“It’s a bit of a cliche. But until you’ve been in somebody else’s shoes, you just can’t appreciate their struggles. It’s only through this firsthand perspective that we can truly grasp the challenges that wheelchair users face, and work towards better accessibility for all.”
So said Multotec CEO, Rhodes Nelson, after participating in the 6th Annual LITTLE EDEN Society CEO Wheelchair Campaign® in March (National Intellectual Disability Month). He was one of over a dozen business leaders who joined the campaign this year, making it our biggest and best to date.
Grateful thanks to all who supported the campaign and encouraged others to join in. The annual event is a highly visible and effective way of creating awareness around disability and the challenges facing people with limited mobility. In addition, it helps raise much needed funds towards the care of the special angels at LITTLE EDEN. Although our ‘family’ of 300 children and adults are affected by profound intellectual disability, over 70% of them use wheelchairs on a daily basis. Of these, the majority lack the strength or ability to propel themselves.
Among the companies who participated in the Campaign this year were Discovery Limited, MEI Construction Services, EOH Group, Multotec, SBS, SA Federation for Mental Health, Sun International and U Can Store. Here’s what they had to say:
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“Many people overlook the challenges faced by wheelchair users on a daily basis, often due to a lack of understanding or hands-on experience. By taking the time to learn about and empathize with the obstacles that those with mobility impairments must overcome, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society.” – Rhodes Nelson, CEO Multotec |
“I challenge all women executives in the corporate environment across the country to participate in the Little Eden Society 2023 CEO Wheelchair Campaign, as oftentimes we take what it is like for someone to rely on a wheelchair for granted. I specifically challenge landlords to be inclusive when designing their buildings so as to ensure that people who use wheelchairs are also included at all times.” – Megan Pydigadu, CFO EOH
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“It is an honour to support Little Eden each year as they raise awareness and support for the remarkable work they do – caring for and uplifting those with profound physical and intellectual disabilities. Over its 55-year history, Little Eden has provided hope and dignity to hundreds of individuals, with the staff demonstrating passion and commitment as they act as a force for good in society.” – Adrian Gore, Global Group Chief Executive Discovery Limited |
“I was grateful to be able to participate in the Little Eden #CEOonWheels Challenge for the 3rd time this year. I want to honour those people who require wheelchairs for their daily mobility, my learning has been huge, and I have gained an even higher appreciation of what you have to endure and go through and the difficulties that you experience daily.” Gray spent 14 hours of his day in a wheelchair, starting at 5am. “It was a hard day and I think I am starting to understand how society has failed people living with mobility challenges. I had a breakfast meeting at a local restaurant where I discovered that despite being taken to a bathroom that was considered wheelchair accessible – my wheelchair could not enter or turn and I could not close the door, nor use the toilet. Doing this challenge opens your eyes to things you take for granted every day.” – Delayne Gray, CEO of The SBS Group, which comprises SBS Tanks and SBS Energy
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“My one day in the wheelchair has humbled me to the everyday issues that people with disabilities endure. It has certainly given me an appreciation of the resilience of people with disabilities in the workplace. Well done to Little Eden for their outstanding work in providing a high standard of care to people with profound intellectual disabilities”. – Yegan Moopen, CEO of MEI Construction Services |
“I Challenge all CEOs across South Africa to spend a day in a wheelchair to gain a different perspective on how life is so different in many ways for other people. Come back to reality as not everyone has the resources that you shave.” – Stephen van Coller, Chief Executive Officer, EOH |