NELSON MANDELA BAY TOURISM PARTICIPATES IN SPAR WHEELCHAIR WEDNESDAY 2015

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) again this year participated in the Spar Wheelchair Wednesday Campaign sending a team out to experience the challenges that a person who is reliant on a wheelchair would normally face. July 2015 has been the 4^th year of collaboration and participation with the Association for People with Physical Disabilities (APD) to ensure that we continuously strive to make the destination easily accessible for all to visit and enjoy.

Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT CEO shares, “This is a highly effective campaign that  we are happy to be part of, not only does it create awareness and effect change in the way we build and implement facilities but each wheelchair is donated to a deserving recipient at the end of the campaign.”

NMBT had three staff members participate in the 2015 Spar Wheelchair Wednesday campaign which challenged them to partake in daily activities from the position of being in a wheelchair for 4hours. Activities included using the facilities in a shopping centre, going to as ATM and restaurant as well as folding up and putting the wheelchair in and out of the car.

Ms Phumeza Ndzamo, Ms Ntombozuko Mtandeki and Ms Rene Derrocks who are visitor information officers of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism all confirmed the experience was much tougher than they originally expected. They have gained greater insights of what a person with disabilities faces on a daily basis and how others are able to assist when the assistance is requested.

Ms Ndzamo shared, “Not only was everyday tasks a challenge but the way in which the public treated us was rather concerning. I am hoping this project will assist with the way people with disabilities are treated and the way able bodied people react to those with these disabilities.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism is now part of being able to recommend changes within the business environment through this campaign. Through gaining greater insights NMBT is also able to share with the tourism sector ideas to consider implementing in order to make their facilities more accessible to those with disabilities and wheelchairs.

In total at the end of the campaign not only will education and awareness have taken place but 120 wheel chairs will be donated to needy recipients.