Official opening of Deafblind South Africa's national office.

The 29th June 2011 will always be remembered in the history of Deafblind South Africa as this day marked the official opening of Deafblind South Africa’s national office. The office is situated on the campus of The National Institute for the Deaf De la Bat Road Worcester. The office was officially opened by the honorable mayor of the Breede Valley municipality Clr. Basil Kevido.

The purpose of the office will mainly be to co ordinate developments of the provincial activities and structures in the 9 provinces of the republic of South Africa and to ensure that all the statuary requirements are met for operating purposes. Service and support for Deafblind persons and their families should happen at grassroots level in the provincial structures. Deafblind South Africa wishes to establish provincial offices in all 9 provinces and if the need arise also regional offices once funding is secured for this purpose. This will also help to establish an effective reference service and database of service providers which can also develop further as every province’s specific needs arise and grow. This would also ensure effective support services for the Deafblind community and relevant stakeholders.

The ultimate would be to develop and build the capacity and leadership of Deafblind individuals in order for them to become self-representative according to each one’s potential in the broader communities they live in.

Full time staff will be appointed. Some of these staff will be Deafblind themselves and will be appointed according to their potential and capacity. The volunteer, youth and woman structures will also be implemented and developed.