MANELISI MAGORO
The University of Pretoria is set to resume studies on 4 May. Arrangements are in place to ensure success with the completion of the semester through online learning. However, queries have arisen as to how students with disabilities will be accommodated.
The Disability Unit (DU) is working with various faculties, library services, lecturers, and tutors to ensure accessibility of learning material by students with disabilities, including those who use special technology. Furthermore, the DU sent extensive guidelines to faculties on the assistance that they are to provide, depending on the different categorised levels with what assistance is required. A member of the DU@UP, Mr Juan Erwee, says that they are working closely with academic staff to provide additional support as students have specific needs which differ from each other.
“Arrangements are in place to ensure success with the completion of the semester through online learning.”
As students with disabilities complete assignments independently as part of their curriculum requirements, online learning can be a concern as well as worrying due to the fact that students may feel they will not receive adequate support. However, the DU provides psycho-social support under test conditions and grants extra-time for assessments with time limits during online learning. Further offering support, the DU loaned devices to students prior to the lockdown to ensure that students would be able to continue with online learning.
Being without on-campus support, and the fact that time management is crucial, can be worrying to all students. Therefore, the DU acknowledges that creating a time and space to manage a study schedule during a pandemic is challenging, and states that “there will likely be additional challenges as the academic programme commences and [the DU] will be ready to address these as they are identified”, says Erwee. Erwee further advises students to remain disciplined and to practise good time management to ensure that online learning is less challenging.
Students who encounter challenges as a result of barriers due to a disability are encouraged to contact the DU online platforms and via email at du@up.ac.za.
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