The University of Pretoria (UP), through its Access, Disability and Inclusion Services (ADIS) unit, has partnered with the South African Guide-Dogs Association to offer specialised Mobility and Orientation Training for students with visual impairments. This fast-tracked programme equips students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the campus independently.
The training is tailored to individual needs and helps students move confidently between lecture halls, restrooms, and dining areas without assistance. For students like Zibusiso Mguni and Rochelle Jordaan, the experience has been transformative.
“The mobility training I received has helped me in many ways, but the most important is that I can now move around campus confidently,” says Zibusiso. “One of my biggest fears was getting lost and having to ask for help, but the training boosted my confidence. Now I can reach lecture halls, bathrooms, and food outlets on my own.”
Zibusiso praised the training staff for their patient and supportive approach. “Each lesson was a step forward into a new world. I learned how to identify textures and objects that simplify navigation. These skills will not only help me on campus but wherever I go in life.”
Rochelle shared a similar experience. “I found the mobility training incredibly helpful. It has given me more independence,” she says. “The trainer was respectful and patient, and his encouragement motivated me to stay focused and absorb everything he taught me.”
This initiative is part of ADIS’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and accessibility at UP, ensuring all students can thrive in a supportive environment.
The orientation and mobility training for UP students was made possible through the generous donation from the Carl and Emily Fuchs Foundation.
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App