Services

DU enjoys the services of the following staff members:

• A Head who manages the department and is actively involved in many disability groups/forums in South Africa
• An IT Specialist who maintains the DU network, computer centres and equipment and also provides computer training and support to students using this medium of study
• A Maths Tutor who assists blind students studying foundation maths, when they do not have the required level of High School math, and makes math or math-content courses accessible in electronic and tactile format
• A Learning Disability Coordinator who assists students with learning impairments by developing various study and time management programs to assist students academically
• A South African Sign Language Interpreter who interprets for deaf students during lectures
• A Secretary and Test & Exams officer who oversees all matters related to tests and exams
• A Wits Education Campus (WEC) Administrative Officer who oversees matters at WEC
• A team of editors who are responsible for conversion of course material into an electronic format

Assessing of students

DU will undertake a comprehensive assessment to determine whether the student has a disability that hinders educational access. The assessment and evaluation process involves interviews with the student as well as a review of documentation provided by physicians and other clinicians (such as clinical psychologists, audiologists, or optometrists). Once approved, the student can register with DU and will then be able to utilise the many available resources offered by DU.

Depending on the disability, students may require programme modifications (for example, a reduced course load), auxiliary services (such as notetakers or laboratory assistants) or academic adjustments or modifications in instructional methods (for example, electronic and/or braille textbooks and course material or extra time for tests and examinations). In combination, programme modifications, academic adjustments and any auxiliary services are often referred to as "reasonable accommodations" in the University and common parlance.

Accommodations are not intended to give students with disabilities an unfair advantage, but are only there to remove any barriers that prevent students with disabilities from learning and demonstrating what they have learned. The DU requests only those accommodations for which a student has a disability-related academic need. Accommodations vary from student to student; people with different disabilities may have different academic problems, and sometimes two people with the same disability will be affected in diverse ways.

Computer Centres

The DU boasts specialist computer centres at various locations around campus, all of which are accessible and equipped with state of the art equipment. Our computer centres are open to all students with disabilities who use assistive technology such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice recognition, braille displays, loop systems, and various other portable devices. 

DU is proud to have a dedicated Learning Disability Computer Centre with specific software aimed at assisting students with learning impairments. 

A seperate test & examination venue with invigilation services is also available to students using assistive technology.

Physical Access

The University is spread over a wide area, in numerous buildings of various designs and age, and on seperate campuses. We are working tirelessly to make all campuses fully accessible for all students. Although not all buildings are fully accessible, the DU is instrumental in organising structural or organisational adjustments to enable students with disabilities to attend their classes or, if required, find alternative ways of making the curriculum accessible.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the University at an early stage in their application in order to assess the suitability and accessibility of departments, lecture theatres and living accommodations, and to identify the level of support and facilities available. If a student's requirements are known well in advance, the University will try its best to make the necessary adaptations for the student.

Orientation Programme for new students

The DU runs an Orientation Programme early in the year for newly registered students with disabilities. Students with visual and physical impairments in particular are advised to attend this programme as it will assist them with physical orientation and other essential skills necessary to adapt to university life.

Other Services Available to Students with Disabilities

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre - an on-site medical facility providing students with well-being and health-related services. Applications for extra-time are made to this unit
• Counselling and Careers Development Unit - providing a vast array of services related to personal and career development, such as, personal therapy, graduate recruitment programmes, workplace skills and career assessments. Students are advised to undergo career assessments/counselling before making a career decision
• Sports Administration encourages students with disabilities to participate in sports, providing them with an enriched university experience
• The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office assists students in their application for such aid
• The Office of Residence Life offers students with disabilities a range of accommodation options
• The Student Development Office focuses on holistic student development
• The Wits Writing Centre helps students improve their writing skills