The project leader, Prof Kitty Uys, said, ‘with this project, we are able to assist young people with communication disabilities who do not yet have access to communication support, to participate in a meaningful way in society.’

The six FOFA participants actively engaged in a week-long seminar designed to teach skills such as how to communicate effectively by using their AAC devices and then applying these newly learned skills to everyday situations, for example ordering food at a restaurant.

They were also taught other practical skills such as constructing a CV for potential employers in order to help them find employment that can facilitate independent living.

In addition to the applied skills that are learned, the FOFA project encourages participants to set realistic and attainable goals for their future and then map out the means and methods that can help them achieve these goals.

The week culminated in the participants individually presenting their life stories and talking about their dreams and future plans. The success of this final session can be attributed to the daily empowerment workshops and talks on building communication competence.

This year, each of the six persons who attended the event released a white dove to symbolise the FOFA slogan: Spread your wings and soar against the odds.

All six participants attended FOFA for the first time this year.

Constance Nthuli is a former FOFA participant and acted as a lecturer during the week. She is also employed at the CAAC as a disability advocate. She said that the communication device she uses gave her a voice and enabled her to function as an independent person. She is currently pursuing further studies.

For additional information about the FOFA project, please contact:

Prof Kitty Uys phone: 012 420 3851, email: [email protected]
or Liza Siefe, [email protected]
CAAC website: www.caac.up.ac.za
Video of the FOFA project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnFk4pIRKtU
 

Kerstin teaching Kwakha to use the iPad as a communication device


Jackson using his head pointer to type


Thama uses an alphabet board to spell


Rosetta teaches her mother about her communication device


Constance Ntuli