The United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa (UCPA) is situated in Townsview, Rosettenville and is home to 34 children and young adults diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, which includes disabilities such as quadriplegia paraplegia, hydrocephalus speech defect, blindness, deafness and or mental disability with most of the residents being challenged with a combination thereof. The majority of the residents have been abandoned or orphaned and they require continuous and very specialized attention.
The NGO was started in 1953 by Harry Kessler whose daughter had Cerebral Palsy. Due to his direct experience with the condition, he saw the need for a safe space that could offer dedicated nursing and medical care, physio and occupational therapy, aqua and neuro oxygen therapy, schooling, food, clothing and other essentials. He also realized that Cerebral Palsy challenged individuals needed a home that could provide for their basic daily needs and where they are respected and feel loved.
The home has a staff compliment of 53 people whose main aim is to empower and care for the residents. Many of the residents are wheelchair bound and thus rely on the staff for their basic daily needs which include bathing, clothing, and feeding.
RADA was introduced to the home in July 2021 and decided that it was a place we could assist and support going forward. With the help of sponsors, we are now supporting the home on a monthly basis and will continue to assess and assist with the needs of the home and its staff.
