CEOs: Will You Use a Wheelchair For a Day?

March is National Intellectual Disability Month and Little Eden Society has a campaign challenging all CEOs to spend one day at work in a wheelchair, to spread awareness about disability and raise much-needed funds for the cost of caring for its family of 300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

On the campaign’s launch day, action began early, at 5:00, as Johannesburg’s Mix FM radio station crew set up for a live broadcast, in anticipation of the arrival of Little Eden CEO Lucy Slaviero, to start her workday in a wheelchair.

What Was It Like?

Asked about her experience, Ms Slaviero said: “I did not expect the amount of strain I felt on my upper legs from being in a wheelchair the whole day, and the effort required to propel and pass through narrow spaces to get about.

“Where I could, I asked for help, and got up from the wheelchair to stretch my legs,” she said.

“Can you imagine the frustration if you had no verbal ability to ask for help, were not able to propel the wheelchair, and not able to just get up for a moment for some relief?”

Some carers at Little Eden had the opportunity to share with Mix FM listeners what it means to look after someone who has a profound intellectual disability. Some residents shared stories about their experiences at Little Eden.

Large Companies are Already on Board

Development officer Zai Miller urged large and small companies to contact her on the wheelchair campaign and the benefits of joining.

Ms Miller expressed her gratitude to Mix FM for its support in promoting the campaign and to the CEOs of companies who have already registered to take part.

These include Discovery SA, Multotec, SA Lube, National Kargo, and Oberon Pharma.

To join this group of friends of Little Eden or for more information on the wheelchair campaign, see the website at www.littleeden.org.za or contact Zai Miller on 011 609 0492, 072 127 8237 or