About Us
Avalon Association for Disabled People
Avalon is a home for people with physical disabilities, located in Kensington, Johannesburg. It was founded in 1944 but the present facility was built in 1981 from funds obtained from mining houses and residents were relocated to the new Avalon in Kensington, Johannesburg. In the intervening years, Avalon has grown and to date there are 40 residents with physical disabilities. The disabilities at Avalon range from accident victims to stroke, polio, spinal/brain injury, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, vision/hearing impairment, hemiplegic and muscular dystrophy. These require a fully comprehensive care work program.
Avalon is licensed and partially subsidized by the Provincial Department of Social Development and has an NPO certificate with a registration number: NPO 000 597 and a fund-raising number: 01 100027 0001. The facility offers 24/7 accommodation, basic nursing care and rehabilitation to traumatized and disabled victims of accidents, crime, polio and amputations, amongst many other conditions. The Avalon program focuses on general care, such as assisting residents with feeding and bathing, house-keeping, play and exercise. Residents are empowered through emotional and physical support, through social work services including counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy (when available) as well as through spiritual and life skills support. Other types of services rendered include, but are not limited, to transport for hospital/ clinics/ doctors and workplace visits as well as social events. Avalon residents receive 3 balanced meals per day which ensure their optimal physical development. Over and above the breakfast, lunch and dinner they also get 2 teas in between meals and a night snack.
AVALON provides
- Twenty four hours/seven days a week basic caregiving and emotional support to the residents
- Accommodation and three meals a day
- Full laundry service for all bedding, clothing etc.
- Occupational Therapy (available 4 hours per week.)
- Specialized transport to Hospitals, Clinics, Doctors appointments and Local Shopping centres.
- Spiritual and recreational facilities.
- Social and recreational activities.
- Psychosocial services and counselling.
- A channel for employment in a sheltered workshop.
AVALON funding
Monthly funding is obtained through;
- A grant from the Department of Social Development.
- Rental fees paid by the Residents.
- Collections at Shopping Malls by residents.
- Donations from Companies, Individuals , Clubs, Churches and Schools.
- Bequests
- Internal donations from our charity shop, homemade biscuits and ink cartridge recycling.
- Donations from the National Lottery Board.
The future of AVALON is greatly determined by the vision and actions of those who are committed to providing a place of safety and healing for physically disabled people.