Charlotte Otter
22 June 2004
False Bay College is a school with a difference - it helps people with disabilities get ahead.
And one of these is Randall Wynkwart, who at eight years old made news headlines when he fell off a school gate and was paralysed from the neck down.
The college heard about Wynkwart, now 23, when his psychologist was interviewed on CapeTalk, and invited him to have a look around the college.
Earlier this year a pilot project was started, allowing people with disabilities who would otherwise have to study at specialised institutions, to attend classes alongside able-bodied pupils at the college.
So far there are 12 disabled pupils learning with 2 000 able-bodied pupils at the college's four campuses.
"The disabilities range from cerebral palsy and physical disabilities to pupils who are deaf or have learning disabilities," said Karen Hendricks, project manager.
Chosen in 2002 by the national Department of Education to start the project, False Bay College started work with special schools to find pupils who would be eligible for the programme.
Wynkwart said: "I was very nervous on my first day, but all the students were friendly and I made a few friends. Everybody was interested in my wheelchair as it was remote-controlled.
"Before I was at False Bay College, I just stayed at home all day doing nothing. I'm really happy that I've been given the opportunity to be able to learn more, because now I have the chance to get a good job."
Wynkwart is in Grade 11 and learning English, Afrikaans, computer studies and art. His younger sister Hazel assists him by writing for him. He hopes to become a radio DJ once he has finished his studies.
"The only barrier to the disabled pupils at the college is the lack of money," said Hendricks.
"Although the college receives financial aid from the government, and the pupils' disability grants, often this money is not enough to pay for everything that they may need. As a result, people like Randall also have to get sponsorship to help pay for things like their books, specialised computers and transport to and from the campus.
"So far it (the project) has been extremely successful.
"We are giving people with disabilities a chance to take their place alongside their physically able peers without patronage or prejudice. We also help to provide them with skills that they would be able to use in the open labour market. This will mean that they will be able to compete for jobs in line with equity."
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