In order to access the DRU's world-class services and support, students with disabilities must first register with the unit.

DRU Registration Process

1. Log into Wits Student Self-Service, https://self-service.wits.ac.za/
2. Go to Student Centre.
3. Click on the Additional Self-Service Info tile, which will take you to the Special Needs Registration / DRU Registration page.
4. If there is an existing file with DRU for a previous year, click the “+” button to start a new registration for the current year. If you already have an existing registration for the current year, you can continue with that one.
5. If the Term is not automatically selected for the current year, go to Term, and select the current year.
6. Indicate the type of disability: In the Diagnosis Code box, select the diagnosis code relevant to your disability. To add multiple disabilities, click the “+” button and select the additional diagnosis code.
7. Indicate the type of special need/support requested: In the Special Need box, select the special need required. To add multiple special needs, click the “+” button and select the additional special needs. *Please note: DO NOT select Concessions for Tests/Exams at this stage, as you must be registered first with DRU before this option becomes active.*
8. Once you have selected the Diagnosis Code(s) and Special Need(s), press the “Submit” button.
9. After submitting your registration, you will receive an email and be asked to upload your proof of disability. To do this, go back to the Student Homepage on Self-Service and click on the Student Center tile.
10. Once on the Student Center page, near the top right of the page, you will see a “To Do List”. Click on the “Manage Documents” button.
11. On the next page, click on “Proof of Disability” and then upload the medical document indicating your disability/condition. Please only upload one file (PDF is preferred).
12. DRU will then be notified of your submission and will assess your registration and uploaded document.
13. You will receive communication via your Wits student email address informing you of the process and if there is anything further needed by DRU.

Have a Problem or Query with DRU Registration?

For any DRU registration problems or enquiries, please contact Mr Andrew Sam at: andrew.sam@wits.ac.za.

The staff of the Disability Rights Unit will gladly assist lecturers by providing information on specific disabilities and the needs of students who have them. 

• At your invitation, we can attend staff meetings to discuss academic issues of postsecondary students with disabilities and effective instructional methods for these students.
• You are also always welcome to visit our offices to experience first-hand the processes involved in supporting students with disabilities or to have your queries answered.

Lecturers Guide to Assisting Student's with Disabilities 

The Disability Rights Unit has also compiled the Guide to Teaching Students with Disabilities to provide helpful tips on teaching students with disabilities.

As one of the leading disability support units at tertiary institutions in South Africa, the Wits Disability Rights Unit is often contacted by various stakeholders who have a keen interest in providing bursaries and other funding opportunities to students with disabilities

To increase the reach of these opportunities they are regularly posted  on our Facebook and Instagram social media pages:

Facebook:    Wits DRU Facebook Page

• Please note that these opportunities are for Wits students with disabilities only, and all applicants will need to provide valid proof of disability and proof of Wits registration for the current year. 

Over the years the Disability Rights Unit has been wonderfully supported by many outside organisations.

We strive to provide an outstanding support service to all students with disabilities and, with the added support of our donors, we continually look to new emerging technologies and programs to further enrich and strengthen students studying at Wits.

Contribute

If you would like to contribute to the Disability Rights Unit, please contact Dr Anlia Pretorius on:  27(0)11 717 9151 or anlia.pretorius@wits.ac.za 

Wits Policy for Students with Disabilities

• Wits Policy for Students with Disabilities (ver 3.0)

Wits Policy for Staff with Disabilities

• Wits Policy on the Workplace Inclusion of Employees with Disabilities (ver. 2.0)

• Disclosure of Staff with Disabilities Form (with EEA1 Form)

DRU Annual Report

• DRU Annual Report 2022

DRU Newsletters

• DRU enABLE Newsletter Issue 1 (October 2021)
• DRU enABLE Newsletter Issue 2 (April 2022)
• DRU enABLE Newsletter Issue 3 (March 2023)

DRU undertakes assessments to determine if the student has a disability hindering educational access.

The Assessment Process

• This involves interviews with the student and a review of documentation provided by physicians and other clinicians (such as psychologists, audiologists, or optometrists).
• Once approved, the student can register with DRU and will then be able to utilise the many available resources offered by DRU.

Reasonable Accommodations

Depending on the disability, students may require programme modifications referred to as ‘reasonable accommodations. These could include one or more of the following:

• A reduced course load
• Academic adjustments or modifications in instructional methods - (E.g. Electronic and braille textbooks and course material, extra time for tests and examinations) 

DRU has specialist computer centres at various locations around campus, all of which are accessible and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

Our computer centres are open to all students with disabilities who use assistive technology including:

• Screen readers and magnifiers
• Literacy support software
• Voice recognition
• Braille displays
• Loop systems
• Eye-trackers
• Various other technologies

DRU boasts a fully accessible Test & Training Centre which serves as: 

• A test and exam venue with invigilation services for students using assistive technology
• A fully accessible venue for hosting training workshops, tutorials, etc.

DRU 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
• IT training
• Mobility training
• Other essential skills

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre – an on-site medical facility providing students with well-being and health-related services. All applications for extra-time are made at this unit

• Counselling and Careers Development Unit – providing a vast array of services related to personal and career development, such as, career counselling and assessments, personal therapy, graduate recruitment programmes and workplace skills. Students are advised to undergo career assessments/counselling before making a career decision

• Sports Administration - students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in sports to further enrich their university experience

• Financial Aid Office - assists students with all their funding matters, such as application for financial aid

• Office of Residence Life – offers students with disabilities a range of accommodation options at Wits

• Student Development and Leadership Unit – focuses on holistic student development

• Wits Writing Centre - assists students to acquire the appropriate writing skills

• Libraries – libraries have specific sections equipped with computers with assistive technology allowing easy access to the numerous media and catalogues for students with disabilities

DRU’s Academic and Facilities Access Coordinator will assist staff with disabilities with requests for reasonable accommodations.

All requests are subject to a review in order to determine the nature and extent of the request, the financial implications of the request, as well as the availability of existing resources.

A final decision will be made after consultations with key stakeholders and in accordance with the relevant Wits policies and guidelines.

Please refer to the Documents section above for the University's policy for staff with disabilities, as well as for the DRU Disclosure of Disabilities / Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form.

For more information please contact Subhashini Ellan, Email: subhashini.ellan@wits.ac.za / Tel: 011 717 9161