History
Interface South Africa is a Non Profit‚ non governmental organization for people with little or no functional speech. It had its beginnings in 1988‚ when a group of people in Pretoria identified the need to assist and support people with little or no functional speech‚ their families‚ caregivers and friends.
Over the years the organization has strengthened and weakened numerous times‚ however Interface since its inception has always been present at some level within the South African disability sector.
During the 1990´s the structure of the organisation was formalised. On the 9th of September 2002 the constitution was approved and accepted by members of Interface South Africa.
There is provision for affiliation with any organisation or body that has similar interests in the constitution. Since its inception Interface and The Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication have enjoyed a close and productive relationship.
Interface Today
Currently there are five main Interface branches‚ namely Interface Western Cape‚ Interface Eastern Cape, Interface Johannesburg, Interface Pretoria and Interface KZN. These fall under the umbrella body of Interface South Africa and the National Executive Committee.
Aims and Objectives
Interface´s Primary objectives are to:
- empower people who use AAC and their families by providing support to them.
- promote public awareness of the communication difficulties and share information about AAC options.
- hold workshops for individuals and groups who have AAC needs.
- develop resources for adults and children with complex communication needs.
- facilitate recognition for the necessity and benefits of AAC for people with complex communication needs.
- facilitate the development of resources for adults and children with complex communication needs.
Membership
Members are required to pay an Annual subscription. These fees have been kept to a minimum to enable as many people to become members.
However continued operation of the organisation is largely dependent on the raising of funds. Currently South Africa is the primary area of operation and fund raising.
Interface´s ultimate goal is to expand the organisation to encompass the rest of Africa. The first tentative steps towards achieving this were taken in February 2004 when the very first African regional AAC conference was held in Johanesburg.