Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD)AD)
ADT has a well-established relationship with the OAPD, dating back to 2018. It is one of the Trust’s mandates to promote skills development and job creation for people with disabilities. The purpose of the organisation, which was registered in 2009, is to raise the quality of life of persons with disabilities within their communities, where they are recognised as equal, active citizens and can live a purposeful life.
One of OAPD’s projects supported by ADT from its inception focuses on income generation for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. It constitutes the design and manufacture of hand-crafted products made from abalone shells supplied by Abagold. The shell workshop is currently providing work for five fully trained crafters. This year ADT is providing stipends for five additional recruits to receive training in the production of new designs by another of our beneficiaries, the Hermanus Visual Arts and Design Centre (HVAD).
Apart from this, ADT in partnership with OAPD is assisting four other young adults, all intellectually disabled, to receive skills training and employment in such diverse fields as baking, Animal Welfare petcare, manicures and pedicures and coffee making.
A third project supported by ADT is the sponsorship of three intellectually challenged children who are enrolled for special needs education.
