Analysing disability support at South African public universities -HEDSA -USAf Initiative - April, 2025

The USAf Transformation Managers’ Forum (TMF) task team, in collaboration with HEDSA conducted a comprehensive survey to obtain information on and audit the extent to which students and staff with disabilities are included and integrated in public higher education institutions. The HEDSA survey was distributed to the 26 universities and institutions of higher learning in August 2023, completing the data collection by April 2024. The 127-item questionnaire, along with supporting documents, provided the datasets for the analysis. The final report has been sent to Vice-Chancellors’ offices with an emphasis on the need for institutional and leadership buy-in.

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Read more here: https://usaf.ac.za/analysing-disability-support-at-south-african-public-universities/

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HEDSA Gauteng Region Roadshow promotes inclusion at SMU​

HEDSA recently hosted its Gauteng Region Roadshow at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). A key highlight of the event was the discussion on how institutions  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, Dr. Delubom 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. 

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.

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 Read more here : https://www.smu.ac.za/2025/04/01/hedsa-gauteng-region-roadshow-promotes-inclusion-at-smu/

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First Rand Foundation Project:

Sol Plaaitjie University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA)

SPU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA) and UCT to enhance its disability support services through funding received from the First Rand Foundation.

This partnership aims to improve access and success for students with disabilities at SPU. The MoU follows disability inclusion training for SPU staff, focusing on accessibility and universal design for learning. This initiative underscores SPU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the academic success and wellbeing of all students

 

 

HEDSA Eastern Cape Disability Region held their first executive meeting of the year

Joined by the HEDSA Chairperson, Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom who provided training to the executive members. The executive was a representation from Walter Sisulu University, Lovedale TVET and UNISA.  As they reflected on the achievements and setbacks of the previous years, HEDSA -EC look forward to carrying out the many activities that they have planned for the year.

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University of Zululand academics enlightened on how best to support students with sensory disabilities through HEDSA workshop

The two-day workshop was organised by the Disability Unit under the Student Services Department at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), as endorsed by the Human Resources Department and the offices of the deputy vice-chancellors for teaching and learning as well as institutional support. The objective, according to Disability Coordinator Phiwayinkosi Mjadu, was to capacitate UNIZULU academics to better accommodate students living with visual and hearing impairments during lectures, class assessments and examinations.

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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 complete the registration form . 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.

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

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

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HEDSA Community News Highlights

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HEDSA's comment on the Copyright Amendment Bill​

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​Superpowers for disability access - Wits University

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Meet Kabelo Kekana, the top 2024 Grade 12 learner with a disability, now tackling law at Wits

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HEDSA Eastern Cape Disability Region held their first executive meeting of the year

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University of Zululand academics enlightened on how best to support students with sensory disabilities through HEDSA workshop

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USAf task team on implementation of disability policy framework -UFS and HEDSA representatives

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Breaking barriers: How UWC and a determined student are shaping disability support in education

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Enrolment of Students with Disabilities and role of Disability Units

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Sol Plaaitjie University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA)

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VUT advances disability inclusion with online recruitment training session

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Pioneering disability inclusion: Wits DRU and Afretec lead the way​

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The importance of creating awareness of Invisible Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Learning

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UJ launches Disability Forum, championing accessibility and inclusion

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Mandela University’s Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom elected as Chairperson of HEDSA 

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TUT disability activist elected as HEDSA Chairperson

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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 Conference

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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Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies in 2023

UCT Disability Studies Division is offering the Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies in 2023.

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Programme Details

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Contact Details

Email: amour.mccarthy@uct.ac.za | Tel: +27 21 650 5350

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