Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support - UFS

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! ✋

An accessible environment or learning space should also recognise and include left-handed individuals. Inclusion means creating spaces where everyone can learn, participate and thrive—regardless of which hand they use.

Today, we celebrate the brilliant minds who are left-handed and the unique perspectives they bring.

Different, not less. Left-handed and proud! 💚

𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯:
A close-up, black-and-white photograph of a left-handed person writing with a pen in an open spiral-bound notebook.

On 4 August 2026, the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) was invited was invited to the 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 hosted by 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗺 and 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗲𝘁-𝗠𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀.

Martie Miranda (Head of CUADS) shared information on the different disability categories and the support services CUADS provides. Representing CUADS students and sharing their lived experiences were 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳𝘂 (Cohort with Visual Impairments) and 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗴𝗾𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘄𝗮 (Cohort with Hearing Impairments).

We appreciated the engagement and thoughtful questions from the floor.

Thank you, Legatum and Vergeet-My-Nie Residences, for taking the initiative.

𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯:
Martie Miranda, Head of the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS), stands in the centre with student leaders from Legatum and Vergeet-My-Nie Residences, as well as CUADS students Junior Obechiefu and Simamnkele Ngqongwa. The group is smiling and posing together in front of a CUADS banner following the diversity event.

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Naledi! We are proud of you! Well done and congratulations!

Naledi Nhlapo recently walked away with three major awards for Boccia, a sport designed for athletes with severe mobility impairments. A first‑year BA student at the UFS, her story is one of determination, balance, and joy.

Read more about how she discovered the sport and what she hopes to achieve next: https://ufsweb.co/3TGZoEc

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

In the true spirit of Mandela Day, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in collaboration with CUADS, hosted a successful community outreach programme at 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 in Thaba Nchu on 30 July.

As part of the day's activities, SANDF officials dedicated their time to cleaning the school grounds, helping to create a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment where learners can thrive. Their commitment demonstrated that meaningful change begins with acts of service.

CUADS added a touch of joy to the occasion by providing each learner with a snack pack, bringing smiles to many faces and making the day even more memorable.

Addressing those in attendance, Col. M.A. Staat reaffirmed SANDF's ongoing commitment to supporting Bartimea School, emphasizing that SANDF is an organisation that not only speaks about making a difference but also takes action to uplift communities.

𝗔 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿, First Car Rental, whose generous support made it possible for both staff and students to attend and participate in this special event.

Together, we continue to honour Nelson Mandela's legacy by serving others, strengthening our communities, and making a lasting impact—one act of kindness at a time.

𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
Pictured (from left): Charity Morrison, CUADS Communication Access Coordinator; Mokitimi Pali and Keamogetswe Futshane, CUADS students; and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) during a visit to Bartimea School.

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And we wholeheartedly concur with the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities

Congratulations Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely!

Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely, the acting director general of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has extensive experience in governance, constitutional law, and disability rights.

Click the link for the full story...
https://tinyurl.com/5e5mj9hs

From 7–10 July, CUADS staff, members of the Universal Access Council, and CUADS students proudly attended the Global Student Well-being Summit.

The summit provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, and learn from global perspectives on student well-being, inclusion, accessibility, and creating supportive learning environments. We are proud to have represented the University of the Free State and remain committed to fostering a campus where every student can thrive.

Visual Description
A collection of photos featuring CUADS staff, Universal Access Council members, and CUADS students participating in the Global Student Well-being Summit. The images capture delegates engaging in presentations, discussions, networking sessions, and group activities, reflecting collaboration, learning, and a shared commitment to advancing student well-being and inclusion.

📢 Stay Connected with CUADS

While our CUADS LinkedIn page will be closing, our community isn't going anywhere. To keep up with the latest news, events, student stories, accessibility initiatives, and support services, be sure to join and follow our CUADS Group.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to staying connected with you in our new online community! 👉 Join the CUADS Group today and don't miss a thing: https://f.mtr.cool/uzgzaqsumw

Visual Description
A clean promotional graphic featuring the UFS and CUADS logos at the top, with the headline "FOLLOW Our CUADS Group" in bold navy and maroon text. The design includes the message "Stay Connected with CUADS" and a prominent call-to-action button reading "Join the CUADS Group Today", set against a simple white background with maroon and navy accents in the UFS brand colours.

The UFS South Campus Amazing Race brought students together for an exciting adventure across campus! Participants explored essential student support services, completed challenges, and discovered the many resources available to help them succeed throughout their university journey. A big thank you to everyone who joined in the fun!

Visual Description:
A collage of photos from the UFS South Campus Amazing Race showing students visiting the CUADS office and other student support service locations across campus. The images capture students engaging with staff, participating in activities, exploring facilities, and learning about the resources available to support their academic journey. The atmosphere is welcoming, interactive, and focused on connection and student success.

Council Spotlight | Lesego Ramothibe
Meet Lesego Ramothibe, your new MI Cohort Representative! Passionate about supporting fellow students and making a positive impact, Lesego is excited to work alongside the UFS community this year. Fun fact: "My brain runs multiple conversations at once—it's basically a group chat up there!"

Visual Description
A Council Spotlight graphic featuring Lesego Ramothibe, the MI Cohort Representative. Lesego is smiling and wearing a pink collared shirt in a circular portrait. The design incorporates UFS branding in navy, maroon, and white, with the title "Council Spotlight" at the top, Lesego's name displayed below the image, and the UFS and CUADS logos in the bottom right corner.

"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it." – Nelson Mandela

This Nelson Mandela Day, let's honour Madiba's legacy by embracing compassion, service, and inclusion. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to make a lasting difference in someone's life. Together, let's continue building a more accessible, inclusive, and caring community.

Visual Description:
A Nelson Mandela Day graphic featuring a smiling portrait of Nelson Mandela on the left. The design includes the UFS and CUADS logos, bold red text reading "Nelson Mandela Day", the date 18 July 2026, and Mandela's quote: "It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it." A South African flag-inspired wave runs across the bottom of the graphic, symbolising unity, hope, and national pride.