The Disability Unit's goal is to facilitate access to higher education for students with disabilities. The DU strives to create an enabling environment that empowers students with disabilities to achieve their full potential through the provision of a range of services which include:

The DU recognises the stigma attached to disability and runs awareness campaigns to educate students and staff about persons with disabilities. The DU space, which was officially opened on 19 May 2022 is an important landmark for students with disabilities on the Bloemfontein campus. The assistive devices and technology in the Disability Lab communicate the University’s commitment to inclusivity.

Office hours

• The administration offices are open Mon - Fri 08:00 – 16:30
• The DU lab in the Student Support Centre is open from 08:00 – 20:00.
• Our laboratories may be closed at certain times during the exam period when students are writing exams in the DU.

Prospective students

This is where we attempt to answer most of your questions about what we do and how you go about registering at CUT if you are a person with a disability. The Disability Unit (DU) has two administrative offices and one computer lab where students can do their work. If you would like to apply for admission, you should first complete a regular electronic application form, indicate the assistance you would need on the form, and also take the National Benchmark Tests.

Applying at CUT

1. Please, check the minimum requirements to see whether you qualify to study for the course of your choice – this is very important. Do not skip this step.
2. Approach the DU first for assistance with your application documentation – then we also know about you.
3. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, the DU can advise you on how to improve your rating.
4. You must indicate if you require student accommodation. This is very important so that reasonable accommodation can be implemented to make your whole CUT experience easier.

Registering for your programme

Once your application has been processed and you are accepted as a CUT student with a disability and you want to apply for a bursary, then you will have to do the following:

1. Print the questionnaire that your doctor must complete, NSFAS Disability Annexure A.
2. Read the checklist below to see what documents to bring with you to the DU:

• Certified copies of your ID
• Certified copies of Parent’s IDs
• Copy of any previous exam concessions i.e. extra time/scribe etc
• The completed and stamped Doctor’s questionnaire of your condition
• Medical Certificate indicating concessions

The Head of the Unit, Mr Manyarela, will assess your needs and requirements on how the DU can assist you academically.

Student Residences

The DU is committed to ensure that we give the best possible service to our students in their academic student life – but often other types of queries come our way. For us to assist students with reasonable accommodation, you must indicate very early on if you want student residence. Space is limited so you need to advise us.

Welcome and orientation

The DU staff will have a welcome and orientation session on all campuses for all first-year students. This happens the week before term starts, and it is very important that you attend. We will take you on a campus tour and show you your class rooms, where the Medical Clinic is, where the Library is, and other campus landmarks.

Getting around our campuses

Campus facilities are large with numerous admin and teaching buildings that are accessible via parking bays, pathways, ramps, stairs, and lifts.

Navigation on campuses

There are street calming measures in place i.e. pedestrian crossings, and speed humps, as well as a posted speed limit on campuses. Most buildings have lifts and stairs that are universally accessible. There are ramps for wheelchairs at most entrances for easy access.

Support Services

Support services include providing advice and facilitating academic accommodations, in collaborative partnerships with students' university lecturers, departments, and faculty. The full catalogue of services is available here.

Academic Support

At the Disability Unit, we provide students with academic support to assist them when and where needed. We offer support in the following ways:

Special tests and exams

Special arrangements can be made for students who need additional time or other support to complete tests and exams. The unit works closely with the Assessment and Graduation Unit to facilitate special arrangements for students with disabilities.

Study materials

If you require specialised, formatted study materials, visit Room 130 at Student Academic Support Centre to discuss what you need and find out how you can access materials for your specific needs.

Assignment writing

Do you need advice on writing assignments or are you unsure on how to get started? Contact Mr W Louw +27(0)51 507 3978 for assistance.

Academic tutoring

If you require academic support for individual subjects, contact the relevant lecturers in your faculty.

Library access

If you need assistance with accessing library resources and books, contact your faculty librarian – they are ready to help you.

Newsroom

• Vice-Chancellor Dube secures funding from a Kresge Foundation Grant to improve student support programmes | 25 Jun 2024
• Avid CUT Boccia Ball fanatic qualifies for the 2024 Summer Paralympic games | 04 August 2023
• CUT’s Disability Unit hosts the National University of Lesotho and shares best practices in supporting students with disabilities | 23 March 2023
• CUT Disability Unit awarded for excellence in supporting persons with disabilities | 21 June 2022
• Disability Unit launched to create a conducive environment to support and enhance learning for CUT students with special needs | 27 May 2022