Stories of Hope

At the National Institute for the Deaf’s (NID) Care department, we provide a holistic, therapeutic, and safe environment that supports the unique needs of multiple-disabled deaf adults. Here every resident can thrive within a peaceful and deaf-friendly community. Our motto - WHO YOU ARE TOMORROW BEGINS WITH WHAT YOU DO TODAY! ABRAHAM BAARTMAN (47) - Abraham continues to thrive in his work placement within the gardening and maintenance team. The frequency of mental health difficulties have significantly lessened and we are excited to see him so content in his daily functioning. AUBREY KOOPMAN (23) - Aubrey's communication skills and confidence has improved within the safe environment created at NID Care. He no longer has episodes of challenging behaviour and is always eager to help with heavier tasks at the Document Destruction project. His woodwork skills continues to expand. HENDRIK BROWN (49) - Hendrik is a go-getter and always eager to engage and help out with physical work either in the gardening team or under the guidance of our woodwork instructor. His social skills, interactions and work habits have seen marked positive improvement over the past year. ROMANO ROUX (32) - With every passing year Romano's communication skills show gradual improvement and he is ever more willing and able to express himself and respond positively to instructions and guidance. He is eager to help out in the Woodwork section and with heavier Document Destruction tasks and more and more able to initiate interactions and offer assistance. NTOMBOVUYO MKHWIBISO (30) - Ntombi, as we call her, participates in the Needlework section where she is keen and capable to express her abilities through beading work and knitting. She is flourishing in the structured and calm environment with less psychiatric episodes affecting her well-being. NOLUKHANYO MRWETYANA (32) - Nolukhanyo is a reserved lady who is benefiting from her participation in the Document Destruction project where uncertainty and distress is limited by a structured routine, familiar tasks and open communication. With appropriate encouragement she is able to express her needs, excitement and joy, leading to improved self-confidence and interaction with others. VIVIAN MPONDO (37) - Vivian is making small but extremely meaningful progress in the Document Destruction project. Within the familiar environment where he is able to experience his own contribution to the success of the project his self-confidence and positive self-expression and interactions have shown meaningful growth. ELLEN MACKAYI (49) - Due to the accessibly environment created for multi-disabled Deaf adults, Ellen is better able to communicate her challenges, desires and plans and therefore her daily schedule has been adapted to her individual needs and she is able to participate in the Document Destruction project, perform ironing tasks and cleaning tasks in a manner that promotes her own well-being. NELMIRIE SWARTS (32) - Within the Needlework section Nelmirie has been appropriately challenged with increasingly difficult tasks which she has successfully mastered with patient guidance, leading to increased self-esteem and well-being.