Challenges and Initiatives in Promoting Disability Inclusivity in Higher Education
Higher education institutions are striving to enhance inclusion and participation of diverse student groups, especially in terms of disability support. This presentation delves into the current challenges, initiatives, and the urgent need for inclusivity in higher education settings to create a more diverse and welcoming environment.
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Presentation Transcript
Preamble Higher education institutions endeavors to promote inclusion and the participation of a diverse student group, but faces several challenges. It has become necessary to review current educational practices/policies, hence the urgent call for inclusivity and participation on issues relating to disability. But despite attempts at policies level to include people with disabilities, higher education still manages disability support in a fragmented way, as if it is separate from existing transformation and diversity programmes.
OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION WHAT IS THE INSTITUTIONAL MISSION? WHO IS THE DSA? PROFILE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT RU DISABILITY UNIT OR NOT? DSA CURRENT CHALLENGES LONG TERM PLANS OF RU/DSA ENROLLING AND SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
There is an urgent need for us to create an INCLUSIVE and humanising RU Institutional Culture that celebrates diversity and respects difference [Dr. Mabizela, September 2014].
We therefore need to move towards creating an inclusive space to learn, unlearn and relearn Universities are diverse spaces (different cultures, languages, religions, races, sexualities, geographical areas, level of education, abilities, etc.)
THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS The DSA aims to bridge the gap between academic success and its support services, which enable the creation of an inclusive and conducive environment that contributes to student success.
THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS (DSA) Values of the DSA: Academic excellence Wellness approach to life Valuing & Embracing our diversity Community Engagement Environmental Awareness
3 SECTIONS UNDER THE DSA Student Wellness (Counselling Centre; Health Care Centre; HIV office; Careers Centre ) Sports Administration (res sports, competitive sports/clubs, etc) Student Services
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES The Residence System ( aspects of wardening and student leadership development) Disabilities Support Services promoting inclusiveness and enhancing the learning and living spaces of the students 1st Year Orientation comprehensive package that speaks to the pillars of the DSA office The SRC its management and leadership development and support of its student governance mandate
STUDENT DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES ACADEMIC SUPPORT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT (SOFTWARE,READING & WRITING, ETC) EXAM SUPPORT ( EXTRA TIME/USE OF PC DURING EXAMS, ORAL EXAMS, ETC) CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE (STUDENT SERVICE MANAGER A MEMBER) FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT (NSFAS MEANS TESTED) LIBRARY SUPPORT ( USE OF PC WIT SPECIFIC TECHNO ASSISTANCE) PERSONAL SUPPORT (COUNSELLING, MEAL ARRANGEMENTS, ETC) GENERAL SUPPORT (software, spectacles, wheelchair access, housekeeping) ENABLE ( STUDENT VS STUDENT SUPPORT
RU PROFILE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Type of Disability 2016 2015 2017 Visible/Hidden/Unknown - 2016 Blind Cerebral palsy Communication Deafness Diabetic Dyslexia Emotional Intellectual More than one Paraplegic Partial hearing Partially sighted Physical Speech defect Unspecified TOTAL 0 2 1 3 12 21 9 12 7 0 10 7 7 2 25 118 2 1 1 1 18 23 7 17 5 4 9 13 11 1 28 141 146
DISABILITY UNIT OR NOT? Political will from Senior Management Financial sustainability- prioritization Diversity Centre
DSA/RU CHALLENGES Infrastructure - accessibility Designated Staff Financial constraints small budget Protests student support
FUTURE PLANS : RU/DSA? Centre the presence/voice of especially Students with disability: marketing, etc. Pro-active data base/better prepared: enrolment and support Universal access lift Steve Biko Building, academic material Diversity Centre race, gender, disability Formal Disability Studies programmes Ongoing awareness raising programmes students On-going training/abreast with developments in the field of disability Partnerships : students, academics, support divisions, etc.
