Reasonable Accommodation Presented by Prof Alwyn Louw 23 May 2013

Agenda Feedback from meeting with Deputy Minister Historical Perspective Current Projects VUT Approach & Strategy Committee(s)

Feedback Approach: Medical vs Social Model Focus on the physiology of the impairment and the perceived deficits of the individual person rather than on the barriers in society that prevent him or her from performing certain fuctions Disability become something that is imposed by society

Social Model Perspective Recognising, understanding and addressing disability as a human rights and development issue where key principles such as the non- discrimination and equity entrenched in our Constitution are appropriately applied to the experiences of disable people in the country

Social Model Perspective Emphasis is on: The shortcomings of society in respect of disability The abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities themselves The removal of barriers to equal participation and the elimination of discrimination based on disability

Higher Education Perspective We need to consider both the attitudinal and the structural barriers (and their interconnectedness) that create the conditions in which disabled students are hindered from participating equally in the process of teaching and learning

Disability defined A wide range of impairments including: – Physical and mobility difficulties – Hearing impairments – Visual impairments – Specific learning difficulties – dyslexia – Medical conditions – Mental health problems

Legislation Integrated National Disability Strategy (1997) The Education White Paper 6 (1997) The National Plan for Higher Education (2001) Disability issues not being sufficiently ‘mainstreamed’ or integrated into key processes in the institution – academic planning, residential accommodation, security, physical planning and development, design, layout and delivery of library services

Support Required Provision of learning materials in alternative formats Alternative/supported assessment measures Personal assistance Information Communication Technology Sign language provision Student volunteers

Historical Perspective Audit commissioned 2010 Sixteen projects completed (R3 million) – Lifts – Ramps – Wheelchair Lift (Protection Services) – Recording lectures

Current Projects Completion in 2014 Disability Unit – R7,34 million Dept of Higher Education and Training (R5,5 million) Vaal University of Technology (R1,8 million)

To do - VUT Approach Strategy Policy Committees