Pupils make their mark
Some of our Senior phase learners voted in the National Elections that took place on 8 May 2019: Jason Gerber, Nicola Walker and Joshua Young (photographed), as well as Oratile Mokopi (not photographed).
The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) published an interesting article, stating that they believe the South African legal framework is currently very outdated compared to Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD), that provides that the political rights of people with disabilities are guaranteed, that States Parties must bestow upon people with disabilities the right to vote, must ensure that voting procedures and facilities are “appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use,” and protect the right of the person to vote by secret ballot, but with assistance if they so choose. SAFMH calls upon the public to become educated on these issues, to know what the law states and what it means and to gain an understanding of the fact that people with mental illness, psychosocial and intellectual disabilities can be extremely capable citizens.
Connecting Us: Sarah McGill
In this regular feature, we get to know a bit more about the Unity College learners and their families. If you’d like your family to be featured, please e-mail info@unity-college.org.za
This month we get to know more about Sarah McGill in the Intermediate phase.
Dad’s name and occupation
Rob – Mining consultant
Mom’s name and occupation
Sharman – Stay-at-home mom
Siblings’ names and ages
Brother Scott – 18 years’ old
How long has Sarah been at Unity College?
This is her fourth year
What talents, hobbies or interests does Sarah have?
Sarah is an extrovert and love life! She loves to sing – you will often find her singing at the top of her voice at home! She loves to listen to music and is learning to play the flute. She also enjoys watching DVDs.
What fun activities do you like to do as a family?
We enjoy eating out on weekends and during the holidays, we enjoy going to movies and every now and again we’ll go Ten Pin bowling.
What therapies or interventions have benefitted Sarah the most?
All the therapies including physio, OT and speech therapy have benefitted Sarah immensely over the years and have contributed to her development. She has continued with speech therapy at Unity College, for which we are so grateful as it is so important for her continued progress.
What are your dreams for your child?
As a family we hope that she will fulfill what God has got planned for her; that she would become as independent as possible and find an occupation that would give her a sense of self worth. Also that she would continue to feel valued and loved.
Nicola wins first place
Senior phase learner Nicola Walker won a first place with her horse Splash. She explained the dressage test she completed to teacher Vanessa during assembly. Well done, Nicola!
Very smart gloves!
Innovator Roy Allela from Kenya has invented gloves that read the unique hand movements involved in sign language and turn them into audible speech through a smart phone app.
What exactly is the Autism Spectrum?
It is not what you think it is! Read this.
