The Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA) recently hosted its Gauteng Region Roadshow at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). HEDSA, a recognised advocacy and rights-based non-profit organisation, represents disability services in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across South Africa. Endorsed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and recognised as a community of practice by Universities South Africa (USAf), HEDSA strives to ensure inclusive and equal learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
The programme was directed by Ivy Morulane, Chairperson of the Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA), Gauteng Region and commenced with a warm welcome from Themba Khumalo, SMU’s Deputy Director of Student Affairs. Khumalo expressed the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and support for students with disabilities, aligning with SMU’s core values of social accountability, integrity, and excellence.
Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom, HEDSA Chairperson from Nelson Mandela University, outlined the purpose of the roadshow. She emphasised that the executive team of HEDSA aims to gain first-hand experience of the challenges faced by students with disabilities. “Students with disabilities have the same right to learn as anyone else. It is our responsibility to ensure that institutions create enabling environments where these students can thrive,” she said.
Dr Delubom reiterated HEDSA’s readiness to support HEIs in establishing and strengthening disability offices to address challenges effectively. The roadshow provided a platform for universities within the association to share their experiences, best practices, and common obstacles. The most prevalent concerns raised were budget constraints and limited capacity, which hindered efforts to provide adequate support services.
HEDSA operates closely with USAf’s Transformation Strategy Group and provides strategic guidance on disability matters. “HEDSA is more than just an advocacy body; we serve as thought leaders and provide input on national legislation and policies to ensure inclusivity,” Delubom noted.
A key highlight of the event was the discussion on how HEIs can collaborate to improve disability services. Many institutions shared innovative solutions, such as partnerships with external stakeholders and the implementation of assistive technologies. SMU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, with Khumalo stating: “Our goal at SMU is to create an institution that is truly inclusive, where every student, regardless of ability, has the resources and support to succeed.”
Additionally, colleagues were informed about the purpose and structure of disability units, including their placement within institutions, organisational charts, and available services. The National Chairperson emphasised that these units play a vital role in facilitating the integration of students with disabilities, providing support, ensuring the implementation of reasonable accommodations, and advising institutions on universal design principles. The positioning of these units varies across institutions; some fall under the Transformation Office, Student Affairs, or Student Counselling, while in colleges, they are positioned under Student Support Services.
Another crucial aspect discussed was the role of disability units in advocating for reasonable accommodations to ensure students with disabilities receive the necessary support in their academic journey. The integration of universal design in institutional policies and infrastructure was emphasised as a key factor in creating an inclusive learning environment. Delegates were also reminded that disability services must extend beyond academics to include access to social, recreational, and professional development opportunities.
The event underscored the importance of ensuring HEIs actively commit to disability inclusion. SMU and other institutions were urged to continuously assess their policies and support mechanisms to align with best practices in student support and universal design. HEDSA reinforced its role in providing guidance, expertise, and advocacy for these improvements.
The roadshow, hosted at SMU’s Pharmacy Department, concluded with a call for stronger partnerships and continued dialogue among HEIs to address challenges faced by students with disabilities. Through platforms like these, HEDSA continues to champion the rights of students with disabilities, ensuring that higher education in South Africa becomes truly accessible to all.
SMU’s commitment to excellence, caring, and social responsiveness was evident throughout the event. The university remains dedicated to working alongside organisations like HEDSA to break barriers and promote inclusivity, ensuring that all students receive equal opportunities to succeed in their academic pursuits.
By Dimakatso Modise
