January 26, 2005
By Tabisa Mntengwana
THE scent of peppermint geranium hangs in the air over this very special Albertville garden, featuring wide pathways, ramps, guide rails and a whole lot more.
This unique garden, in the north west of Johannesburg, has been laid out to cater for people with disabilities and the elderly.
The overwhelming scent of the plants - with their wide variety of textures - provide those who cannot see with a way to experience nature, while elevated garden boxes provide easy access to those in wheelchairs. Picnic tables are built with supports and ramps to the entrance and guide rails are provided all round.
"We have done this to give people ideas on what can be done for their loved ones who are disabled," says the garden's creator, Rob Filmer.
He and his wife, Julie, have also set up a non-profit organisation, called Eco-Access, to help people with disabilities interact with nature.
Filmer, a former nature conservationist, lost his sight in the late 1980s due to illness. He became increasingly aware of how much he missed out on wildlife experiences and decided to do something about it.
He was determined to find ways to provide access to nature for everyone and in 1994 Filmer and his wife launched Eco-Access.
Project manager George Roberts says the garden is a demonstration model for the public and sponsors to see what can be done in public parks and gardens.
The Albertville garden, funded and built with help from Sandton Rotary, is just one of the organisation's projects.
Eco-Access also run projects involving people who are not disabled - "to overcome the stereotype perspectives people have about disability".
The Filmers run twinning camps for young people where blind and sighted people are twinned together for the duration of the camp.
Twinning camps are hosted over weekends from Friday afternoons until Sunday. Children who participate in the camps range from 12 to 18-year-olds and come from different schools across Gauteng.
Activities include sleeping out under the stars, touching and smelling wild animals and plants, and exploring the bush.
"During these camps we focus on building the children's self esteem and breaking their fears," says Filmer, adding: "Those who arrive with fears leave confident and ready to face the world."
Eco-Access also runs workshops to educate people in the corporate sector.
"Our goal is for people to learn more about nature and, at the same time, learn respect for themselves and for others," Filmer adds.
For more information contact Eco-Access on 011 477 3676 or e-mail info@eco-access.org.
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