03 Apr IDC Empowers the Disabled Through Equity, Inclusion, and Community Support
In a powerful partnership aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has joined forces with The Living Link (TLL) in Cape Town. This collaboration underscores the IDC’s unwavering commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, while actively supporting community projects that benefit the youth, particularly those with disabilities.
According to Stats SA, approximately 7.5% of the population have some form of disability (approximately 4.5 million people), with intellectual disabilities forming a significant part of this group. Unfortunately, these individuals often face numerous barriers that hinder their access to opportunities and a decent quality of life.
Alarmingly, the unemployment rate among young adults in South Africa exacerbates the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities, with an estimated 99% being excluded from employment in the open labour market. Factors contributing to this exclusion include limited access to education, inadequate support services, and a labour-intensive economy.
The Living Link is mandated to address these barriers by advocating for and working towards economic participation, inclusion, and social justice for people with intellectual disabilities enabling them to participate in mainstream society.
Empowering Individuals Through Tailored Programs
The Living Link’s initiatives offer specialised programs designed to equip intellectually disabled young adults with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the workforce. The IDC’s partnership with TLL enabled 16 beneficiaries to enroll for an accredited Adult Integration & Work Readiness Programme which provides students with the tools and skills they need to successfully enter the mainstream workplace; and The Gap Project which is a transition project for intellectually disabled young adults who have graduated from the Adult Integration and Work Readiness Program and are waiting to be successfully placed into more permanent employment. The Gap Project provides graduates with an opportunity to work in the open labour market on a short-term basis and ensures that they are occupied while TLL assists in sourcing more permanent employment for these beneficiaries.
The Living Link in partnership with various stakeholders managed to place beneficiaries in various workspaces to apply all that they had learned from the course and more importantly to apply the work readiness skills. The collaboration with SEDA and NYDA to conduct a “Starting your own business” course highlighted the organization’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering individuals for success.
“The partnership between the IDC and The Living Link has been extremely positive. This, I believe, is because both parties have the same goals and business acumen. The Living Links goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of not only persons living with intellectual disabilities but in some way affect the lives of their families as well. This partnership exemplifies the power of merging business acumen with a commitment to social responsibility. Our partnership with the IDC has allowed us to continue our work as we aim to affect not only transformative but also sustainable change in the lives of our students”, said Gregory Sirmongpong, manager at The Living Link Cape Town.
Support for Community Projects Benefitting Youth: The IDC’s dedication to supporting community projects extends to initiatives that directly benefit the youth, particularly those with disabilities. The IDC’s partnership with The Living Link serves as a testament to its active role in supporting individuals with disabilities. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and empowerment, the IDC paves the way for meaningful participation in mainstream society. Notably, the project addresses critical gaps in employment opportunities. The TLL can accommodate 50 students per annum in both Johannesburg and Cape Town offices.
