The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Disability Rights Unit (DRU) recently held a workshop on Invisible Disabilities at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel in Durban.
The workshop was aimed at creating awareness on Invisible disabilities and allowing the DUT staff an opportunity to get more information about the different types of disabilities that exist within the DUT community.
Moreover, the workshop was meant to assist lecturers to have a better understanding on the different challenges that students with invisible disabilities face and how to handle such situations, furthermore making the university more accessible and inclusive for all students.
Ayanda Nsele, DUT Administrative Assistant under the Student Governance Department – Disability Rights Unit, when unpacking the Invisible Disability terminology in simple terms, stated that it is a hidden disability; a mental or neurological condition that limits a person’s sense, movements or activities.
“It is important for the DUT community to be informed about invisible disabilities since we have a diverse environment that requires us to acknowledge inclusivity. Everyone should be understood and be accommodated accordingly, hence this workshop was aimed at educating staff and lecturers about the different disabilities that exist. The Disability Rights Unit believes that awareness promotes change, if people are aware, they can adopt better ways of doing things and make the institution accessible for all,” said Nsele.
In his opening remarks, Dr Clement Moreku, DUT Dean of Students- Student Services, mentioned how excited he was about the workshop and how he hopes to grasp further knowledge about invisible disabilities.
Antia Masinyane, Psychologist under the DUT Department of Student Counselling and Health emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment and working together to achieve more as a university.
Nosiphiwo Delubom, Head of Department (HOD), University of Nelson Mandela-Universal Accessibility & Disability Services, who is an expert in disability issues gave an insightful presentation highlighting the importance of universal accessibility.
Sihle Mbanjwa, Acting Director- DUT Student Services and Development facilitated the engagement session where all the attendees had an opportunity to ask questions about Invisible disabilities.
Masiza Ngculu, Manager, DUT Department of Student Governance and Development passed his sincerest gratitude to all those who had attended the workshop and to the Disability Rights Unit team for planning such an insightful workshop.
Pictured: Sindisiwe Dlamini, DUT Career Resources Officer, sharing her thoughts during the engagement session of the Invisible Disability workshop.
Sindisiwe Ndlovu
