The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society recently recognised two members of the Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg (APD) for their service to the disabled community of Johannesburg.

The Golden Key International Honour Society focuses on academic excellence, leadership development and community service and has 375 chapters at colleges and universities in eight countries, and almost two million members.

On 29 April 2010, the UJ Chapter held its New Member Recognition Ceremony. During the ceremony, which was attended by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Ihron Rensburg, the National Director of Golden Key SA, Charlene Gunter, conferred honorary membership of the Society upon Gavin Julyan and Dave Fox for their contributions to the APD and to persons with disabilities.

The APD has existed since 1934 to provide developmental and support services for the empowerment, rehabilitation, education, training, employment and care of physically disabled children, youths, adults and their families. It also campaigns to educate the community about the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and their achievements and skills. Direct services are offered to more than 3, 500 persons with disabilities each year and a further 30, 000 persons with disabilities are indirect beneficiaries of the education and awareness programmes which create a favourable environment for the integration of persons with disabilities into the community.

Mr Julyan has been a volunteer and Treasurer of the APD for more than 20 years and Mr Fox has been Director of the Association since 2003.