After rehabilitation, on returning home, many quadriplegics and paraplegics find their homes inaccessible. Bathrooms and toilet facilities are especially inaccessible, particularly in rural areas. The QuadPara Association of Gauteng North (QAGN) selected four members, who struggled with this very issue, to be the recipients of the British Airways (operated by Comair) Rural Development Outreach grant.
Contractors were brought in to make the necessary changes to their homes in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. Accessible bathroom and toilet facilities were built.
The two-year relationship between QASA and British Airways is aimed at ensuring investment in rural areas for QASA members. The success of the project is dependent on the Regional Association identifying members in need throughout the rural areas.
Ari Seirlis is the CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and managing editor of Rolling Inspiration. email: ceo@qasa.co.za
