1. 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. 

2. 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

3. 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].

4. Universities are diverse spaces
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.)

5. 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.

6. THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS (DSA)
Values of the DSA:
Academic excellence
Wellness approach to life
Valuing & Embracing our diversity
Community Engagement
Environmental Awareness

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Ru Profile of students with disabilities
Type of Disability
2016
2015
2017
Visible/Hidden/Unknown
Blind 2
Cerebral palsy 1
Communication
Deafness 3
Diabetic 12 18
Dyslexia 21 23
Emotional 9 7
Intellectual 17
More than one 5
Paraplegic 4
Partial hearing 10
Partially sighted 13
Physical 11
Speech defect
Unspecified 25 28
TOTAL
118
141
146

11. DISABILITY UNIT OR NOT? Political will from Senior Management
Financial sustainability- prioritization
Diversity Centre

12. DSA/RU CHALLENGES Infrastructure - accessibility Designated Staff
Financial constraints – small budget
Protests – student support

13. 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.