Boosting some of the country’s most high-tech learning devices, the Reakgona Disability Centre (RDC) at the University of Limpopo (UL) annually hosts an open day to induct new students into the campus environment and how to use some of its learning gadgets at the centre
Students with disabilities make up a significant part of the student population at UL, and campus-wide facilities and route planning accommodate any type of disability, and more buildings are accessible. Synchronously, teaching and learning are more inclusive because the university provides alternative formats of course materials, such as magnified text and braille work.
After being welcomed to campus and getting to know their new surroundings, the students were astounded by how the university had customised the buildings and the centre to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
Vhuhulu Mavhunda, a first-year Bachelor of Laws student, described the induction as fruitful for him because it helped him feel comfortable and easily adapt to a new environment. “It is critical to understand your university’s culture and form friendships with students and faculty members so that your academic journey is well-intentioned and rewarding,” he said.
Matshidi Modiba, a first-year Bachelor of Education student, stated that the induction was beneficial because she was able to learn more about the university and was shown around and made familiar with the campus.
The induction also included the distribution of assistive devices tailored to their specific requirements. Among the devices were calculators, digital video magnifiers, canes, liquid level indicators, signature guides, and money sticks. Bryan Tsiri, SRC President, presided over the handover and told the students that the SRC’s role was to champion the welfare of all university students and ensure that they were well represented in their academic journey, regardless of gender, disability, or ability.
In addition, the students received UL-branded laptop bags, t-shirts, and sanitary towels for female students.
The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE), and Safety and Security were invited to introduce their services. This was done to make students with disabilities aware that the centre does not provide all services to students in isolation, but rather collaborates with other university departments to provide both academic and emotional support.
According to Justice Phukubje, Acting Director of RDC, the induction allowed the students to adjust to their new environment and learn about the assistive devices available at the centre. “The induction also assists students with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired, in becoming acquainted with online teaching and learning, including how to log in to attend classes, access Blackboard, access Keyaka emails, attend classes online, browse the internet in general, and introduces them to specialised software such as JAWS and Zoom text,” he explained.
The induction included a tour of the university’s surroundings, primarily outside Gate 2 at the open market, where students were given verbal directions to the shopping complex. They were taken to the Student Health and Wellness Centre, various cafeterias, the library, and the student centre while on campus.
The induction concluded with a computer literacy training session.
By Malatji Monyelegwete