Written by Kamohelo Teele: President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Disability Economic Empowerment Summit held at Radisson Hotel in Kempton Park for the celebration of International Disability Day congratulated Mpumalanga born Disability Activist Nkosonathi Ndlovu for winning Henry Viscardi award.
Ndlovu, a Sign Language speaking Activist born and raised in Kwa Nyamazane revived the award for his distinguished contribution in the Disability Sector Globally.
RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES DISABILITY ACTIVIST FOR WINNING HENRY VISCARDI AWARD
He is the only Young South Africa to have been conferred National Order of Baobab on Silver for his outstanding contribution in fighting for the rights of the marginalized communities by State President in 2018.
Ramaphosa expressed his delight at this magnificent achieved and committed that government will strength their commitment towards the realization of Strategic objectives of Presidential Working Group for Persins with Disabilities in the Presidency.
The Viscardi Center, a renowned non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers people with disabilities, announced six recipients of the 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards.
The Awards were first bestowed in 2013 to honor the vision and legacy of the Center’s founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., a leading disability advocate who himself wore prosthetic legs.
Dr. Viscardi served as an advisor to eight presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, and implemented revolutionary employment and education programs for children and adults with disabilities beginning in 1952.
Each year, the Awards recognize advocates, role models, and visionaries in the global disability community who, like Dr. Viscardi, are changing societal views, drastically improving opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Recipients have come from a variety of distinguished backgrounds, such as entertainment, sports, technology, and non-profit. Drawing nominations from around the globe, this year’s winners represent Pakistan, South Africa, and the United States.
RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES DISABILITY ACTIVIST FOR WINNING HENRY VISCARDI AWARD
“The Viscardi Center epitomizes the very best of America’s culture and values by reaching out through its Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards to bring like-minded people together in a common cause as our diplomats do each and every day here and abroad,” said Sherwood (Woody) D. Goldberg, Esq., Chair of the Awards Selection Committee, Retired U.S. Army Colonel, and Emeritus Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army. “Such is the use of our nation’s special asset, to be open and share our expertise through our “soft power” via “cultural diplomacy” to focus light on such a most meaningful activity as by enhancing the lives of the disabled.”
The 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award recipients are:
Shaheena Ali, Disabled Welfare Association, Pakistan
Dr. Alex H. Cohen, Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind, U.S.
John Cronin, John’s Crazy Socks, U.S.
Susan Henderson, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, U.S.
Emily Ladau, Author/Disability Rights Activist, U.S.
Nkosinathi Freddy Ndlovu, Presidential Working Group on Disability, South Africa
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