Organisations | John And Esther Ellerman Memorial Trust

JEEMT

Welcome to the John And Esther Ellerman Memorial Trust

Organisation History

The trust was founded in 1974 by Saint Dunstan’s South Africa to perpetuate the memory of the late Sir John Reeves Ellerman, who was a great benefactor and friend of Saint Dunstan’s and a Member of the Board.

The John and Esther Ellerman Memorial Trust currently support 20 Orientation and Mobility Practitioners. Over the years this support has assisted those in need to access the relevant skills and training to live empowered and independent lives.

"The John and Esther Ellerman Trust have supported SAMBT since 1998. As a result, over 4000 blind living in villages and townships throughout the country have received Orientation and Mobility Training." - Ian Hutton, Managaing Trustee SAMBT.

3 children, proudly posing with the trophies they received at the Long Cane Rally

3 photos. Two displaying blind children at the their school and the other one an adult with his O&M instructor, using their long canes

Participants of the Long Cane Rally, 2 children and 2 adults

Group of Long Cane Rally Participants with their medals and colourful hats

A group of children walking during the Long Cane Rally

Long Cane Rally Participants with their guide dogs and the dog food that was donated.

A group of children with their long canes during the rally

A Long Cane Rally Medal worn by a participant

Group of Long Cane Rally Participants with officials and marshals

More about us

To have mobility training available to all blind people in South Africa enabling the trainees to be integrated into their community and the sighted world at large, and open doors to job opportunities.

To assist organisations of and for the blind, which based throughout the country, in both city and rural areas to provide training which is adapted to suit the needs and locality of trainees. The assistance is in the form of a - subsidy enabling organisations to employ Orientation and Mobility Practitioners.

What is Orientation and Mobility and why is it so important?

Orientation and mobility or O&M, is the skill that blind people require to be fully independent both at home and in terms of navigation and mobility. Orientation skills include skilling blind people to be independent and productive in the home. Skills could include, preparing food and cooking, preparing hot beverages, cleaning, washing and generally managing in the home. Mobility training allows the blind person to become confident to use a white cane as a tool to aid mobility and navigation.

Regrettably, in South Africa, the vast majority of the blind and visually impaired never have the chance to be empowered by O&M due to the lack of qualified O&M instructors.

Founder’s Thoughts

John Reeves Ellerman always believed that in order to be able to enjoy a full working and social life, mobility was of vital importance to a blind or visually impaired person.

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