Home About CTAPD
Empowering people with disabilities since 1937
The first organised disability-care organisation in South Africa, and still at the same work: dignity, independence and inclusion, street by street.
Run by the people it serves
The Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering persons with physical disabilities to live with dignity, confidence and independence. Through our dedicated team of professional social workers, support staff and volunteers, we provide support, psychosocial rehabilitation, training and advocacy that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in society.
Here is what makes us different: most of our Board members live with disability, and our members elect two of their own onto the Board every year through Consumer Forums. Decisions about disabled Capetonians are made by disabled Capetonians.
Our Vision: Enabling persons with physical disabilities towards equal opportunities, inclusion and meaningful participation in society.
Our Mission: To promote and provide social development services that enhance dignity, independence and quality of life for persons with physical disabilities.
Our members and staff together. Real CTAPD photograph.
Our core values
Empowerment
Encouraging independence and self-reliance.
Inclusion
Promoting equal opportunities and breaking down barriers.
Dignity
Respecting the worth of every individual.
Integrity
Acting with honesty and accountability.
Compassion
Serving with empathy and care.
Our Journey Through the Years
Key milestones in our history.
- 1937 — Founded 25 February as the Cape Cripple Care Society, first housed in the city centre before moving to the St Giles building, Klipfontein Road - the first of its kind in the country.
- 1999 — Became an autonomous branch of the Western Cape APD; registered NPO 006-473; moved to the Reable Centre.
- 2003 — SARS approved public benefit status; the Bridgetown property became ours.
- 2018 — Current constitution adopted at the September AGM.
- 2024–2026 — A hard, honest reset: verified beneficiary numbers, recovered finances, modernised governance - and this website.
Led by the people we serve
Cape Town APD is led by a Board where the majority of members live with disability, supported by a professional staff team headed by our Chief Executive Officer. Two Board seats are held by members elected directly through our Consumer Forums.
In short (Easy Read)
- Cape Town APD helps people with physical disabilities.
- We started in 1937. We work in 13 areas of Cape Town.
- Most of our Board members have disabilities themselves.
- Phone us: 021 637 1204.