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Disability Rights Unit (DRU) We are committed to working towards the goal of creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all students with disabilities.
Disability Rights Unit (DRU) We are committed to working towards the goal of creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all students with disabilities.
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The Disability Rights Unit (DRU) at Wits is a support unit within the Registrar’s Division committed to working toward the goal of creating an equal, accessible and welcoming environment for all students and staff with disabilities.

We endeavour to make the learning and working experience a rewarding and enriching one and pledge to create awareness of the issues and abilities of people with disabilities amongst the Wits community.

About

Goals

  • To help students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations in academic and non-academic programmes
  • To create awareness of the issues and abilities of people with disabilities amongst the Wits community.
  • To make the learning environment a rewarding and enriching one through the exceptional design of innovative learning and working environments.

Disabilities

The Disability Rights Unit is able to assist students with the following disabilities:

  • Visual
  • Physical
  • Hearing
  • Learning
  • Psychological
  • Speech
  • Chronic illnesses & painful conditions
  • Seizure disorders
  • Students with temporary disabilities (e.g. broken limbs) may request services for the period during which they are disabled
Student Registration

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. On the Student Home Page, click on the Special Needs tile which will take you to the DRU Registration page.
  3. On the right of Term, click the “+” button to start a new registration for the current year.
  4. 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(s).
  5. Indicate the type of Special Need or support you are requesting. In the Special Need box, you must select one special need.
    • If you are applying for extra time and concessions for tests and exams, select “Extra Time”. *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.*
    • For disability parking or special drop-off access, select “Other”.
    • To add multiple special needs, click the “+” button and select the additional special needs.
  6. Once you have selected the Diagnosis Code(s) and Special Need(s), press the “Submit” button.
  7. After submitting your registration, you will be taken to the Student Center page where you can upload your proof of disability using the To Do List on the top right. See Step 3 in Uploading Proof of Disability below. 
  8. You will also receive an email with instructions on how to upload your proof of disability.

Uploading Proof of Disability

  1. Log into Wits Student Self-Service, https://self-service.wits.ac.za/
  2. Go to Documents and Communication or Student Centre. If Student Centre is not one of the tiles on your homepage, click on the Menu button on the top right of Student Self-Service, and select Navigator, Self-Service, and Student Centre.
  3. Once on the Student Centre page, look near the top right of the page, you will see a “To Do List”. Click on the orange-coloured “Manage Documents” button.
  4. On the next page, click on “Proof of Disability” and then upload the medical document indicating your disability/condition. Please only upload one file containing any relevant medical information (PDF is preferred).
  5. DRU will then be notified of your submission and will assess your registration and uploaded document.
  6. 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.

Extra Time and Concessions for Tests and Exams

Applications for extra time and other concessions for tests and exams are facilitated through the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) and the Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC), where only students with documented disabilities are eligible to apply.

All first-time applicants must comply with the University's policies and procedures on extra time and concessions and be assessed by the University's extra time and concessions team, regardless of any previously granted extra time. Once the application has been approved, a university letter indicating any approved extra time and concessions will be sent to the student.

Returning Wits students with previously Wits-approved extra time and concessions indicating "rest of university career" must register with DRU every year to acquire a renewal extra time and concessions letter for the current year of study (proof of the original university approval letter is required).

 

Important Information regarding Applications for Extra Time and Concessions:

  • Full-time students are supported by the DRU and can apply for extra time and concessions using the indicated process below.

  • WITS Plus (PTY) (short course) students are accommodated by WITS Plus (PTY) and should please contact their course coordinator for disability support.

  • Part-time students are accommodated by the Faculty internally and should contact their course coordinator for disability support.

 

Closing Date for Applications

To ensure that all students receive their faculty-approved extra time and other concessions before each exam session begins, the closing dates for applications are indicated below, unless in the case of unforeseen temporary or permanent disabilities:

Semester 1 (June examination session): 30 April

Semester 2 (November examination session): 31 August

Please Note: Extra time and concession applications can take a minimum of 5 to 10 working days for approval.

 

Extra Time and Concessions Application Process for Full-Time Registered Students

Full-time registered students requiring extra time and concessions must follow one of the procedures below. For any queries regarding extra time and concessions, please contact Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor at: leila.abdoolgafoor@wits.ac.za.

To apply for extra time and concessions, students with disabilities must upload a DRU Medical Practitioner form (to be used for all disabilities except visual disabilities) OR a DRU Eye Care Medical Practitioner form (to be used for visual disabilities only), which their medical practitioner must complete.

Please Note: Applications will only be considered with a completed DRU Medical Practitioner form or DRU Eye Care Medical Practitioner form. Applications will be rejected if any other medical documents are uploaded.

The DRU Medical Practioner forms (in PDF format) can be downloaded below. 

Form for ALL DISABILITIES EXCEPT VISUAL DISABILITIES:

DRU Medical Practitioner Form

Form for VISUAL DISABILITIES ONLY:

DRU Eye Care Practitioner Form

 

Procedure 1: New Application for Extra Time and Concessions

  1. Full-time registered students who wish to apply for extra time and concessions must first register with the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) via the Wits Student Self-Service portal (DRU registration instructions can be found under Student Registration on the DRU homepage).
  2. After the DRU registration is approved, students must apply for Extra time and Concessions via Wits Student Self-Service, following the step-by-step instructions included in the DRU registration email or using the following guide:  DRU Concessions Guide 1 - New Application for Extra Time and Concessions
  3. After completing the Extra time and Concessions application, the DRU will be notified of the submission, and assess the application and uploaded DRU Medical Practitioner form, before referring the application to the Campus Health and Wellness Centre and Faculties for their review. If the application is approved, an auto-generated concessions letter for the current year will be emailed to the student the following day. The letter will indicate the current date, student’s details, courses for the current year, and recommendations for extra time and other concessions.
  4. It is the student's responsibility to inform their course coordinators and lecturers about any university-approved concessions well in advance of any tests/exams/assessments and present the university letter as proof of receiving the indicated concessions.

 

Procedure 2: Renewal of Wits-Approved Extra Time and Concessions for the Current Year

  1. Returning students with previously Wits-approved extra time and concessions can renew their extra time and concessions for the current year provided they meet the following renewal requirements:
    • The student must register with DRU for the current year, AND
    • The student must have a previous Wits letter indicating extra time and concessions with the “Rest of University Career” duration indicated. If the letter does not state "rest of university career" explicitly, please start a new application using Procedure 1 above.
  2. Returning students who meet the above renewal criteria can renew their extra time and concessions using the steps below.
    • Register with the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) via the Wits Student Self-Service portal (DRU registration instructions can be found under Student Registration on the DRU homepage).
    • After the DRU registration is approved, students must apply for an extra-time and concession renewal via Wits Student Self-Service, following the step-by-step instructions included in the DRU registration email or using the following guide:  DRU Concessions Guide 2 - Renewal of Extra Time and Concessions
    • After completing the Extra time and Concessions renewal application, the DRU will be notified of the submission, and assess the application and uploaded faculty letter, before referring the application to the Campus Health and Wellness Centre and Faculties for their review. If the application is approved, an auto-generated concessions letter for the current year will be emailed to the student the following day. The letter will indicate the current date, student’s details, courses for the current year, and recommendations for extra time and other concessions.
    • It is the student's responsibility to inform their course coordinators and lecturers about any university-approved concessions well in advance of any tests/exams/assessments and present the university letter as proof of receiving the indicated concessions.

 

Queries:

For any queries regarding extra time and concessions, please contact Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor at: leila.abdoolgafoor@wits.ac.za.

 

Help for Lecturers

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.

Bursaries

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. 

 

Donors

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 and innovative 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 Leila Abdool Gafoor on:  27(0)11 717 9151 or leila.abdoolgafoor@wits.ac.za. 

Documents

Wits Policy for Students with Disabilities

Wits Policy for Staff with Disabilities

DRU Annual Reports

DRU Newsletters

 

 

Assessments & Reasonable Accommodations

DRU will evaluate if a student has a disability hindering educational access. This process involves interviews with the student and a review of documentation provided by physicians and other medical practitioners (such as psychologists, audiologists, or optometrists). If approved, the student can register with DRU and can then utilise the many available services and resources offered by DRU.

 

Depending on the disability, students may require programme modifications referred to as ‘reasonable accommodations. These may 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)
  • Concessions for tests and examinations (e.g. extra time, typing, use of assistive technology) 
Assistive Technology Computer Centres

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
Test & Training Centre

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.
Orientation Programme for New Students

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
Physical Access

DRU works tirelessly to make all campuses fully accessible for all students.

Although not all buildings may be fully accessible (due to certain restrictions such as heritage status, etc.) the DRU 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 venues 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.

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

Disability Confidentiality Disclosure

Your privacy is important to us. All information provided regarding your disability will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will only be shared with individuals directly involved in assessing concessions, reasonable accommodations or providing support services. Disclosure of your disability is voluntary and will not affect your eligibility for services or reasonable accommodations. We respect your right to privacy and will take all necessary precautions to protect your personal information.

By registering with the Disability Rights Unit, you acknowledge that you understand and consent to the use and disclosure of your disability-related information as described above.

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