Universal Accessibility & Disability Services

Creating an inclusive campus starts with informed conversations and collective action.

Universal Accessibility and Disability Services (UADS) recently partnered with the Health Peer Educators to facilitate a Disability Sensitivity Training aimed at strengthening understanding of disability, accessibility, and inclusive student support across Nelson Mandela University.

Facilitated by Siwe Nare, Student Access Co-ordinator at UADS, the session explored disability awareness, reasonable accommodation, respectful engagement, and the shared responsibility of creating environments where every student can participate, belong, and succeed.
At UADS, our work extends beyond providing support services. We strive to build awareness, challenge misconceptions, and equip the university community with the knowledge and confidence to remove barriers that limit participation. Every awareness session is an opportunity to foster a culture where accessibility is embedded in everyday practice.

Thank you to the Health Peer Educators for your active participation and commitment to promoting an inclusive campus community. Collaboration like this strengthens our collective ability to ensure that inclusion is not simply a principle, but a lived experience for every student

22 May 2026 - UADS x LT Collab: Student Suceess Coaching
EmpowerAbility: Unlocking Potential facilitated by Student Success Coach, Vuyo Ndita.

The session focused on equipping students with practical strategies for academic success, self-advocacy, and effective learning. Vuyo provided students with a firsthand look at what a student success coaching session entails, helping them understand the support available to enhance their university experience.

Key discussions included developing effective study techniques, preparing mentally and academically for examinations, and the importance of planning, time management, and maintaining a realistic study schedule. Students were encouraged to build on their existing study habits and adopt smarter approaches to learning rather than simply studying harder.
Through interactive discussions and practical guidance, participants gained valuable tools they could apply immediately to improve their academic performance, boost their confidence, and take greater ownership of their educational journey.
A heartfelt thank you to Vuyo Ndita for sharing her expertise and inspiring students to unlock their full potential. We also extend our appreciation to all students who attended and actively participated in making the workshop a success.

Seeing the World Through a Different Lens!

On 21 April, UADS hosted a screening of the film: The Reason I Jump. Based on the book by non-verbal autistic writer Naoki Higashida, the documentary follows five non-speaking autistic youngsters, offering a rare and deeply human look into their inner worlds through their own perspectives and experiences.

Autism is one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions out there usually because we do not always take the time to sit with it.
Screenings like this one create that space. To watch, to listen, and to walk away with a deeper understanding of a life that we may have never had to live, but all of us should take the time to understand.

Take a break, breathe, and reconnect with yourself at Yoga Fridays.

Join us Every Friday at 12h00 at the Ilitha Free Expression Space, located at South Campus next to Postgraduate Village.

A session of mindfulness, relaxation, and wellness. everyone is welcome to come unwind and recharge for the exams ahead. You don't need to bring your own Matt.

Access and Enrolment Department supported the Reach for a dream Slipper day today - funds raised for terminally ill children.

Take a break, breathe, and reconnect with yourself at Yoga Fridays.

Join us every Friday at 12h00 at the Ilitha Free Expression Space, located at South Campus next to Postgraduate Village.

A session of mindfulness, relaxation, and wellness. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, everyone is welcome to come unwind and recharge for the week ahead.

Today, We proudly joined the Africa Day celebration, where important conversations around inclusion, dignity, and sustainable development took place.

Our HOD, Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom delivered a powerful response speech, highlighting the importance of disability-inclusive water and sanitation systems in achieving Agenda 2063.

Disability is not the barrier, inaccessible infrastructure, social stigma, and exclusion are the real barriers.

As we celebrate the Africa we want, we continue advocating for universal access, human dignity, and a society where no one is left behind.

“Water is life, and sanitation is dignity.”