Join ​SANCB at the Beyond Sight Exhibition – Interactive Workshops Await! 23 aPRIL 2025

Spaces are filling fast for our exciting Beyond Sight Exhibition workshops! Each session is designed to inspire, educate, and empower—whether you're blind, partially sighted, or simply passionate about accessibility. Don’t wait. Secure your spot today! Register now using the links below. Seats are limited and allocated first-come, first-served. If your chosen workshop is full, don’t worry—sign up for the waitlist, and we’ll notify you if a spot opens up!

 

1. Introducing the Umsizi Reader – Your Gateway to Accessible Reading

Register here: https://forms.gle/MvoFwpy6U5XSPKVK9

Imagine reading anything in your home language,for free. The Umsizi app makes it possible! Powered by AI, this game-changing tool works on Android and iOS, supporting all 11 South African languages.

At this workshop, you’ll:

• Discover how Umsizi opens up books, documents, and more.

• Try the brand-new Umsizi WhatsApp Bot for quick, easy tasks.

• Walk away ready to use this tool in your daily life.

Perfect for: Blind and visually impaired users, caregivers, educators.

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2. Seeing Beyond Sight – A Hands-On Journey into Vision Loss

Register here: https://forms.gle/yVbwdV5Vykyo9X2A6

This isn’t just a workshop, it’s an eye-opening experience (literally!). Through interactive activities, you’ll:

• Explore how the eye works (with touch-friendly models).

• Solve a mystery with Detective Nomsa (and learn about macular degeneration).

• Test-drive life-changing apps and devices.
  Unravel the puzzles of Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

Perfect for: Anyone curious about vision loss—patients, families, healthcare workers.

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3. Talking Touch Screens – Smartphones Made Accessible

Register here: https://forms.gle/PHWeRMmnBZePrsmc8

Think touch screens are off-limits for blind users? Think again! This workshop dives into:

• iOS & Android accessibility features (VoiceOver, TalkBack).

• Text-to-speech tech that puts independence at your fingertips.

• Pro tips to master your smartphone like a pro.

Perfect for: Blind and visually impaired users ready to unlock their phone’s full potential.

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4. Women in Tech – Breaking Barriers in ICT

Register here: https://forms.gle/BR7Ujuoh9XSMTAVs7

Hear from trailblazing women with disabilities who’ve carved their paths in tech. This panel covers:

• Real job opportunities in ICT for people with disabilities.

• Success stories (and how you can follow in their footsteps).

• Networking with industry insiders.

Perfect for: Job seekers, students, and anyone dreaming of a tech career.

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5. Beyond Sight: How AI is Redefining Vision

Register here: https://forms.gle/t3FSQfMw3RBPAzJE8

AI isn’t just the future, it’s changing lives today. In this session, you’ll:

• See the latest in Envision Glasses and JAWS/Fusion AI updates.

• Learn how these tools tackle real-world challenges.

• Get insider insights on where assistive tech is headed next.

Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts, assistive tech users, innovators.

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6. Seva Smart Glasses – Your AI-Powered Eyes

Register here: https://forms.gle/wUHag2ZDfWNW7k5TA

Navigate. Identify. Connect. Seva glasses use cutting-edge AI to:

• Guide you through unfamiliar spaces.

• Read text (menus, labels, books) out loud.

• Recognize faces and surroundings.

• Perfect for: Blind and low-vision users craving greater independence.

 

Don’t Miss Out. Claim Your Spot Today!

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These workshops are free, interactive, and packed with practical takeaways. But hurry, seats won’t last! Click the links above to register now.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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NEED MORE INFORMATION?

• Email:atcm@sancb.org.za

• Call: 083 634 9994 (Dr. Ashley Subbiah, Assistive Technology Centre Manager)

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SANCB  Beyond Sight Assistive Technology Exhibition 23 April 2025 

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You're Invited To The ‘Beyond Sight Assistive Technology Exhibition’

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The South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) warmly invites you to the Beyond Sight Assistive Technology Exhibition, an exciting event showcasing the latest tools and innovations designed to empower people with visual impairments.

• Date: 23 April 2025

• Time: 09:00 – 15:00

• Venue: Optima College Hall, SANCB 514 White Street, Bailey’s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181

 

What to Expect:

Discover how assistive technology can open up new possibilities! The exhibition will feature the following:

• Live demos of the newest assistive devices

• Hands-on workshops for professionals and the public

• Meet experts, suppliers, and organizations working in the blindness sector

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Who Should Come?

• Whether you’re a person with visual impairment, a teacher, a disability advocate, a student, a parent, or simply curious about accessibility, this event is for you!

• Best of all? It’s completely free! Come be part of a future where technology breaks down barriers.

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NEED MORE INFORMATION?

• Email:atcm@sancb.org.za

• Call: 083 634 9994 (Dr. Ashley Subbiah, Assistive Technology Centre Manager)

 

We can’t wait to see you there!​​​

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HEDSA Brand Launch and Summit - 25-26 March 2025

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Higher Education Disability Services Association formally invites you to attend the brand launch and Summit which will be held on 25-26 March 2025 respectively, at 9:00-16:00 at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria Campus.
These events are focused on redefining and re-emphasizing the work of the organization and moreover it is a way of capacitating officials who are working in the space of Disability Units. We would be honored to have delegates from the institutions and we are confident your presence will significantly contribute to the success of this important gathering. We are expecting a maximum of 3 delegates from each institution.

Please fill the registration form  to confirm attendance. Please note that the registration deadline has been extended to the 7th March 2025.

If there are officials who request personalized invitations for logistic purposes, please send an email to Charity Morrison at Morrisoncy@ufs.ac.za.

 

Accommodation near TUT: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s8jtRXeeHytXVEae8

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Thank you for your consideration and we are looking forward to having you.​

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UDL Short Learning Programme

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A Short Learning Programme:  Basic Introduction to Universal Design for Learning

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The content of the Short Learning Programme (SLP) includes an introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This will comprise definitions, benefits and the key principles of UDL. Furthermore, a practical approach (The Plus-One approach) to applying UDL will be taught and applied. In addition, an educator’s checklist on UDL will be utilised as another application tool. Finally, alternate assessment methods will be covered.

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The main purpose of the programme is to introduce and develop participant’s understanding of UDL.  Furthermore, it aims to equip participants with introductory skills to practice UDL in their various work contexts.

 

Who can enroll:

All support and academic staff involved in school and post-school Education and Training.

Upon completion of this SLP, participants will be able to:

• Define Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

• Indicate the benefits of UDL

• Distinguish the three key principles within the unit framework namely Multiple Means of Engagement (MME) Multiple Means of Representation (MMR) and Multiple Means of Action and Expression (MMA&E)

• Match the UDL examples key UDL guidelines

• Employ the plus-one approach in course exercises

• Apply the Educator’s checklist in course exercises

• Apply alternative assessment methods based on UDL principles

• Apply the plus-one method to assessments

• Explain how UDL can be applied in their own personal work context
   

Course pricing: R6 500 per person

• A reduced price during July 2024 -R3000 per person.

• Note that if there is a group of 5 or more from one institution there is an additional 10 % discount as well.

Contact person:                Mrs Elisa Sising (cuadsslp@ufs.ac.za)

Duration of course:         4 weeks

Mode of delivery:            Online (work in own time with weekly submissions)

Course Programme:         Short Learning Programme (SLP)

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The course will be presented in the months of February, May, August and October 2024.  Please ensure to book your spot with Elisa if you are interested.

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Past Events

Talk by Dr Elizabeth Dalton: Educational Technologies and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Hosted by Stellenbosch University

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Date: 11 October 2023

Time: 10:00-12:00

Format of Session: Hybrid – to access session link kindly email hedsa001@gmail.com

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HEDSA 2023 Biennial Symposium

21-22 September 2023 - Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa

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The HEDSA Exco is proud to announce that the HEDSA Biennial Conference will be held on the 21 - 22 September 2023 at Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape under the theme “Equity for All: Where are we?”This HEDSA conference will focus on resource-rich engagements on the access, retention, and success of Deaf students and includes a focused speaker programme, panel discussions, group sessions and social networking events. The Conference aims to provide an opportunity to learn, engage and grow meaningful relationships. We welcome everyone to join our Conference.

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There are several important issues and dates that we would like to bring to your attention:

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Registration:

HEDSA Conference Registration Form

We have extended the deadline until 11 September 2023, with payment due by 23 September 2023.

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Registration Fees:

Conference registration fees include conference pack, morning/afternoon teas, lunch, cocktail and social evening on the 21st September 2023.

• HEDSA Member: R3 500

• Students: R2 000

• Group booking of 6 and more will get their HEDSA membership fee (R2 000) discounted for the institution. Kindly email hedsafinance@gmail.com for further queries in this regard.

You will receive an invoice once you have submitted your conference registration form . Please take note the reference number that will be reflected on your invoice must be reflected on all payments. Please note that the paid registration fee cannot be refunded if anyone is not able to participate in the conference.

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Conference venue & accommodation

• The HEDSA Conference will take place in Gqeberha at the Nelson Mandela University Auditorium.

• Delegates are welcome to access the various hotels surrounding the conference venue. Please note that accommodation will not be reserved exclusively for the period of 21-22 September 2023 for HEDSA members.

• Shuttle/Transport: Attendees registering for the conference can arrange for a shuttle/transport through their booked accommodation for the duration of the conference. The conference programme on Day 1 (21st September 2023) will commence at 10:00 to allow delegates to travel to the Eastern Cape the morning of the conference.
   

Conference attire:

The conference attire will be business casual.

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Conference enquiries:

Please send your conference general queries to hedsaconference@gmail.com and payment queries to hedsafinance@gmail.com.

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UCT Disability Services Suicide Prevention and Intervention Webinar - 26 July 2023

 

Please join Kolpin and O’ Connor Consultants, as well as the UCT Disability Service - for this free webinar, as we explore issues related to suicide prevention and intervention in Higher Education.

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Webinar Poster

 

Registration Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/c60uevqx41
Please register by Friday, 21 July 2023.
A link for the webinar will be sent on Monday, 24 July 2023.
 

Presenters’ Biosketch Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/Vp5rHyd7zu

For further information, please contact:
c.hendrickse@uct.ac.za

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2022 UKZN Disability Research Indaba - 12 October 2022

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The UKZN Disability Support Unit cordially invites you to register and/or submit an abstract for the 2022 Disability Research Indaba: “The new normal”: Embracing a post-pandemic inclusive higher education landscape.

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Please take note that registration and the call for abstracts for the 2022 UKZN Disability Research Indaba is now open. The UKZN Disability Support Unit would sincerely appreciate your attendance and participation. You are most welcome to disseminate the below notice and attached poster via your respective networks. We look forward to hosting you virtually on 12 October 2022.

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This Online Indaba opens conversations through participation, dialogue, and reasoning, which aims to focus on the theme of:

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The Indaba invites submissions focusing on the following broad key areas:

• Universal design for learning (UDL)

• Reasonable accommodations

• Digitising the teaching and learning experience

• Social integration

• Mental health, resilience and wellness

• Stigma management and reduction

• Disability rights and Self-representation

• Transformation and inclusive policy arrangements

• Mainstream transitioning of students with disabilities

• Delivery of South African sign language (SASL) interpreting services

 

13 May 2022 – Abstract submission and registration opens

24 June 2022 – Abstract submission closes

10 July 2022 – Notification to authors of acceptance

24 July 2022 – Resubmission of revised abstracts

12 October 2022 – Indaba

 

The Indaba will be virtually hosted via Zoom on 12 October 2022 from 8:00 to 16:30.

 

Zoom registration: Click here

Abstract submission: Click here

 

For any enquiries, please contact Dr Ashley Subbiah at subbiaha1@ukzn.ac.za

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NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION

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The Concerned Blind and Partially Sighted Persons’ Forum, in partnership with the South African National Zakaah Fund (SANZAF), will be hosting a national conference on blindness and low vision at the Capetonian Hotel Conference Hall in Cape Town on 14-16 November 2022.

 

PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE

The purpose of the conference is to bring together interested stakeholders to explore critical issues on blindness and low vision from a practical, hands-on approach, drawing on the collective knowledge, experience and expertise of presenters and conference delegates. Based on the overall theme: Taking the next steps toward a greater vision, the proposed conference, which would also serve to recognise and celebrate Disability Month, would include presentations and break-away discussions on pertinent themes and sub-themes pertaining to education, skills development, employment, advocacy and empowerment. Equally important, the conference would include scintillating social events that would assist in developing useful and lasting networks that would serve to promote discussions and projects in the field of blindness and low vision.

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 WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE CONFERENCE?

Although not exhaustive, the list would include the following:

• Educators in schools;

• Academic and support staff from further and higher education institutions;

• Practitioners in the field of blindness and low vision;

• Students;

• Job-seekers;

• Blind and partially sighted persons in employment.

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REGISTRATION

A nominal registration fee of R900.00 is payable by each delegate to gain admission to the conference. The registration fee will cover the following:

• A cocktail on the evening of 13 November 2022 to informally welcome the delegates;

• A commemorative conference bag for each delegate;

• The programme of the conference in alternate formats;

• Lunch on each day of the conference;

• Morning and afternoon tea/coffee; and

• A banquet on the final evening of the conference.

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We look forward to an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable conference, and we hope you do too. Importantly, the organisers of the conference will strive to make this experience unparalleled and enriching for you.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated support, and we hope to meet you at this much-needed national conference.

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Closing Date for Registration

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To assist the organisers with regard to relevant logistical arrangements, please confirm your attendance by no later than 15 October 2022. On receipt of your confirmation, a registration document would be forwarded to you.

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Conference Organisers Contact Details

Please use the following contact details to reserve your seat at what promises to be an informative, interesting and practical conference.

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Siva Moodley:

Tel.: 0825781552

Email: siva49moodley@gmail.com

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Saffura Khan:

Tel.: 0724174422; 031 3096786

Email: Saffura.khan59@gmail.com

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