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Inmates build ramps for wheelchair bound
Joseph Kunene, a wheelchair-bound resident of Chesterville, Durban, often had problems leaving his home because his yard is not paved. Now, thanks to a project launched by the Correctional Services Department and the Quadpara Association of South Africa (QASA), Kunene, 58, is having a ramp built outside his home by Westville Prison inmates.
This will allow him easier access to the outside world. "I will now be able to get around and get to the road, whereas previously I would try, but end up falling because of holes in the yard. I am very grateful to them. This means a lot to me." said Kunene.
Correctional Services disability coordinator, Vusi Dumeni, who spearheaded the project, which began on Monday, said he had noted that assisting the disabled by giving them wheelchairs was not enough, because their environments were often not wheelchair-friendly and so they became prisoners in their homes.
Mobility is a priority to a person using a wheelchair because it gives them access to the outside world and they feel like part of society. Dumeni said the pilot project would be rolled out nationwide if successful.
QASA's Carla-Jane Haines said: Many wheelchair users in Chesterville are imprisoned by inaccessible environments. Now prisoners are helping to free these people by creating ramps which make the environment accessible.
From Association for People with Disabilities newsletter (vol 10. Issue 2) of May 2009
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