There were 40 first-year-students living with disabilities from the Durban and Midlands campuses, who were given an opportunity to learn and engage with various matters pertaining to disability at campus level, at the recent Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) first Disability Rights Orientation Day on Friday, 7 February 2020, at Ritson Campus.

The programme which was hosted by DUT’s Disability Rights Unit (DRU), was a continuation of a week long programme that took place in January 2020. Students together with the Student Governance team, received valuable information on the extensive support that NFSAS offers to students living with disabilities. They were also informed about the various support departments located on campus, which will assist them with their transition to university.

Thobeka Shozi from the Disability Rights Unit said that this event was an initiative that aimed for the inclusion of all students.

“All students should feel included in the university, and students living with disabilities need to receive support in all areas. As a university we need to go the extra mile for students living with disabilities to feel accommodated,” said Shozi.

Different speakers at the orientation stressed the importance of students speaking up when they are faced with challenges, so that their issues can be addressed quickly. Additionally, the event provided a platform for students to connect with each other for the first time on campus. This gave them an opportunity to exchange contacts and form groups where they can share their sentiments about living with disabilities.

“Students living with disabilities face three big challenges in the university, this includes access, specialised transportation and academic friendly venues. The university has identified these challenges and has some projects in the pipelines to aid them in their university experience,” said Shozi.

All students were encouraged to actively make use of all the services available to them during the orientation.

For more information, contact the Disability Rights Unit(DRU) on 031 373 2551.

Pictured: Students at the DUT’s first Disability Rights Unit Orientation Day.

Carissa Marnce