Bua Sedibeng News

General information

THISABILITY-The Power of the Soul- is a disability awareness newsletter and website.

Thisability (th is•uh-bil-i-tee): noun
Meaning: The ability to embrace adversity meaningfully beyond limits.

“It is the level reached by a soul who has graduated from merely accepting circumstances to a level of embracing them for their own betterment. It is a belief in one’s own potential, faith in the invincibility of dreams pursued with endless effort. THISABILITY is not the opposite of disability but an acknowledgement that disabilities are neither prisons nor limitations but open gates that can only be accessed by those who dare to step through. THISABILITY is a graduation from our disabilities to our abilities – without fear, doubt or reservation.
It is the power of the soul to push its abilities beyond the limit. THISABILITY is the sweet taste of victory experienced by those who believe that, to conquer, one must fight the war from a position along the frontline. It is the act of understanding that the sky is not the limit. Stars still shine beyond the indigo.”

ORIGIN: Musa E. Zulu, “Wheels on the Soul of my Shoes”
ISBN: 978-1-920244-78-1
2008 – Nutrend Publishers

The human soul has the power to transcend any boundary once spurred by motivation. Life has various triggers that challenge the norm once in a while to remind us of the harsh realities that surround us. Our reactions to these often form the benchmark of hope lost or the heroism we render to triumph above these challenges. The latter choice often projects us into a realm of living life fully beyond the norm.
“THISABILITY: The Power of The Soul” is a monthly newsletter that will focus on disability awareness stories and initiatives that are a part of everyday living by those that have taken a positive stand to live life unregrettably and beyond impediments. Some of the objectives include;
1. Creating an awareness for the DEEP project (a Disability Economic Empowerment Program (www.kzndeep.co.za) to raise its profile to attract quality suppliers, candidates and guest speakers.
2. Improving people’s perceptions of people with disabilities. Alter people’s perceptions so they see a person’s abilities and what they can do.
3. Creating a central database that can assist anyone needing information on disability societies, schools, support groups etc.
4. Creating a comprehensive guide of suppliers of medical services, medical personnel, disability services and equipment in KZN.
5. Advertising jobs availability and offer solid advise on career guidance.

The tabloid will also bring you stories of hope and triumph that are out there to motivate and inform people on disability. This is aimed at people with disabilities, caregivers and the public at large; particularly those affected by disabilities-a mother, a father, a sister and a brother that has been lost in translation by lack of information.

Many a time when we reflect on, or talk about people with disabilities, what comes to the fore is that which our traditional stereotypes and misconceptions have always informed us about 'these people' – their hardships, marginalization, poverty, illiteracy, lack of or lost opportunities, government social responsibility grants, despair and denials. This always leaves our conversations and thoughts littered with negative perceptions. Not many of our stories and reflections on the lives of people with disabilities have ever truly uncovered the enormous wealth of achievement and contribution that 'these people' have amassed and given in their various life experiences. The fact is that if, today, we all undertook to confront our set stereotypes, and also sought facts to challenge our misconceptions, a different face of disability would emerge that we could grow to embrace and learn from its multiple expressions.

With embracing this face we would suddenly come to know that people with disabilities do not only sit at home awaiting a monthly grant but that many are involved in numerous economic development activities that are an integral part of the days of our lives; that a countless number of 'these people' are dreamers that have excelled and carved a niche for themselves in business, the arts, sport, community development, politics and science; that these are not just ordinary followers but extraordinary role models that have achieved the possible dream for themselves and many a child that is still learning the ways of life – that 'these people' are not just a bunch of losers lost on the side-walks but an endless list of true and central WINNERS!!

This is what this publication aims to highlight – the positive stories that are part and parcel of the struggles and victories of people with disabilities in our society. This is the face that we would like you to uncover and embrace. This is a face whose expressions of a full life can be understood even clearer if people with disabilities offer their support to this publication by telling you the stories of their realities and dynamic lives. It is our hope that parents, families, friends, lovers, teachers, care-givers, communities through their civil structures, government and private enterprise, will also contribute stories of their own experiences of living and learning from people with disabilities to this newsletter.

Objectives
• To create an avenue for the communication of messages that target people with disabilities
• To create a platform that encourages people with disabilities to communicate amongst themselves about issues that affect their lives

Target Audiences
• Special Schools for students with disabilities
• Organizations and centres for persons with disabilities
• Hospitals
• Government departments including Municipalities
• The general public

Through various programs and initiatives, THISABILITY: The Power of The Soul has formed linkages and networks to inform readers by offering content from professionals, engaging the government on policy frameworks and is also open to contributions from the public at large to contribute views that build towards this vision of motivation. This is all done through affiliated database interaction, views from the society, linkages with other organisations and monthly columns by specialists in various fields.
The print edition will be initially distributed around KwaZulu Natal, free of charge, through affiliated disability organisations, schools, government departments and other stakeholders. This issue is complimented by a web edition that is available on www.thisability.co.za which offers a comprehensive and interactive portal with various extra options of communication, feedback and suggestions.