At Oasis, we recognise that parenting a child with special needs can be a very challenging experience. One of our aims is to help alleviate some of this pressure. The Day Centres focus on giving all the children in our care the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. We also provide a range of additional support and development services, including meals, transport and social work-type assistance.
Oasis operates two Day Centres in Ravensmead and Delft, providing specialised care and development programmes for 85 children with severe or profound intellectual disabilities, aged two to 18. Many of the children also live with conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and behavioural challenges.
Our goal is to develop potential, provide nurturing care, and safeguard vulnerable children.
The centres aim to help every child reach their fullest potential through daily learning and stimulation programmes, while also offering families valuable support and respite during the week. Additional services include meals, transport, and social work support. Oasis works closely with the Department of Education’s LSPID multi-disciplinary team, including therapists, psychologists, and special needs educators, to create and implement personalised support plans for each child.
Who we focus on
For children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities
Oasis Association provides specialised Day Centres for children (ages 2–18 years) with severe to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We work closely with families to ensure that every child receives support suited to their individual needs and abilities.
Our services
With their children safely at the Oasis Day Centres during the day, Monday to Friday, parents/guardians have the opportunity for a few hours of respite to focus on themselves, attend appointments, etc.
The services offered at the Oasis Day Centres include specialised care and developmental daily programmes, providing stimulation for learning to happen. This also creates the opportunity for our children with severe
to profound intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential.
The daily programme includes activities from the Learning Programme provided by the LSPID Team from the Department of Education. The LSPID Team consists of a multi-disciplinary therapeutic team with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, child psychologist, and special needs teacher.
The LSPID Team visits the Day Centres a few days every term, focusing on the individual programmes of each child. A support plan is then implemented by the Programme Implementers and Caregivers.
Daily activities
Structured daily programmes are designed to support the development of every child.
- Potty training
- Self-feeding
- Gross and fine motor activities
- Table-top activities
- Makaton sign language
- Physio/passive movements
Individual support is based on each child’s specific needs.
Our programmes focus on growth, development, and meaningful participation.
Admission criteria
Parents are referred to the Day Centres in various ways, by doctors and therapists at hospitals.
The criteria for application to the Oasis Day Centres include a diagnosis of severe and profound intellectual disability. Only children aged 2 to 18 years will be accepted.
How to apply
Families interested in placement can contact Oasis Day Centres on 021 932 6571 or email us at
services@oasis.org.za to begin the enquiry process.
The application process usually includes:
- Requesting information from Oasis
- Completing an application form
Providing relevant medical or developmental information - Attending an assessment or consultation meeting
- Awaiting confirmation of placement (subject to availability
Our team supports families throughout the process.
Is there transport?
Children are transported from home to the Day Centres by three vehicles.
The vehicles are also fitted with vehicle positioners that provide specialised seating for children in buggies and
wheelchairs.
The pick-up routes include:
- Delft
- Westbank
- Bellville South
- Belhar
- Uitsig
- Ravensmead
- Bishop Lavis
- Valhalla Park
- Netreg
- Kalksteenfontein
- Matroosfontein
- Clarkes Estate
- Epping Forest
- Eureka Estate
- Connaught Estate
- Avonwood
- Salberau
- Leonsdale
How are the Day Centres funded?
Funding is a combination of:
- Government subsidies
- Community donations and fundraising
- Every family is expected to meet a monthly commitment to pay fees.
Where a family does not have a special state grant for their child, Day Centre Social Workers can assist
families who qualify to apply.
Get in touch
If you need help or would like more information about our Day Centres or the application process, please contact us on 021 932 6571 or email us at services@oasis.org.za
