The importance of inclusivity in education to enable disabled learners access to tertiary education was highlighted at the Disability Conference held by the Motheo TVET College at the National Artisan Academy in Bloemfontein.
Focus was to attain inclusivity and confront challenges that may hinder the process. Discussions were under the theme “Inclusivity of education in our lifetime.”
Professionals from various public-private entities gave input to achieve inclusivity in education. They include educators, advocates in the field of law, and representatives of disability organisations. In attendance were representatives of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the Free State Department of Social Development. Selina Kungwane of the DHET emphasised the role of colleges in providing quality education that is inclusive, in accordance with the United Nations (UN).
“Let us empower our differently abled students with the necessary skills and knowledge and create opportunities for them to become economically active. By reducing the unemployment rate and promoting independence, we can ensure they do not solely rely on State social grants,” said Kungwane.
Nigel Olin, deputy principal for Academic Affairs, emphasised the importance of a change of mindset in management to break barriers for disabled students. Prof Dipiloane Phutsisi, principal of Motheo College, said the institute has made strides enrolling disabled students to further their studies. This year the college has enrolled about 464 of such students across its campuses.
“All our differently impaired students use Inclusive Learning Centre (ILC) to write assignments, tests, and exams. The assistive devices used are typing ball, recorder, ruby and scientific calculators,” said Phutsisi.
