Open Call: Services to Persons with Disabilities (South Africa)

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is inviting non-profit organisations to apply for funding under the Services to Persons with Disabilities Sub-programme. The programme supports community-based care, disability empowerment, therapeutic services, caregiver support, respite care, outreach programmes, and developmental services that improve the quality of life and social inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Western Cape.

About the Services to Persons with Disabilities Programme

The Western Cape Department of Social Development provides funding to eligible non-profit organisations delivering community-based services for persons with disabilities.

The programme aims to improve the wellbeing, independence, inclusion, and participation of children and adults with disabilities by supporting therapeutic interventions, developmental programmes, community-based care, family support, and disability empowerment initiatives.

Particular emphasis is placed on expanding access to quality disability services throughout the Western Cape, especially in underserved rural communities.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Improve access to community-based disability support services.
• Promote the rights, inclusion, and participation of persons with disabilities.
• Strengthen families and caregivers through education and support.
• Provide developmental and therapeutic social work services.
• Increase access to day care and respite care services.
• Support Disability Empowerment and Mainstreaming (DEM) initiatives.
• Expand disability services across rural and underserved areas.
• Improve the wellbeing and quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Services Supported

Funding supports a wide range of disability services and community-based programmes.

Disability Awareness and Empowerment

Supported activities include:

• Disability awareness programmes.
• Disability education and training.
• Disability Empowerment and Mainstreaming (DEM) programmes.
• Community awareness initiatives promoting inclusion.

Developmental and Therapeutic Services

Eligible services include:

• Developmental social work services.
• Therapeutic interventions.
• Individual and family support.
• Community-based rehabilitation activities.

Community-Based Day Care Programmes

Funding supports day care programmes for adults and children with profound and severe disabilities, including:

• Supervised day care.
• Structured developmental stimulation.
• Nutrition services.
• Transport assistance.
• Daily support activities.
• Personal care and supervision.

Outreach and Family Support Services

Supported services include:

• Community outreach programmes.
• Parent support programmes.
• Caregiver education and support.
• Peer support groups.
• Family strengthening initiatives.
• Home and community-based assistance.

Respite Care Services

Funding also supports respite care programmes that provide temporary relief and assistance for families and caregivers responsible for persons with disabilities.

Funding Information

Funding is available to eligible organisations delivering services under the Services to Persons with Disabilities Sub-programme.

The source information does not specify:

• Total funding available.
• Individual grant amounts.
• Funding duration.
• Eligible expenditure categories.

Applicants should consult the official programme guidelines for detailed funding information.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered non-profit organisations providing services to persons with disabilities.
• Organisations delivering community-based disability programmes.
• Organisations providing developmental, therapeutic, outreach, or day care services.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a registered non-profit organisation.
• Deliver services benefiting persons with disabilities.
• Meet all programme requirements.
• Comply with relevant legislation and licensing requirements where applicable.
• Demonstrate the organisational capacity to deliver quality disability services.

Licensing Requirements

Community-based day care programmes and special care centres serving persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities must:

• Hold the required licence issued by the Department of Health.
• Comply with the Mental Health Care Act, 2002.

These licensing requirements are mandatory for eligible facilities.

Education Requirements for Children’s Special Care Centres

Special Care Centres serving children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities must:

• Follow the Department of Education Learning Programme for Children with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability, or
• Deliver a similar programme approved by the Department of Basic Education.

Compliance with approved educational programmes is required for eligible children’s facilities.

Assessment Process

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Programme eligibility.
• Compliance with legislative requirements.
• Licensing status where applicable.
• Organisational capacity.
• Quality of disability support services.
• Compliance with programme guidelines.
• Ability to deliver community-based disability services.

Why This Programme Matters

Persons with disabilities often require ongoing developmental, therapeutic, educational, and social support to participate fully in community life.

This funding programme strengthens community-based disability services by supporting organisations that provide day care, outreach, therapy, caregiver assistance, respite care, and empowerment programmes. It also promotes inclusion, independence, and equal opportunities while improving support for families and caregivers throughout the Western Cape.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations should follow these steps:

1. Review the official programme guidelines and eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm organisational eligibility.
3. Ensure all required licences and approvals are in place.
4. Prepare organisational and supporting documentation.
5. Demonstrate compliance with relevant legislation.
6. Complete the official funding application.
7. Submit the application before the specified deadline.
8. Await assessment by the Western Cape Department of Social Development.

Tips for Applicants

To improve your application:

• Clearly explain the disability services your organisation provides.
• Demonstrate experience working with persons with disabilities.
• Include evidence of legislative compliance.
• Ensure licences and approvals are current.
• Highlight qualified staff and therapeutic expertise.
• Describe caregiver and family support services.
• Explain how your programmes improve inclusion and independence.
• Emphasise services delivered in rural or underserved communities where applicable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Failing to provide required licences.
• Not demonstrating compliance with the Mental Health Care Act.
• Omitting evidence of approved educational programmes for children’s facilities.
• Providing insufficient organisational information.
• Failing to explain programme outcomes or community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding?

Registered non-profit organisations providing services to persons with disabilities are eligible to apply.

What types of services are supported?

The programme supports disability awareness, developmental and therapeutic services, community-based day care, outreach, caregiver support, respite care, peer support, and Disability Empowerment and Mainstreaming (DEM) programmes.

Are community-based day care programmes eligible?

Yes. Community-based day care programmes for adults and children with profound and severe disabilities are eligible, provided they meet licensing requirements.

Is licensing required?

Yes. Community-based day care programmes and special care centres serving persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities must be licensed by the Department of Health under the Mental Health Care Act, 2002.

Are services for children included?

Yes. Special Care Centres serving children are eligible if they follow the required learning programme approved by the Department of Education or the Department of Basic Education.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are evaluated based on programme eligibility, legislative compliance, licensing status, organisational capacity, and the quality of proposed disability services.

Does the programme prioritise rural communities?

Yes. The programme encourages disability services throughout the Western Cape, with particular emphasis on expanding support in rural and underserved areas.

Conclusion

The Western Cape Services to Persons with Disabilities Programme provides valuable funding for non-profit organisations delivering essential disability services across the province. By supporting community-based care, therapeutic interventions, caregiver support, respite care, outreach, and disability empowerment programmes, the initiative helps improve inclusion, independence, and quality of life for persons with disabilities while strengthening support systems for families and communities.