Background Of The Association
The Mpumalanga Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (MAPD) is a Non-Profit Organization situated in the heart of the capital city of Mpumalanga province. The organization was formed in 1994 with the aim of establishing a provincial structure, which would coordinate the regional structures serving people with disabilities.
The association is affiliated to the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). We have 50 affiliated structures, which are made up of 24 Protective Workshops, 19 Stimulation Centres and 7 Home Based Care Centres. The Association has established satellite offices in all three districts of Mpumalanga.
Vision
Our vision is a society for all, where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to achieve their fullest potential and enjoy active participation and involvement that will help shape an inclusive society.
Mission Statement
The Mpumalanga Association of Persons with Disabilities serves as a pro-active forum for the advancement of persons with disabilities so as to enable them to attain their maximum level of independence and integration into the community, and to prevent the occurrence of disablement.
Problem Identification
The majority of people with disabilities in the Mpumalanga Province are from families in the very rural areas and are thus faced with extreme poverty. These vulnerable communities have been excluded from the mainstream of society and have thus been prevented from accessing fundamental social, political and economic rights. We believe that Poverty and Disability are also closely linked. Not only is there a higher proportion of poverty amongst people, but there is also an increase in families living at the extreme poverty level as a result of disability. This phenomenon seriously hinders the development process.
Reason For Our Existence
The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of SA brought hope of equal rights for all, including people with disabilities. However, while major achievements have been realised as a result of the Constitution, the reality is that there is a severe isolation of people with disabilities and their families. These inequalities are reinforced by the social attitudes, which have perpetuated stereotypes of disabled people as dependent and in need of special care. While legislation is in place for the protection of the disabled, there is a lack of resources to enforce the legislation.