Disability Ambassador Irene Joubert passed away on May 30, 2018, at the age of 76. Irene became a quadriplegic in 1971 after a car accident. Following her rehabilitation, Irene returned to her rehabilitation centre, the HF Verwoerd Spinal Unit, to act as a peer supporter.
In 1985, she received the recognition of “Pretorian” and in 1986 was awarded The Excelsior Award.
Tracy Todd, a fellow quadriplegia ambassador, says: “She meant so much to me. Irene dragged me out of some dark holes. I take comfort from the memory of the many hours we spent together over the past 20 years, the tears and laughs we shared.” Ari Seirlis, the CEO of QASA, remembers Irene fondly: “When I arrived at HF Verwoerd Hospital for rehabilitation in 1985, she was my first visitor. She would come and see all of us who were in rehabilitation on a weekly basis and gave us inspiration. She helped us realise that there was still a lot of life to be enjoyed by a motivated quadriplegic. Thank you so much Irene for giving hope to thousands of people with spinal cord injuries. You made us believe in the future.”
Irene is survived by two children and five grandchildren.
Ari Seirlis is the CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and managing editor of Rolling Inspiration. email: ceo@qasa.co.za
