of a strategic alliance built on trust, equality, mutual understanding and obligations to achieve a common purpose. She used to acknowledge that for Persons with Disabilities, interactions with trusted partners enable them to fully express true concerns about the society we live in. It is during these interactions’ terms such as “Nothing about us without us” and “Leaving no one behind” are expressed.
She questioned traditional approaches to disability research which were based on and aimed at finding ways of preventing and rehabilitating disability. Instead dreamed of an inclusive society that embrace ALL with human dignity and respect. Knowing this Giant of human rights – AfriNEAD became a better network. We will miss your gentle firm hand that always gave clarity and guidance to disability matters. AfriNEAD will miss your healthy mood and laughter.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

1ST DECEMBER 2020 CONFERENCE OPENINGSESSION 1 08:40 – 09:40 WELCOMINGChairperson: Mzolisi Ka-Ka-Ntoni

08:40 – 08:50      Moderator introduce Chairperson and start of the conference

08:50 – 09:00      Chairperson introduces speakers

09:00 – 09:10      Welcome Event: About AfriNEAD (Chairperson of AfriNEAD: Gubela Mji)

09:10 – 09:20      Conference open: Welcome & introduce committee (Chairperson of Conference organizing Committee Marcia Lyner – Cleophas)

09:20 – 09:30      Official welcome by Prof Jimmy Volmink (Medicine and Health Science Faculty, Stellenbosch University)

09:30 – 09:40      Official welcome by Mr Allan Winde (Premier of the Western Cape)

09:40 – 09:45      Moderator manages questions and introduces session 2 and Chairperson

SESSION 2  09:45– 10:45 RESEARCH EVIDENCE Chairperson: Martha Geiger

09:45– 09:50       Chairperson introduces speakers

09:50–10:00        AK Dube: Development of an African voice in Disability Research

10:00 -10:10        Prof Leslie Swartz: The unfolding story of disability research in Africa: Challenges and rewards.

10:10-10:20         Dr Charlotte Capri:  AJOD: progress and experience from Chief Editor

10:20–10: 30       Dr Lieketseng Ned: UNCRPD articles as a guide to AfriNEAD research focus areas1

0:30 – 10:40      Discussion and Questions

10:40- 10:50        Tea and Virtual Networking SESSION

3 10:50–12:20 DISABILITY RESEARCH COUNTRY WORKING GROUPS (DRCWG)Chairperson: Margie Schneider

10:50 – 10:55       Moderator introduce Chairperson of session 3:

10:55 – 11:00      Chairperson introduces Minister Irene Esambo Diata from DRC.

11:00 – 11: 15     Keynote address: The issue of the inclusion of people with disabilities and the creation of the Ministry of Disability and Other Vulnerable Persons in the DRC: Irene Esambo Diata, Minister for Persons with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Persons in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

11:15 – 11:20      Questions and response from the floor

11:20 – 11:25      Introduction of Participants for the round – table for DRCWG

11: 25 -12:15       Round table discussion: (Tanzania: Audiphax Kamala, DRC: Eric Metho Nkayilu, Zimbabwe: Tsitsi Chataika, Ghana: Anthony Edusei & South Africa: Nondwe Mlenzana & Gillian Moses) Countries presenting for 10 minutes status of disability research in their countries12:15 – 12:25      Discussion and Questions

12:25 –12:50       LunchSESSION 4 12:50:15:00 FIRST 4 SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEESOverall coordinator:  Lieketseng Ned

12:50 – 12:55      Moderator introduce Chairperson of session 4:

12:55 – 13:00      Overall coordinator explains continuation of scientific committees

Commission A: Children and Youth with Disability

Commission B: Education: Early to Tertiary

Commission C: Economic Empowerment

Commission D: Development Process in Africa: Poverty, Politics and Indigenous Knowledge

15:00 – 15-10      Tea SESSION 5 15:10 -17:30  2ND 4 SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEES

15:10 – 15:15      Overall coordinator explain continuation of scientific committees

COMMISSION E: Health and HIV/AIDS

COMMISSION F: Systems of Community Based Rehabilitation

COMMISSION G: Holistic Wellness: Sport, Recreation, Sexuality, Spirituality

COMMISSION H: Assistive Technology/Devices

17:30 – 17-40      Tea

SESSION 6 17:40 – 18:00 CLOSINGChairperson: Gubela Mji

17:40 – 17:45      Moderator introduces chairperson

17:45 – 17:50      Chairperson introduces Ms. Charlotte Vuyiswa McClain- Nhlapo

17: 50 – 18:00     Celebrating the life of Rachel Kachaje

SESSION 7  08:50 –09:00  2ND DECEMBER: DAY 2: ALL EVENTS IN PLENARY Chairperson:      Rustim Ariefdien

08:50 – 09:00      Moderator Recap from day before, explain program for the 2nd day and introduce chairperson

n09:00 – 09:05       Chairperson introduces speakers for the session

09:05 – 09:15      Michelle Botha: The Western Cape Network on Disability: Honest Reflections on a Journey to Self-Representation

09:15 – 09:25      George Kayange: SAFOD Response to COVID-19 Regional Strategy

09: 25 – 09:35     WHO Regional Representative: Dr Sougou Sarassa Aissatou/Mac Maclachlan/Chapal Khasnabis: Promoting Regional Coherence and Cohesion amidst Multiple Assistive Technology Initiatives in Africa09:

35 –0 9:45      Jill Hanass -Hancock: Advancing Disability Inclusive Research in Africa (ADIRA)

09:45 – 10:00      Discussion and questions

10:00 – 10:15      Tea

SESSION 8  10-15–11-30 

1st SCIENTIFIC FEED BACKChairperson: Gillian Moses

10:15 – 10:20      Moderator introduce Chairperson of session

810:20 – 10:25      Chairperson introduces speakers for commission: A, B, C & D

10:25 –  11:05      Commissions Feedback: A, B, C & D: 10 min =40

11:05 – 11:30       Discussion and questions

SESSION 9  11:30 –12:45      2ND SCIENTIFIC FEED BACK

Chairperson: Wentzel Barnard 11:30 – 11:35       Moderator introduce Chairperson of session

811:35 – 11:40      Chairperson introduces speakers for commission: A, B, C & D

11:40 – 12:20      Commissions Feedback: E, F, G & H: 10 min =40

12:20 – 12:45       Discussion and questions

12:45 – 13:30       Lunch

SESSION 10  13:30 – 15:00 CONFERENCE WRAP-UP Chairperson: Tsitsi Chataika and Mzolisi Ka-Ka-Ntoni

13:30-14:30         Presentation of Core Group Meeting and discussion of way forward

14:30–15-00        Closing remarks

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Date: 3rd December 2020

Venue: Virtual event

RESEARCH AREAS:

KEY POINTS FROM COMMISSIONS.

COMMISSION A: CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

Our keynote speaker, Christina Sadiki is not just an activist but also a parent of a child with a disability. She raised an important issue relating to the challenges that mothers of children with disabilities experience. A case that demonstrates such a challenge is when she was finding a school for her child with cerebral palsy. She was not only confronted by not knowing the nature of the disability her child but there was also a huge breakdown in communication with rehabilitation specialists such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. She did not feel she was included in the school admission process as there was not sufficient communication between her and health professionals. Going forward, as a parent, she felt that such instances should not be allowed to happen. Parents ought to be the most informed and empowered when it comes to the conditions their kids have. In addition, when parents and professionals work together, it can only be more beneficial for the child. Other themes that emanated from the commission related to the theme of the conference, which speaks to what persons with disabilities want. The themes relay what presenters discussed as critical to the lived experience of disability. These include – we need to recognize the importance of social inclusion, especially for youth with disabilities. The presenters stressed the fact that people with disabilities are hardly included in social and recreational experiences, and there is a need to realize that social is as important as all other interventions. It is about the wellbeing of persons with disabilities, and to build a sense of self- worth and belonging, much like anyone else. This can be achieved through inclusion in various art forms, including performing arts. However, when seeking to attain social inclusion, we need to note that there intersections of experiences linked to various societal, familial and even personal barriers that must be considered in the process.  These challenges emanate from the fact that persons with disabilities are usually not perceived as social beings, but as lifelong dependents. Even the immediate family can be over- protective in their fear of letting go and further alienate the person with a disability, creating even more barriers to inclusion. Other systemic barriers which are critical are challenges with transportation.A second theme relates to the relevance of creating spaces to hear from and collaborate effectively with children with disabilities to ensure that their needs are communicated and considered. This was relayed through the development of an assessment tool that diagnosed hearing impairment in school children in a fun, friendly, non-intrusive and collaborative manner. The very crucial link between health and education was emphasized and advocated for, especially in the area of health promotion and disease prevention through early intervention, with easily accessible and friendly assessment tools.A third theme highlighted the inclusion of parents as part of learning, carrying parents along as well as their children. The intimate parental knowledge held by the parents merging with the programme outcomes to influence sustainable growth and development for the family as a whole. This often support and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the child with a disability. 

COMMISSION B EDUCATION: EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT TO TERTIARY

Our keynote speaker Dr Kim Lewis highlighted empowering education can be to persons with disabilities and that education can be used to empower those who are being educated. Education can also empower women to realize their potential. And can be used to empower medical students to become professional practitioners who can see a potential within each person whom they make contact with so that move away from the perception of disability has being brokenness.  She also mentioned that   people must be encouraged on how they can use the new technologies and therapies to empower people with disabilities to learn more about their disabilities and to help them reach for their dreams. For example, just by using of search engines such as google for someone to learn more about his/her disability. Other points highlighted in the session was In Windhoek Namibia, special needs teachers are faced with tremendous amounts of pressure where they have to balance productivity on their educating work and manage special needs of learners. From the research done in Windhoek Namibia One possible support structure was that each special school to have a co-worker/assistant worker on special needs of learners. The points to issues of persons with disability having to participate in all sectors including participation in education and other areas and activities, of being urban or village citizens. According to the research done in South Africa, teachers are willing to take up the challenge of adopting inclusive education practices but there is an underlying concern that teachers are not sufficiently trained to teach inclusively within their classroom-based environments. Therefore, there is a need to upskill teachers particularly, those of children with disabilities. Also in lecturing environment it is so important to take all students along with you as they are your key stakeholders, students with disability must not be left behind. We believe that Covid-19 has taught us something about ensuring full participation of all including students with disabilities. Persons with disabilities must be listened to, to eliminate being stack and survive in a certain way, we must use a universal guidelines and look beyond what is already being implemented to be able to cover different disabilities. Also management must embrace diversity, disability, transformation, and inclusion at policy level and support disability inclusion practices. There must be a good relationship from top leadership such as rectors and senior leadership within departments to communicate and bring them to understand disability matters and inclusion decision making. Disabled people must be involved in any leadership structures they do not have to be involved only in disability structures, but in all levels of leaderships. Students with disabilities and disability structures must get more involved in decision making to avoid decision being made by others on their behalf.  In other words, nothing about us without us must be practiced. LastlyThere is a Research Unit based at the University of Cape Town that is focusing on research about disability and inclusive education so if there are people doing research in this area they can approach this research unit, they are willing to support people with research. The name of the unit is “Including Disability in Education in Africa” (IDEA)

COMMISSION C: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

There are many different ways into economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Broadly speaking, economic empowerment of persons with disabilities is closely connected to the general economy and economic growth. In order to ensure economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, it is necessary to i) mainstream disability to general economic development and ii) to develop and implement targeted measures to reach persons with disabilities in particular. This is called a “two-pronged” approach. There are 4 + 1 pillars to reach economic empowerment among persons with disabilities: Government is important as an implementer of policies and measures, using a diverse range of incentives, education, Learnerships, etc. Then industry plays an important role in providing employment and this is also where major technological breakthroughs  can provide persons with disabilities with communication opportunities and skills, effectively leading to inclusion, but also new job opportunities. Research is a third pillar, comprising basic, applied and action research which are all important to develop a knowledge base for policies and creation of jobs. In particular, action research has not been very common in Africa and is an empowering methodology that could be particularly useful for vulnerable groups. The fourth pillar is civil society, including DPOs, and their role in pushing for change, participating and leading change, and in collaboration with government, industry and research. Finally (+1) individuals with disabilities are themselves key for economic empowerment through viewing themselves as resourceful even when resources are scare, and that individual motivation is important for economic empowerment.In order to push for economic empowerment, all the four (+1) pillars need to be activated.

COMMISSION D: SYSTEM OF COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION

In the session, there were 6 presenters in this commission, one Key note speaker, 4 paper presentations and 1 poster presentation. Keynote speaker , Lucia Hess April,  addressed the critical role of community rehabilitation workers to facilitate access to services and resources across the sectors. Main highlight was the lack of government support and NGOs to continue with training of Community rehabilitation workers. This was addressed to others bodies such as universities, professional boards and associations and it was further not supported. Looking at how such cadre is not recognized, the keynote speaker made a strong point of ensuring that participation and inclusion of community rehabilitation workers is essential for addressing access of them across services. She further recommended that, partnerships between government, universities, NGOs, professional boards and associations need to occur provincially to upscale training, and get posts for the community health workers and create career pathways.Second speaker, Erna Van der Westhuizen addressed a system of collecting data – ecosystem. This approach shows how relations can affect one another. This approach places people with disabilities in the centre to ensure that their voices are heard. This system ensure that centrality of human rights, interconnectedness of needs of disabled people and their families are taken into consideration. In addition, during the sessions, there is an opportunity of addressing the stigma and myths of disability, improve referral pathways and continuity of care. Data through ecosystem method will used for evidence based advocacy and policy implementation. This will facilitate continuous monitoring and decision-making.
Third speaker, Mary Wickenden, looked at the DID programme on inclusive education in Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania. The study proved that participatory research methodology brings together all types people with or without disabilities. This methodology proved that ground level experiences and contextually relevant understanding emerge easily when engaging in participatory research. This process was proven to equalize power and practical thinking that is action-oriented. During discussion time, the group felt that there were challenges with participatory research process.
Forth speaker, Elsje Scheffler, looked at caregivers of stroke patients. It came out strongly that community health workers were not supported by the therapist who discharged people post stroke, without following up with family and community health workers. The caregivers and community health workers that incontinence was a huge challenge shared this. There were issues that were raised concerning management of mental health that affects patients with stroke. It was recommended that mental health needs to be considered as part of rehabilitation process while person with stroke is still in hospital for better community reintegration. Community health workers faced challenges within the communities and families that they are visiting; they are not seen as part of the health and rehabilitation team and cultural differences made it difficult for the community health workers to provide support to persons with stroke. This paper raised the critical issue of human resource planning and career pathway development is needed for efficient continuity of care pathways from hospital to home in rehabilitation of stroke patients. Fifth speaker, Rosemary Luger, share how Chaeli Campaign Journal club worked. This study highlighted the value of using action-learning approach. It strengthened practice-based evidence amongst the team that was engaging in the journal club. The process assisted the journal club to be recognized by Health professions council of South Africa by accrediting the journal club with CPD points. There was an excellent monitoring of the outputs, outcomes of the journal club so that good impact evaluation is possible. This allowed reciprocal capacity building between different members of the team and the journal club.

COMMISSION E: HEALTH AND HIV & AIDS

 Keynote address: Jill Hanass – Hancock, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and disability in AfricaThe keynote address speaker was Jill Hanass Hancock. She focused on the correlation between gender-based violence on women with disabilities and the impact on the women’s lives. The presentations showed that woman with disabilities are often an ideal target for gender-based violence as they are seen as a more vulnerable group

Post stroke health-related quality of life, stroke severity and function: A longitudinal cohort study: Tasneem Hartley, Marlette Burger1 Gakeemah Inglis-Jassiem.

This presentation focused on how strokes can affect ones quality of life. The speaker focused on collecting data at the beginning of the process. The team included outcome measures at the beginning of the process to ensure the most accurate results. The team also looked at the effects pre-stroke and post-stroke.

The importance of vulnerability in accessing health care in low-income contexts; the case of Namibia and Malawi: Arne H Eide, Alister Munthali, Gert van Rooy, Frans Persendt, Thomas Halvorsen, Stine H Braathen and Jan Ketil Rød

The speaker found during their research that the way that access to health care is researched is not taking into account different income brackets are and social economic standing.  There is therefore a discrepancy of how people access health care and how much time is being used to get this access. The researchers suggests that this discrepancy should be utilized into understanding how the different health care systems work

.Barriers and facilitators of access to Assistive Technology in Africa: the potential of an Assistive technology Passport in narrowing the gap. Maalim, M. and Maclachlan M.

Not everyone has access to Assistive Technology. This presentation focused on the different barriers people in Africa have to assistive technologies. The presentation focused on the lack of assistance from government and that there is a lack of awareness raising and innovation to assist people with access to assistive technology.  The speakers state that assistive technology support to people with disabilities should be independent.

COMMISSION F:  DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES IN AFRICA: POVERTY, POLITICS AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS

The commission had three paper presentations and it ended with a book launch. The key note speech was given by Dr Nceba Nzwayiba. He gave some critical suggestions on what needs to happen for inclusive development and poverty eradication in Africa. He started by posing a question for reflection: Why is Africa the continent of bountiful and yet so poor? He suggested that one of the challenges or barriers to development in Africa is that us Africans tend to exclude ourselves out of the thinking and neglect our indigenous knowledges. We need to take the decolonial perspective seriously in order to make sense of our context. Within the current approaches to scientific research, there is a dichotomy where issues of politics and economy are placed as important to development while issues of culture are relegated to the periphery as ‘other’ knowledges. According to Dr Ndzwayiba, we need a BOTH/AND approach where indigenous knowledges are given equal weight to the other knowledges and are used as a lens to understand our African reality. The three paper presentations all had messages that gravitated towards the importance of context and the critical role of indigenous knowledges in understanding issues impacting on the lives of persons with disabilities in Africa. The first paper presentation by Gresham Africa was reporting results of a survey conducted by epilepsy South Africa exploring different aspects of epilepsy in the country. They reported that data on epilepsy is lacking. The survey raised concerns around low disclosure because of lack of awareness and negative attitudes and myths attached to epilepsy. Rates of poverty among people with epilepsy are high because the challenges posed by the condition. For example, inability to drive themselves impact on their livelihoods yet many of them are not accessing social protection programs because of non-disclosure. They recommended more research to explore the challenges, beliefs, myths and misconceptions. Success of interventions hinges on understanding of contextual issues. The second paper by Dr Chioma Ohajunwa was based on the methodology of an on-going study that is looking at inclusive education policies in three regions of the African continent. The study has a specific focus on how local knowledges are influencing the contents of these inclusive education policies so as to support sustainable outcomes that are relevant and of value to the learners. It looks at whether indigenous knowledges are included in the policy document and how they are included. This study is unique in that it is questioning and critiquing existing policy with an indigenous knowledge lens while most research work towards contributing evidence to influence policy development. Its outcome will provide space for inclusive education practitioners and policy makers to rethink most practices that have been in existence for long that are probably not serving the local communities as they should. The third presentation by Dr Camilla Hansen was about student mobility programs. She shared about a hybrid model where nursing students from Norway come to provide health promotion services in rural areas in South Africa. The programme is based on research that involves person with disabilities through engaging them at all stages of the research. In the presenter’s words, the research is conducted through them and with them and not only about them. The nursing students and their university educators work with volunteers from the rural communities who help them to develop culture sensitivity through learning about indigenous knowledge systems of the communities where they practice. They use dialogue meetings to sit down, talk and get to understand how the body, illness and health are understood by the community members in addition to the health assessments. Lastly, we had a book presentation (launch) by Professor Hisayo Katsui which she co-authored with Shuaib Chalklen. The title of the book is Disability, Globalisation and Human Rights. The book is based on empirical case studies which used participatory research methods in some parts of Asia, in Finland and in a few African countries. It argues for the unavoidable role of neoliberalism as a global context, in which rights are negotiated and operationalized in analysing global disability rights. In their book, they call for methodologies that decolonize knowledge production around disability. To sum up the messages coming from the presentations in this commission, which were endorsed by the comments and discussions that followed, there is urgent need to approach issues of disability and development with realization and appreciation of local/contextual realities of persons with disabilities and bringing indigenous knowledges from the peripheries to the Centre of African disability perspectives. The approaches need rethinking so that we operate from a BOTH/AND framework and move away from an either/or of choosing either traditional research methods OR indigenous knowledge research methods.

COMMISSION G: HOLISTIC WELLNESS: SPORT, RECREATION, SEXUALITY, SPIRITUALITY

Vincent Daniels – Keynote – 3 areas re spirituality and will described as 3 types of people. He described the scenario of the first person being born with full functionality, with will and spirit; the second being born with some kind of disability and the third as still born. The first two have will and spirit. The spirit in each living being is what drives us. This is our positive spirit that we must channel to a greater good.  He uses the example of gangsters that mostly have ability and will, yet not channeling that properly.  The spirit and the will is important.    Your own self and spirit should drive you. We should use this positively.

Daniel Thomas Page – Implementing Life matters into youth development

He discussed group based activities and games for adolescents with mild disabilities. It is a cognitive behavioral programme that teaches skills and life lessons, self-advocacy and personal growth. The programme was developed in Australia. This programme is modifiable to cultural contexts. Facilitators are seen as role models.  Research done shows positive outcomes are pro-social and non-judgmental.

Hillary Lane – The spiritual path

Shared a personal journey with disability, or ability and gave us insights into the “inside of her” She only realized later in life, around 11 years, that she has what is called a  disability – as a child she was not aware of this. She spent many hours in physio and walked at the age of 5.  She recalls in her adolescent years someone who asked her whether she has a plastic brain.  University was not an option at the time as Hillary’s handwriting was not up to standard. When you have a disability, you tend to want to be normal, whatever that is.  She notes that it is not good to be shackled by the concerns of people. “No one taught me how to be disabled” she states. Disability is a contested term.She states that it is easier to see a person’s physical difference/difficulty and not spirituality. Ones spiritual/personal journey also important – important to share own journey – can influence others’ journey. She was unable to complete post-school studies due to handwriting – “painfully aware of disability” She tried to normalize – not associate with other PWD, and thought by getting married, she would be normal – but found she still had cerebral palsy.Joined group of other adults with CP – found it emotionally draining. Her turning point was when someone specifically asked about CP – asked to explain. She realized that “people don’t know how to ask” – need to be informed. Accept responsibility to engage with people and look out for spaces for opportunities

Roshanthi Subrayen – Disability stigma and disconnecting capabilities

A disability stigma and student narrative about teacher placement was discussed.  The students were mainly B Ed 2nd   to 4th year of which 8 teachers in training were visually impaired and  6 teachers in training were physically disabled. So 14 participants.  Many issues around disclosure emerged.  The absence of support, inadequate resources and stigmatisation was evident.

Dr Goffman Stigma Theory (1963). Examines stigma reduction via mixed controls and the conundrum of blending in strategies. This sometimes leads to taking on ableist identities to fit in and cope. These can further lead to stigma or avoidance of disclosure. The outcome leads to further exclusion, reducing agency and freedom.A comment re challenges is that the biggest challenges at HEIs at rectorate/top management level – need more collaboration with community and disability NGOs

Dr Charlotte Capri – group therapy with men living with intellectual disabilities

Group psychotherapy started 3 years back:Closed (must be screened) open (can enter and exit) group at a psychiatric hospital for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In outpatient dept., is a daunting task. How to do more with little  –  use groups. Good to get people together in a therapeutic group.  They set own norms. Need to have a psychiatric illness. No antisocial personality disorder in this group. Dependent on care and transport as an out group so this has challenges sometimes. Cohesion took about 1 year. Trust, working memory, speed issues in the group. Issues about being infantilized, that happy guy all the time, can be angry, especially about the care giver, what it is like having seizures, naming and shaming and blaming. Framing yourself within the group and themselves within the group was important. Autism, ADHD, PTSD. Etc all in the group. No plan or lessons for the group. Structure is important: check in with all, links with last time, each sets the agenda for the session.

Outcomes for group: talking, speaking of their experiences, okay to have bad moments, not putting self or others at risk. Important to run a group with people with intellectual disabilities!! Highly needed!!  Dr Marlene le RouxCovid-19 impact on people with disabilities

Covid-19 is a reality. Impacted PWD. World pandemic. In SA left out PWD re social distancing, sanitizing, regulations, and access to carers, lockdown at home so services could not take place like physio, etc.  PWD with ventilators (who will have the longevity is best to be helped; SASL and captions never there during COVID-19 announcements; PWD did not matter. COVID-19 was the big revealer!! Neglected and not prioritized – govt shortfalls. Sanitizing vs wheelchairs. No nappies, basic access like soap, water to safeguard health.  Care packages did not include products for PWD, like nappies.  UN suggests highest health standards for PWD. NGOS were closed down during COVID-19 – tablets access? Conclusions/Recommendations: get a higher standard of health; people’s lives for PWD must matter!

Callista Kahonde – cell phone app for sexuality education and reporting abuse and risk in people with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities

Sexuality / sexual abuse programme to identify risks and stay safe.  Study explored development of a cellphone app, sexuality education and reporting abuse risk. They follow voice prompts on the app. Interviews with caregivers, adults with Intellectual Disability were done.

Commission H Assistive technology workshop at AfriNEAD conferenceReportPromoting Regional Coherence and Cohesion amidst Multiple Assistive Technology Initiatives in Africa.
BackgroundAssistive technology was one of the commissions of the 6th AfriNEAD conference, with an AT workshop included in conference proceedings. The focus of the workshop was collaboration, cohesion, and coherence in AT service delivery in Africa.A round table and breakaway discussions on assistive technology products and services in Africa was facilitated in the virtual space of the AfriNEAD conference.  Organizations and role players in assistive technology services and products in Africa were invited as keynote speakers, round table members and participants in breakaway groups. During the keynote addresses Malcolm MacLachlan provided theoretical background on cohesion and coherence. Chapal Khasnabis on behalf of WHO-Africa presented the current situation re AT internationally and in Africa leaving Africa with the challenge, “Where are you?”Presentations from round table members. Nicky Seymour from ACAT, Anereme Kpandresi from FATO and Gerhard Erasmus from Edit microsystems (Daniel Thrum from SAFOD unfortunately became unavailable at the last moment) further provided information on where we are and what is and must be done. Audience members and panelists entered breakaway groups to discuss the questions:

  • What should the priorities or initial focus of collaboration be?
  • What practical strategies and platforms can be implemented to promote the sharing of information and collaboration?
  • How do we ensure that AT stakeholders across the continent and wider take ownership of these strategies?

Coherence, collaboration, and cohesion Cohesion means “the act of forming a united whole”. In practical terms for assistive technology services in Africa it would then mean linking pockets and isolated bits of good practice together to cover larger area. The term united is especially powerful in the African context with its culture and history of division on one side and the philosophy of Ubuntu on the other. Cohesion in this context implies more than sticking together pieces. We do not want to produce awkward shapes or only cover a small extend of what is needed. We want to create a united whole. Therefore, coherence is needed. Coherence that refers to “being logical and consistent” asks that the united whole be built and grown in a fair and accurate manner that is most sustainable, logical for Africa. Current situation in Africa Colonialisms left us with one of three European languages that often became the common language in a country. We have parts of Africa that are English speaking, parts that are French speaking and parts that are Portuguese speaking. In addition to numerous indigenous languages in countries and regions. The language divides hamper collaboration, cohesion and coherence as can be seen by the development of regional interests’ groups such as FATO in Francophone Africa and SAFOD in Anglophone Africa. Formal health care in various African countries has been built on Western biomedicine to the exclusion or diminishing of indigenous practices. Service providers are qualified to provide curative and therapeutic intervention on a one-on-one basis. But they are not prepared for and knowledgeable on the African realities of differing cultural beliefs and practices, communities that have been repressed and silenced for ages, and the sheer size, geographical and infrastructure challenges of our continent. The voices of users are absent. In many instances they are no more than AP recipients without choice. Their opinions are not asked for, not heeded when given unsolicited. Of them the gratefulness in which charitable donors and service providers can bask are expected

.Going forward

At policy level the status of assistive technology should be raised from a rehabilitation intervention to improve function to AT being one of the pillars of Primary Health Care like promotive, preventative, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care. Human and/or technological assistance to perform daily activities in the case of impairment and/or functional decline should be a given in the same manner that preventative practices such as vaccination and curative practices such as medication are a given.A second suggestion was that assistive technology products are classified as essential health products. Thus, their profile should be raised to be as important as that of vaccination, medication, and diagnostic interventions such as x-rays.At practical level there was a caution not to stick together pieces and resources in haphazard ways that only cover a small section of what is needed. But to go about things in a coherent manner. Silos of service provision, in fighting and territorial boundaries must be dismantled. AT services must be provided in ways targeted at user needs, which are less dependent on professionals and more able to utilize community resources.Appropriate devices and technology must reach and enable the majority. Exclusive products are expensive and the privilege of a select few. With mainstream products (smart phones, computer technology and software) more people can be assisted.AP users and the communities must become partners in AT service delivery. Industry must facilitate co-design and production initiatives in communities. Users must be empowered by professional service providers to take their role as peers and in that capacity educate, train, and support new users. Together with health care workers in communities, users should become the first line of AT service provision. The task of assessment, procurement, fitting, training and maintenance should gradually be shifted from professionals who are in short supply in Africa to users and community health care workers.Research on AT in Africa must be relevant to Africa and African communities and users. Research methodologies must be culturally responsible and based on social justice.  Participants and researchers must collectively and collaboratively contribute to change through equal participation and inclusiveness.The WHO resources for research in AT such as RATA (rapid assistive technology assessment), and ATAC (assistive technology assessment country capacity) can be used where appropriate.The GATE APL was mentioned as a way to ensure that basic assistive products are available to all. The APL is supported by training programs through which health care workers can be trained to provide these products. However, with fragile supply systems these basic products might not be available in many communities.There is a need for sharing and networking. Sharing platforms already exist, but that these are like service delivery strategies not cohesive and coherent. Some have a specific focus such as AJOD (African journal of disability) and ADIRA (Advancing Disability Research in Africa), others function in a specific language like African community of practice on assistive technology (ACAT) and AfriNEAD, include only certain countries (SAFOD) or are mainly focused on one group of people such as service providers (FATO). These bodies each have a role to play and there might be a need for even more sharing platforms as one size will not fit all. However, these platforms should connect at some point to promote cohesiveness and coherency. Like an umbrella with different panels, they should fit together into a coherent whole. The overarching body should track, collate, and make available information from various platforms.There is a need for a coordinating body for AT in Africa that will combine both practical support on how to gain access to affordable and quality AT and research generation. Such a body will assist in generating information on aspects such as user satisfaction, cost, impact, and effectiveness of assistive devices at national, regional and local levels. It will also generate research evidence that is geared towards removal of environmental barriers which will result in improvement of functionality of AT users.AfriNEAD is developing Disability Research Country working groups (DRCWGs) as an in-country structure to coordinate disability research. These DRCWGs could be used as in-country coordinating bodies for AT and affords a possibility for a structured approach to disability research. Doing disability research on AT opens doors for other areas that also require further enquiry and research for equalization of opportunities for persons with disability. The AfriNEAD mother body can identify AT experts to assist in training on research skills. WHO Africa region can provide training and guidance on how to source funding.The African community on Assistive technology (ACAT), a virtual community of practice can serve as the communication tool between African AT stakeholders. https://mednet-communities.net/gate.
   
“Europe is learning from Africa, Africa must learn from Africa.”

MINUTES OF THE TRIANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
6th AfriNEAD Virtual Conference2nd December 2020
As this was a virtual conference, the attendance numbers were not recorded, nor were there any apologies received.

  • Opening remarks – given by Prof Gubela Mji – chairperson of AfriNEAD
  • This is the 6th AfriNEAD AGM that is the last event of the 6th AfriNEAD conference that was supposed to be held at the Art Scape and due to COVID 19 the conference was held by virtual means.
  • AfriNEAD is a research network based at the faculty of Health Science in the Centre of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies
  • Clear Research Agenda
  • Ensure that research is being done and translated into practice.
  • Persons with disabilities should play a role in Disability Research.
  • Clear link between disabilities, disability research and Indigenous knowledge systems
  • Emancipatory research
  • Research needs to be inclusive of the context.
  • There is a need for harmonization between rural and urban areas.
  • There is also a political agenda to disability research.
  • Lessons learnt from Africa – Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana
  • AfriNEAD secretariat entered the different countries with a focus on disability research and the need for this to be taken by these countries and impact on policy formulation and how persons with disabilities are included in development and implementation of transformative strategies for the countries Affiliated to AfriNEAD.
  • Experiences from entering Zimbabwe, the key person leading was late, but the organization was there and being led by the DPO and they combined with the university to table the conference.
  • 2011 the conference was in Malawi, AfriNEAD secretariat learnt by observing the keyperson on how AfriNEAD links the DPO with the Ministers because in Malawi Alister was supported by Rachel as she was the Minister at that time and AfriNEAD secretariat observed how Alister was running around and introducing AfriNEAD to the Minister and used AfriNEAD as an advocacy tool.
  • 2017, at KNUST in Kumasi Ghana AfriNEAD secretariat had worked and assisted that university to develop Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Disability studies and the university had built a DU that was fully accessible, and the engineering department was built after the DU and the department was made accessible and therefore the conference was held at the university in this Department. The disability scholars from SAFOD and Western Cape Network for persons with disability, were raising havoc when they found a space that was not accessible and made the university aware of the accessibility issues at the university thereby transforming the University.
  • When we were preparing for the conference, we started by seeing the SU Rectorate and made the Rectorate aware of how it is operating towards inclusivity more specifically for PWD.
  • We asked the university to declare 2020 as the year for Persons with disability.
  • The disability unit joined AfriNEAD secretariat and created an area on issues of disability for students and staff and then had a 2 – day seminar where students and staff shared issues on disabilities and identified that certain units and Centers need to be capacitated by SU but there is also a need for more resources and capacity to understand disability issues better. We then created a report and sat with the Rectorate of SU and now are working with the Rectorate to see how they can work assist.

 

  • Positioning of AfriNEAD
  • If AfriNEAD secretariat moved out of SU into an organization but feedback was that it would struggle.
  • The feedback was that AfriNEAD secretariat would struggle as SU gives a lot of funding to the secretariat.
  • Maybe a hybrid method would work as a NPO and a project of SU.
  • Giving some time and proper consideration whilst it is still in Stellenbosch.
  • Bring in some new and fresh minds and ideas into the core group.
  • Structure of AfriNEAD
  • Bringing in younger people to drive the network.
  • Hoping that 2021 will be the year to consolidate that structure and take the network to the next level.
  • In its mandate is a research coordinating body
  • AfriNEAD has been struggling to fully execute the mandate due to funding.
  • It needs to grow and strengthen the research disability country working groups.
  • Reporting the status of disability research from their countries
  • AfriNEAD need to play a more of a supportive role.
  • Fee structure and concept document
  • There is a framework of actions and functions.
  • Membership of issues of fees- are highlighted in the document.
  • Strengthen the document specifically the area of fees structure.
  • AfriNEAD does have a guiding document that should be circulated after the conference.
  • Clear framework will ensure a hybrid – system.
  • Governing structure – create a clear succession plan.
  • There is a need to make shifts.
  • These shifts should be made by the time we enter 2023 AfriNEAD conference.
  • Partnership – consolidating and renewing.
  • Expanding international partners with AfriNEAD
  • There is a need to draw in the International Disability Networks and ensure close working relationships.
  • Partnership – exploring international partnerships.
  • There was no other business
  • Next meeting will be in three years time and the 7th AfriNEAD conference

Support from sponsors: much appreciated – Nangomso

PROGRAMME OF THE 3RD DECEMBER- INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WITH THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN     

 

 

 

Time Programme Item
9:00 Welcome by City of Cape Town Social Services and Health MAYCO – Cllr Badroodien
09:15 Welcoming AfriNEAD AfriNEAD Chairperson: Gubela Mji Name of speaker
09:30 Department of Social Development, Western Cape Government Minister Sharna Fernandez
09:45 Cape Town group of dancers with disabilities Unmute
10:00 Address by Premier of Western Cape Alan Winde
10:15 Address by the Vice Chancellor of Stellenbosch University Prof Wim de Villiers
10:30 Tea  
10:45 Play by persons with disabilities Shakespeare’s School Plays

Under the green wood tree
11:10 Address by the CEO of Artscape Marlene le Roux
11:25 Music interlude Michelle Botha-Singer
11:40 Music interlude Lois Strachan
11:55 Zumba class Russel Torien
12:30 Lunch
13:15 Entertainment piece
14:00 PROGRAMME END
Name of the person/organization Name of the Organization
Editmicro Systems

 

 Editmicro Systems

 
Vice Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers Stellenbosch University
Prof Eugean Cloete

 

 Deputy Vice Chancellor Research
Prof Nico Koopman

 

 Deputy Vice Chancellor Social Impact
Mr Alan Winde Premier of the Western Cape
Wilfred Schrieff Poster
Anonymous Sponsor Bags
Dr Nico Elema  Centre for Collaboration in Africa