Disability
Creating an Accessible Learning Environment at UFH
Accessibility Services Overview
Empowering You with Equal Access and Support
We are dedicated to supporting students with disabilities (SwDs) and unique challenges. Whether these challenges are physical (mobility), sensory (visual and hearing) or learning, our Open-Door service is designed to respect your dignity, privacy, and rights. You’ll find welcoming spaces on campuses for gathering and support, with full physical access to all facilities. Our specialised computer labs are equipped with a variety of resources tailored to your unique needs.
We’re here to help you connect with faculty, obtain necessary assistive devices, and benefit from Peer-Helper Training. If you ever face discrimination, we’re ready to stand by you. Plus, our collaboration with the Higher Education Services Association at national and provincial levels ensures you receive the best support available. Join us and thrive in a community that truly cares about your success.
Commitment to inclusivity
Experience Inclusivity at UFH
At UFH, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that SwDs can fully participate and enjoy university life. We offer reasonable accommodations and actively promote awareness and advocacy for diverse challenges to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our efforts highlight the strengths and contributions of all students, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. Join our community where barriers are removed, unique challenges are celebrated, and everyone can thrive in a truly inclusive atmosphere. By fostering an inclusivity environment, we support student growth and enrich our entire campus community.
With us, you’ll find a place where your unique requirements are recognised, your voice heard, and your success a priority.
Disability Support Services
Accessibility Services Overview
Supporting You for Success
The University is committed to providing equal opportunities for Students with Disabilities (SwDs) to access, participate and experience the benefits of education and employment.
The University strives to provide an environment that enhances students’ inclusion in university activities and increases their chances of success in their studies and employment.
- The University will endeavour to provide:
A service that respects the dignity, privacy, confidentiality and rights of SwDs. - SwDs with appropriate physical access to all relevant campus facilities.
- Assistance in obtaining appropriate assistive devices and resources for SwDs.
- Training, guidance, and awareness about disability issues.
- A base on both campuses for SwDs to assemble and seek physical and emotional assistance.
- Assistance for SWDs who believe they have been discriminated against due to their disability.
What we need from SwD’s:
- Preparedness to approach the Disability Unit for assistance.
- Disclosures of special needs to ensure accurate planning and provision of services.
- Provision of documentation of assessments from medical professional specialists to confirm disability.
- Acceptance of responsibility for meeting academic requirements with assistance from the University.
Our students are all equally important to us, and our goal is to ensure that all students achieve academic excellence and enjoy campus life irrespective of the challenges they face.
Our doors are always open to listen, discuss your needs, and work together to find positive solutions!
Study with UFH
Application Process
Students living with disabilities are required to fulfill the University’s admissions criteria and apply either online or directly at UFH.
Students must advise the University of their disabilities and challenges to ensure that UFH allocates resources to them and prepares an inclusive learning environment.
It is import to let UFH know about your disability on both study and accommodation applications.
We strive to make exceptional education available to all and it is our priority to set you up as a well rounded graduate with exciting and enjoyable study years and a promising future.
Accessibility Services Overview
Resources for Inclusive Learning
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) values integrity, inclusivity, and equity. To uphold these values, the UFH Disability Unit has worked tirelessly to eliminate barriers for students by providing assistive devices across its three campuses: Alice, East London, and Bisho.
To uphold this, the UFH Disability Unit has worked tirelessly to eliminate barriers for students by providing assistive devices across its three campuses: Alice, East London, and Bisho.
The devices installed and stored at the Libraries on all three campuses consist of the following:
- Computer labs with specialised software
- Large keyboards (Yellow and white)
- Large Screen Monitors
- Tabletop brail printer
- Duxbury Software for brail printer
- Perkins hand braille
- Orbit Brail readers
- Hand recorder/readers
- Topaz readers
- Orbit magnifier/cameras
- Snow 7: magnifier/text to audio
- Pearl for Open Book and WYNN software
These devices, both hard and software, significantly impact the success of students who are visually impaired, hard of hearing and have learning disabilities. They have the capacity to read, record, write, enlarge, and translate.
Differently-abled students access the labs by assisting and monitoring staff from the Libraries, ICT, and the DU who have been trained to use the devices.
Furthermore, we assist with registration, funding applications and finding suitable accommodation. Through the Student Counselling Unit (SCU), we also ensure emotional support is available.
UFH has made great strides in ensuring that students who face physical and learning challenges can receive an education aligned with Fort Hare’s objective of Academic Excellence.
Student Life
Ways to Thrive and Enjoy Varsity Life
Navigating University life is a challenge. Not only must you meet academic requirements, but adjusting to student life and coping with your physical challenges can be daunting. We are here to support you in every way possible, so you need never feel alone.
To help you make the most of your time with us here’s a list of suggestions to make things easier:
- Figure out your surroundings and know your access points and the best routes.
- Find out what support is available to you as a SwD, and use all available support.
- Plan in advance and stick to schedules.
- Connect with support groups and participate in campus activities and programmes.
- Join clubs and societies that share your interests.
- Make new friends.
- Ask for help as often as you need to.
- Speak to your Lecturers when you need academic help.
- Contact the Student Counselling Unit for emotional support.
- Visit the Campus Health Care Centre if you feel unwell or need medical advice.
- Stay in touch with the Student Representative Council.
- Focus on living healthily and keeping well.
- Report any form of discrimination or situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Know your rights.
- Keep all essential contact numbers at hand and easily accessible.
Welcome to the University of Fort Hare (UFH). We hope your time there is enjoyable, fulfilling, and academically successful.
Disability Unit Contacts
Student Assistant
Aviwe Makinana
Tel: +27 43 704 7059
E-mail: amakinana@ufh.ac.za
Location: ground floor 50 Church Street (ask at the kiosk for directions)
Administrator
Ms N. Buwa
Tel: +27 40 602 2054
E-Mail: nbuwa@ufh.ac.za
Location: Ground floor Student Affairs Building (office number 20)
