Posted on November 03, 2023
Ensuring that educational institutions are accessible and supportive of students with disabilities is not only a matter of compliance with legal obligations but also a direct reflection of their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Disability Unit (DU) has been at the forefront of ensuring equal access for all UP students with disabilities.
The DU falls within the ambit of UP’s Department of Student Affairs, which ensures that the University meets its ethical and moral obligation of guaranteeing that the right of all students to equal opportunities, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, is fulfilled.
“Education is a fundamental human right, and denying access to education on the basis of disability is unjust,” said Kgomotso Legari, Acting Director of Student Affairs. “We have capacitated our Disability Unit with dedicated staff and state-of-the-art equipment and software to cater for a wide range of disabilities so that all our students can have the same learning experiences.”
The tools needed by students with disabilities can vary widely. However, there are some common tools and accommodations that can be helpful for a wide range of disabilities. These tools can enhance accessibility and provide a more inclusive learning environment. Universal design in many
everyday technologies such as computers, smartphones and tablets also provide powerful tools that can aid academic participation. The DU provides training for these features as well as for specialised assistive technologies, all of which promote independence towards the development of confident, work-ready graduates.
As part of efforts to create an integrated, inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities, the DU offers the following free services to registered students:
These services have ensured that UP caters to specific needs while supporting students’ academic journey with holistic services that are also available to their non-disabled counterparts; these include Student Counselling Services, FLY@UP support and career services.
“Creating an inclusive environment that welcomes students with disabilities fosters diversity and enriches the University community, not only students with disabilities but also academic staff and their fellow students,” says Dr Willem Jorissen, Deputy Director of Student Affairs. “It promotes a culture of respect for differences and encourages the exchange of ideas from diverse perspectives.”
Acting Head of the DU Juan Erwee welcomes parents and students with all types of disabilities to visit the unit to find out how it can assist them. Office hours are between 8am and 3:30pm daily at the Old Chemistry Building, Room 1 – 4. For more information, email [email protected]
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