Smergos

Our upcoming MOVE Campfire discussion is the ideal chance to connect with all of you! Come join us for a casual, enjoyable, and stimulating conversation around our virtual campfire. Mark your calendars for the 27th of August at 19:00 on Zoom.

Zoom details
Link: https://buff.ly/3YCIyXr
Meeting ID: 741 888 6777
Password: 6425

🌟 Witnessing moments like these fills our hearts with immense pride and hope! This video of a person with a disability carrying the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Sports can transcend barriers and bring people together. It's a testament to the importance of inclusion and representation, showing that everyone, regardless of ability, has the potential to shine and inspire.

This moment celebrates the opportunities being created for those with disabilities within our communities, breaking down stereotypes and building bridges. Let's continue to support and uplift each other as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.

🔥 Keep the torch burning for a future where everyone has a chance to contribute their unique light to our collective journey!

https://buff.ly/46IZHAE

Who's ready for Campfire Conversations? 🎉 Join us on Zoom this Tuesday, 27 Aug 2024 at 19:00! 🕰️ Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7418886777?pwd=OGFQL2krZGZ2SjM2L092bG1Nc3FSQT09 📝

Celebrating Excellence: Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024!

We couldn't be more proud of Mia Le Roux, a proudly South African deaf woman, who has just been crowned Miss South Africa 2024! Her remarkable journey and empowering speech have inspired the entire nation, showcasing the strength and resilience of women everywhere.

Mia's victory is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion, reminding us that beauty and talent know no bounds. Her story encourages us all to embrace our unique qualities and strive for greatness.

Check out her inspiring speech that has touched hearts across the country: https://buff.ly/4dFrNiE

Let's continue to celebrate and support the incredible achievements of women in South Africa and beyond! 💪✨

🌟 Celebrating National Women's Day 🌟

Today, we honour and celebrate the incredible women behind Smergos, who inspire us every day with their strength, creativity, and dedication. 💪✨

Every woman at Smergos plays an important role in driving our success and impact. We are proud to work alongside such talented women who empower one another and make a difference in our community.

Thank you for helping us inspire motion towards a more inclusive, accessible and empathetic world!

Here's to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we celebrate them! 🎉

"🌧️🚶‍♂️ Stay Dry and Comfortable This Rainy Season with the Cirrus Poncho! 🚶‍♀️🌧️

As the rainy season approaches, there’s nothing worse than sitting in a wet chair and outfit, especially if you use a wheelchair. Standard raincoats and umbrellas just don’t cut it. That’s why we created the **Cirrus Poncho**, a raincoat specifically designed for wheelchair users!

Made from lightweight, water-resistant fabric, the Cirrus Poncho covers you from head to feet. The wide hood features an adjustable drawstring and zip, ensuring a snug fit. Plus, the optional row of hidden studs inside the poncho can be clipped together to create sleeves.

The best part? The Cirrus Poncho is designed to keep you dry without interfering with your wheels.

Get yours now and embrace the rainy season with confidence!

https://buff.ly/3SAP90w

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🌟 Today, we’re excited to highlight the incredible work of the ! ❤️ This amazing organisation collects plastic bottle tops and bread tags to exchange them for wheelchairs for those in need. Their dual approach to recycling and improving the quality of lives is truly inspiring! ♻️🦽

🌟 Meet Michelle Stein, the fundraising wizard from Handmade Fundraising! 🌟

Hey everyone, I'm Michelle and I'm passionate about helping others achieve their fundraising goals. 🎯 Check out her latest post, "Why Now is the Best Time to Fundraise," where she delves into the essential aspects of effective fundraising. 💡 For individuals with disabilities and rare diseases, fundraising is about securing vital resources like specialised equipment and medications. 🛡️ Let's empower each other with the knowledge and strategies to make a meaningful impact. Head over to her profile to learn more! 📚 https://buff.ly/4eRbxfQ

www.linkedin.com

Five years ago, Andy Marshall published his memoir, *Dissecting Wobbles*. After a year of excitement surrounding the book, he and his friends launched The Wobbles Project in collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation to support the disabled community. However, COVID-19 disrupted their plans, putting the project on hold during a challenging time for Andy.

Now, Andy is back and has started a YouTube channel called Documenting Wobbles. With the help of a professional videographer, he shares weekly videos demonstrating exercises and stretches recommended by his biokineticist, aimed at helping others in similar situations. Three-quarters of the way through this series, Andy plans to release his own exercise routine and discuss his battles with depression and anxiety.

Andy is also gearing up to revive The Wobbles Project, leveraging the momentum from his YouTube channel. Join him on this journey by subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing his videos. Let's support Andy and The Wobbles Project together!

You can connect with him on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://buff.ly/4eFpAoy
Facebook: https://buff.ly/3Y0OCZB

YouTube ://buff.ly/3RKKxVj

Dissecting Wobbles: https://buff.ly/3Y0ODg7
Facebook (Dissecting Wobbles): https://buff.ly/4eKEbzg

Amazon: https://buff.ly/4eE8nMf

Interesting read.

Lynda Heyneke's incredible feat of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro despite having only 2% vision in one eye and none in the other is truly inspiring. Her determination and perseverance serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

https://buff.ly/3WeJL5I

Creating an inclusive workplace is about giving every employee the opportunity to reach their full potential. We help companies build supportive environments through our mentoring and peer support program. Discover how you can transform your workplace by building confidence, skill development and job satisfaction.

Read our latest blog to learn more.


https://buff.ly/3XNTUHw

Mandela Day

🎉 Happy Mandela Day! 🌈 This day reminds us that we all have the power to change the world. Today, let's take a moment to reflect on Nelson Mandela’s incredible legacy and find ways to contribute in small ways. Every act of kindness counts! 🌟

Charity Share - Guide Dogs

In the Spotlight: South African Guide Dogs Association
✨ We are proud to highlight the transformative work of the . 🐕‍🦺 This incredible organisation trains guide, service and autism support dogs to provide independence, mobility, confidence and companionship to those who need it most. Their dedication is truly life-changing. 🦮❤️

The price tag of living with a physical disability shouldn't break the bank. From assistive devices to accessible housing, the costs add up quickly. As we raise awareness, let's advocate for affordability and accessibility. Everyone deserves a chance to live their best life without financial barriers.

https://buff.ly/3zj7rwx

Elements of the Financial and Economic Costs of Disability to Households in South Africa A pilot study

What is community to Smergos?

At Smergos, the community is all about inclusion, empathy, and breaking down barriers! We bring together amazing individuals with and without disabilities to connect, learn and support one another. Through our MOVE Campfires and MOVE Talks, we create a space where everyone can laugh, share and grow together. Become part of our movement that drives social change, promotes accessibility and celebrates unique self-expression.

Last night's session with Faith Wesson, founder of In My Feelings, hosted by Smergos, focused on self-care and goal-setting. Faith emphasized the importance of self-efficacy, setting actionable and measurable goals, and overcoming procrastination. Her interactive activities made the session engaging and valuable. We are grateful for her insights and actionable steps shared!

🌟 Join us for an empowering event! 🌟

In collaboration with In My Feelings, Smergos invites you to a special session focused on mental health support and practical tools. Many of us face challenges, and this event aims to equip you with mindful goal setting, self-care tips, stress management tools, and more.

Let's step into the second half of 2024 with intentionality and set our future plans in motion together.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 9 July
🕒 Time: 19:00-20:00

📍 Zoom Details:
🔗 https://buff.ly/3xnQ9xX
🔑 Meeting ID: 741 888 6777
🔒 Password: 6425

Don't miss out on this opportunity to prioritize your well-being and personal growth. See you there!

Speaker spotlight

Meet Faith Wesson. She is the founder of In My Feelings, a brand that specialises in
helping people cultivate healthier connections through mastering emotional intelligence.

Faith's early childhood experiences of bullying, poverty and struggles with self-love led her to study Psychology and Communication at University. She wanted to gain a better understanding of what drives human behaviour and has created a game that addresses our need for vulnerability and belonging.

We cannot wait to learn from Faith in our upcoming Reflecting on Mental Wellness session on Tuesday, 9 July at 19:00 on Zoom. See you there!

In the Spotlight: Rare Diseases South Africa

✨ We are proud to highlight the incredible mission of . This amazing organisation is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals affected by rare diseases. Their dedication to providing essential care and raising awareness is truly inspiring. 💪❤️

Sneaky-B is a specially designed bag that fits around the front frame of a wheelchair, behind the legs. It is perfect for carrying small personal valuables like mobile phones, USB sticks, medicines, and keys. The bag is discreet, concealed, and safe, with adjustable straps for easy attachment to the wheelchair frame. Stay organized and keep your belongings secure with compartments inside the bag. Check it out on our website at https://buff.ly/3VIb07a

Many of us are dealing with mental and emotional struggles, and Smergos has joined forces with In My Feelings to provide support and practical tools. Join us for a unique experience that will empower you with mindful goal setting, self-care tips, stress management tools, and more. Let’s move into the second half of 2024 with intentionality and set in motion our future plans.

Refractive errors occur when the eye shape hinders light from focusing on the retina, causing blurred vision and other vision issues. Common types include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Regular eye exams are essential to detect and address refractive errors for maintaining good vision.

Explore our newest blog post focusing on promoting inclusivity in digital spaces. Dive into the importance of creating a welcoming online environment for all individuals. Learn how small actions can make a big impact on fostering diversity and acceptance online. Join us in our journey towards a more inclusive digital world.

https://buff.ly/4caXUFR

We are thrilled to introduce one of our latest collaborators.

Episode 1 of the Accessible South Africa Podcast is now available for listening. Join us as we dive into an introduction to what the podcast is all about. Get ready to explore the accessible side of South Africa with us.

An Introduction to the Accessible South Africa Podcast | Accessible South Africa The Accessible South Africa podcast is where we discuss travel in South Africa and beyond for persons with disabilities and special needs.

We provide online auditing services at Smergos to help businesses streamline their processes and ensure compliance with regulations. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering accurate and thorough audits to help companies achieve their goals.

Did you know?

Is Website Accessibility a Legal Requirement in South Africa?

Is Website Accessibility a Legal Requirement in South Africa? In the digital age, websites serve as vital platforms for communication, information dissemination, and interaction. However, as technology…

The Biz Bag is a versatile accessory designed to carry and protect your laptop, tablet, books, and other essential office items, perfect for use in the office, during business trips, or at university. Specifically designed to fit onto the back of a wheelchair, the Biz Bag features adjustable loops that easily slip over the handles, supporting most of the bag's weight. A velcro strap secures the bag to the back of the wheelchair seat, preventing any movement on inclines and ensuring safety. The bag is padded and includes a divider to keep your belongings organized and protected. Additionally, there is a convenient front pocket for smaller items. The Biz Bag includes an adjustable shoulder strap, allowing able-bodied individuals to carry the bag as well.

https://buff.ly/3X2nlFz