To be the most preferred Therapeutic Centre for disabled people in South Africa. To be a model of promise and hope, dedicated to caring and providing for the educational, training and therapeutic needs of mentally, physically and multiple disabled children and adults. To create an environment where every person can live harmoniously and strive to become fulfilled and productive members of society. 

 

To provide an encouraging, supportive service to the families of the disabled, in order to assist and empower them to be involved with and take full responsibility for the home based care and stimulation of his/her disabled family member. To provide a training, facilitating and mentoring service to the disabled, with the focus on the successful placement in the open labour market. To create awareness and train the disabled and staff on the prevention of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS virus, as well as providing counselling, support and care to those in need.

Founded in March 1982, the Orion Organisation based in the town of Atlantis in the Western Cape. It is reported that one in four South Africans is born with some birth defect or disability. However, with the correct care and training even the most disabled person can gain some degree of independence. There is often neither hope nor promise for many disabled adults and children living in disadvantaged communities. Parents find it extremely difficult to cope with the demands of caring for their disabled offspring when putting bread on the table is struggle enough.

 

Hence, many disabled children are often neglected and never realise thier potential as independent and productive members of society. The need for effective therapeutic facilities for disabled members of society is indeed compelling. Orion's contribution to the physical, psychological and socio-economic development of its members has been remarkable. In fact, it is not only the disabled children and adults themselves who have benefited - but also their families and the Atlantis community as a whole. There has been a deep sense of accomplishment and fulfilment gained from participating in the various projects.

 

Indeed, we believe Orion sets a noteworthy precedent for other similar organisations working in this field. The long term and consistently reliable performance of Orion and the previously accomplished high degree of self-funding suggests a strong chance that self-sustainability in the longterm will be achieved. In the meantime, Orion continues to be a source of inspiration - and perhaps more simply stated - a home to many in need. However, the assistance of donors is still of crucial importance to keep the doors open of this very viable and much-needed community project.