Empowering Every Ability

Empowering young people with disabilities through mentorship, training, and community support

About Us

The Young Disabled Cooperative South Africa is dedicated to empowering young people with disabilities through mentorship, training, and community support.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To empower young people with disabilities through mentorship, skills development, and advocacy, enabling them to achieve economic independence and social inclusion.

Our Vision

A society where young people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive in all aspects of life.

Young people engaged in a mentorship session

Our Story

The Young Disabled Cooperative South Africa was established in 2022 and registered as an NPO in September 2024, NPO registration number 312-457.

Founded by a group of passionate advocates who recognized the unique challenges faced by young people with disabilities in accessing education, employment, and social inclusion.

What began as a small support group has grown into a thriving cooperative that serves hundreds of young people with disabilities across South Africa. Our programs have expanded to include mentorship, skills development, leadership training, and advocacy initiatives.

Today, we continue to grow our impact, partnering with businesses, government agencies, and other nonprofits to create a more inclusive society where young people with disabilities can reach their full potential.

Backed By

We are proud to be supported by Llt Billa S Projects Pty Ltd, whose commitment to social impact and inclusion has been instrumental in our growth and success.

Llt Billa S Projects Pty Ltd

Llt Billa S Projects Pty Ltd is a leading social enterprise dedicated to creating positive change in communities across South Africa. Their support has been crucial in helping us scale our programs and reach more young people with disabilities.

Through their financial backing, mentorship, and strategic guidance, we've been able to develop innovative programs that address the unique needs of our community members.

Our Core Values

These principles guide our work and define our approach to empowering young people with disabilities.

Inclusion

We believe in creating spaces where everyone belongs and can participate fully, regardless of their abilities.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in all our programs and services, setting high standards and continuously improving.

Empowerment

We focus on building capacity and confidence, enabling young people with disabilities to advocate for themselves.

Our Programs

Mentorship

Connecting young people with disabilities to experienced mentors who provide guidance and support.

Economic Empowerment

Creating opportunities for financial independence through skills development and job placement.

Leadership

Developing the next generation of leaders through specialized training and practical experience.

Support

Providing comprehensive support services to address the unique challenges faced by young people with disabilities.

Advocacy

Advocating for inclusive policies and raising awareness about disability rights and inclusion.

Our Workshops & Training

Empowering young people with disabilities through skills development, education, and community building.

Workshop presenter speaking to participants

Skills development workshop for young people with disabilities

Workshop participants engaged in training

Participants taking notes during our empowerment program

Workshop participants listening to presenter

Inclusive training session with diverse participants

Workshop participants in a conference room

Collaborative learning environment for skills development

Workshop with presentation screen

Technology and skills training workshop

Participants engaged in workshop activities

Focused participants during our educational program

Workshop facilitator in black polo shirt

Our dedicated workshop facilitator leading the session

Wide view of workshop participants

Full participation in our disability empowerment workshop

Workshop participants with person in green shirt

Building community through inclusive training programs

Watch Our Videos

Explore our collection of videos showcasing our events, workshops, and the impact we're making in the lives of young people with disabilities.

Video thumbnail showing workshop participants

Disability Career Day Videos

Watch our collection of videos from the Disability Career Day events, featuring workshops, presentations, and inspiring stories from participants.

DISABILITY CAREER DAY VIDEO.mp4
Workshop Highlights

"Disability is not a brave struggle or courage in the face of adversity. Disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live."

Neil Marcus

"The only disability in life is a bad attitude."

Scott Hamilton

"Inclusion works to the advantage of everyone. We all have things to learn and we all have contributions to make."

Judith Snow

"When everyone is included, everyone wins."

Jesse Jackson

Our Impact

We're making a real difference in the lives of young people with disabilities across South Africa through our comprehensive programs and initiatives.

Empowering Young People

We've empowered over 500 young people with disabilities through our mentorship and leadership development programs, helping them build confidence and skills.

Promoting Inclusion

We've partnered with 30+ businesses to create inclusive workplaces and employment opportunities for young people with disabilities.

Building Communities

We've established supportive communities in 12 regions across South Africa, creating networks of support for young people with disabilities.

YEARLY REPORTS 2024/25

The Disabled People South Africa (DPSA), The Young Disabled Cooperative South Africa (TYDCSA) in partnership with the Department of Community Safety hosted Disability Programmes/Projects in 2024…

DescriptionVenuesDatesItems neededNumber of disabilities
Celebration Heritage Day for people with disabilities, music, dances, dramaKhutsong South Multi-Purpose Centre, West Rand24 September 2024
  • Goodie bags
  • Catering
  • Transportation
100
LET THE DISABLED SING A CELEBRATION OF INCLUSIVITY AND TALENTVereening Civil Theatre (hosted by Human Empowerment Community Development Centre, Sedibeng)27 September 2024
  • Goodie bag
  • Catering
  • Transportation
400
MISS AND MRS DEAF SOUTH AFRICA, GROWING GALA ON THE RED CARPET106 Archilles Street, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria12 October 2024
  • Goodie bags
300

Get Involved

Join us in our mission to empower young people with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

Become a Member

Join our cooperative and be part of a community dedicated to empowering young people with disabilities.

Make a Donation

Support our programs and initiatives with a donation. Every contribution makes a difference.

Partner With Us

Collaborate with us to create inclusive opportunities and support for young people with disabilities.

Connect With Us

Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest news, events, and success stories.

facebook2 days ago

Excited to announce our new mentorship program launching next month! #Empowerment #Inclusion

45 Likes12 Shares
instagram1 week ago

Today's leadership workshop was a huge success! Thank you to all participants and our amazing facilitators. #LeadershipSkills

78 Likes5 Shares
twitter3 days ago

We're proud to partner with @CompanyXYZ to create new employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. #InclusiveWorkplaces

32 Likes24 Shares
linkedin5 days ago

Our Executive Director speaking at the National Disability Conference about the importance of economic empowerment for young people with disabilities.

56 Likes18 Shares

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out with any questions, feedback, or partnership opportunities.

Manager Contact

Gugulethu Hlatshwayo

+27 68 092 0464

Lawrence Billa, CEO

Email

We'll respond as quickly as possible

Location

Visit our office

Business Access,
1211 Mwasi Street Mofolo Central
Soweto, Johannesburg,
Gauteng

Send Us a Message

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Watch Videos