The Central University of Technology is committed to promoting diversity on campus among students to create equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The university offers a conducive environment to support and enhance learning for students with special needs.

The Disability Unit boasts an upgraded and fully equipped centre. The unit also serves as a central resource and a starting point for coordinated support for students with disabilities to create an inclusive environment, which encourages students to be independent and cope with their daily activities on campus.

The centre is highly supported by the Supplement Instruction (SI), an academic assistance programme that aims to enhance academic support and interventions towards student performance and retention; barriers that might prevent them from fulfilling their potential, improving building access as well as arranging for conversions during exams. Through the undying support provided by the centre, several disabled students have since graduated successfully.

19 May 2022 marked the 11th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). On this day, CUT raised not only awareness but also launched a disability unit to accommodate and cater for the needs of differently-abled students.

The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access or inclusion of people with different disabilities. Through the disability unit, CUT has made tremendous strides in supporting them to achieve their best academically.

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal said that the Global Accessibility Awareness Day focuses on the issues of accessibility and inclusion of the differently-abled people who have disabilities and impairments. “The disability awareness day is an integral part of achieving and spreading awareness in the disability community. The notion of digital disability and inclusion also aligns with the upliftment of the CUT to create a healthy environment for learning.”

Masego, who is also a beneficiary, said that she is fortunate to be part of the Disability Unit as it has given her a different perspective on life. “It has developed my interpersonal abilities and created a conducive environment for other students. Because of this, students can transform into butterflies,” she said.

She also added that the institution has created an inclusive environment by accommodating students' individual needs to integrate into university life. “I am pleased that CUT understands that people with disabilities need human, medical, and educational support. It is through the intervention of the university that I can pursue my studies without fear. It restored my vision of a future with no limits but plenty of opportunities.”

Nthabiseng Molongoana, from the Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Free State, said that the partnership with the disability centre will provide accessible accommodation for students with disabilities. As students with disabilities, we applaud the university management for all the efforts and roles played in ensuring our success. As graduates with disabilities, we are saying that gone are the days when we will get to a university and apologise for our disability because nothing is wrong with us. Still, everything is wrong with the society we live in. Let us make it possible, let us partner with anybody that can assist us in bringing accessibility for the graduates with disabilities.”

In his keynote address, Prof. Malindi encouraged students living with disabilities to be brave when facing challenges. “Your life has a divine purpose to it, nothing can take away the meaning, purpose, and worth your life has. Remember, you were created for a purpose. You may not know the real purpose of your lives, but believe me, we are all constantly searching for the meaning of our lives. You are not the only ones who wonder about the worth of your own lives. We all have struggles in our lives and we attain victory because there are people who support and encourage us. So, thank you for refusing to be put aside and congratulations for standing to be counted.”

He further commended CUT for opening the unit to ensure that the support needed is received. “I congratulate all the organisations that champion the course and the rights of people with diverse needs. To the CUT and all the partner organisations present here today, you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world. Thank you for agreeing to be useful vessels.”

Ms Martie Miranda from HEDSA, Mr Andrew Milner from Editmicro, and Mr Mzwake Moghaisa from PDTS also gave brief presentations on their contribution and support provided to the establishment of the centre.

Captions

1: From left: MEC For Social Development, Ms Mamiki Qabathe, and Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, officially opened doors, welcoming staff and students to the Disability Unit.

2: From left: Prof. Macalane Malindi, CUT Senior Lecturer, Ms Martie Miranda from HEDSA, Mr Mohau Manyarela, Senior coordinator student academic support, MEC For Social Development, Ms Mamiki Qabathe, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, and Prof. David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning.