Database for the Deaf Community

In an attempt to implement the Western Cape Language Policy and with specific reference to the promotion of South African Sign Language, the Department of Cultural Affairs has to liaise with several organisations, schools, societies and associations for the deaf.

Since 2002, the department had developed a specific database which language practitioners within the Language Policy Implementation Unit (a unit within the Language Services Component) can source in order to assist those who keep enquiring about the deaf, South African Sign Language, places for persons with disabilities as well as social services.

We have realised that the deaf community is such a small community within the borders of the Western Cape, and therefore the Language Services Component goes that extra mile in ensuring that people who phone in, fax, e-mail or text us have sufficient access to information.

The department is well known for its involvement of issues pertaining to the deaf and people with disabilities as was demonstrated at the recent sign language seminar held on 16 July 2011. The Department had also been involved in annual programmes, either by distributing language related information, executing language related projects, speaking about issues of the Deaf, as well as attending or hosting events.

Recent projects include the establishment of the Sign Language Communication Club as a direct result of the basic and advanced sign language class which the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport offer to family members, guardians, parents and care givers of deaf children or children with hearing disabilities.

Practice sessions for the Sign Language Communication Club in Khayelitsha are currently being planned and will take place between August 2011 and March 2012.

The Department is proud to have been either working with or liaising with the following organisations, associations, schools and societies amongst others in order to fulfill its mandate with regard to South African Sign Language and hope that this information will serve the general public in their networking and communicating attempts:

The Bastion of the Deaf
PO Box 226
Newlands
7725
Tel: 021 683 4665/6
Fax: 021 671 2644

Deaf Federation Western Cape
PO Box 44233
Claremont
7735
Telefax: 021 671 6385

Deaf Community of Cape Town
30 De la Bat Road
Worcester
6849
OR
PO Box 941
Worcester
6849
Tel: 023 342 0757
Fax: 023 342 8866

National Institute for the Deaf
20 Teddington Street
Bellville
7530
Mfesane
Bellville
PO Box 24
Cape Town
Private Bag 27535
Tel: 021 945 3992/5
Fax: 021 945 3989

Mfesane Welfare Organisation
38 Lodewyk Road
Newfields
Athlone
OR
PO Box 60
Gatesville
7764
Tel: 021 692 1237
Fax: 021 692 3984

Muslim Assembly Welfare Department for the Deaf
De La Bat Road
Worcester
6850
OR
PO Box 941
Worcester
6849
Tel: 023 342 0757
Fax: 023 342 8866
PO Box 1544
Milnerton
7435
Tel: 021 555 2881
Fax: 021 555 2888

National Institute for the Deaf

Western Cape Association for People with Disabilities
Tygerberg Hospital
Parow
6850
OR
PO Box 19130
Tygerberg
7505
Tel: 021 938 5312
Fax: 021 932 5104

Carel du Toit Centre
De La Bat Road
Worcester
6849
OR
PO Box 98
Worcester
6849
Tel: 023 342 2560
Fax: 023 342 5563

De La Bat School for the Deaf
6 Clare Road
Wittebome
7800
Tel: 021 761 8046/8
Fax: 021 761 8578

Dominican School for the Deaf
PO Box 2986
Cape Town
8000
Tel: 021 790 1052
Fax: 021 790 6241

Dominican-Grimley School
34 Low Street
Observatory
7925
Tel: 021 447 0310
Fax: 021 448 1351

Mary Kihn School
Leipoldt Ave
Worcester
6849
OR
Private Bag X3047
Worcester
6849
Tel: 023 348 2200
Fax: 023 348 2235/2277

Nuwe Hoop Centre
Lansdowne Road Ext, Site B
Khayelitsha
7784
Tel: 021 361 1160
Fax: 021 361 1161