Inclusivity is a universal right for all

The Pretoria Campus leg of the Disability Awareness Campaign put the spotlight on the importance of communication in ensuring that students with disabilities also feel a sense of belonging to the University. The event, themed “Our University, Our Space Our Belonging” was recently hosted by the Disability Unit and Transformation, Employment Equity and Diversity (TEED) at the Prestige Auditorium.

Dr Ingrid Mokgobu welcoming guests at the Disability Awareness Campaign. Opening and welcoming guests, Dr Ingrid Mokgobu, Pretoria Campus Rector said the University is undeniably making progress in fostering inclusivity and nurturing a sense of belonging. “Events such as this should give the TUT community a chance to pause and reflect on what it truly means to adopt and apply one of our core institutional strategic values - that of diversity. It encompasses aspects such as respect and inclusivity amongst others,” she said.

She added that while several projects are already in place to install and renovate lifts at TUT, it is also anticipated that the implementation of the universal access project will yield substantial advancement in accessibility and inclusivity.

Yolande Bekker from the Disability Lab talked about the assistive devises available at the Lab to assist students with all forms of impairment. She further urged staff members to help them by referring students with any disability to their offices. To the students, she advised them to seek help whenever they are overwhelmed as their offices also offer counselling services.

Thuli Mnguni urging students to disclose their disabilities. She concluded by saying: “when we make accessibility a priority, we create opportunities for everyone to succeed.”

Talent Mabunda, a second year talked about four main barriers often faced by people living with disabilities; and how we can overcome them. She said problems such as physical barriers; limited assistive devices; communication barriers; and social and attitudinal barriers can only be eradicated if we create a campus that is inclusive and aware of disability issues.

This is a shared responsibility that requires everyone to play a role in ensuring universal accessibility to all,” she added.

Dylan Mashele from the National Council for/of Persons with Disabilities encouraged students with disabilities to disclose their impairments upon registration so that the Disability Unit could assist them throughout their learning journey.

He added that reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is non-negotiable but a must for all at the University.

TUT Choir rendering a performance. TUT Alumnus, Thuto Chopo share his personal experiences on how the University supported and empowered him while studying at TUT. Thuto, who is an entrepreneur and owner of a grocery retail store says his love for business did not fade with his eyesight.

Student Representative Council (SRC) Universal Access Officer, Thuli Mnguni said their role is to make sure the infrastructure does not disadvantage anyone at the University and they act as the middlemen between students and management. Shee also emphasized the importance of student disclosure – so that everyone can receive support tailor made for their requirements.

Throughout the event guests and students were entertained by the Campus Choir and the Poetry Club.