UL stretch support to learners living with disabilities
Learners at Helena Franz Special School in Senwabarwana learned about the University of Limpopo’s Reakgona Disability Centre (RDC) which supports students living with any form of disability during an exhibition to guide matric learners in their career choices
The RDC has various teaching and learning facilities which enable students with special needs to adapt to the teaching and learning environment as fully-fledged and integrated members of the student community. The facilities include orientation and mobility training for blind students, low vision reading facilities for partially sighted students, Audio and Braille library services, computer laboratory with Job Access With Speech (JAWS) programme installed for use by blind students.
A Grade 12 learner, Napo Kopane, highlights: “The career exhibition was helpful because now I will be able to enrol for Bachelor of Nursing degree with ease in 2024 after passing my Grade 12.”
President of Learner Representative Council (LRC), Nigel Kgwete says that he is highly impressed by the fact the UL has facilities to assist students living with disabilities: “ Now we know where to go after passing Grade 12.”
Jara Masubelele, Member of Mayoral Committee at Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) said he was happy that UL provided support services tailored for students with specific needs.
Helena Franz Special School Principal, Constance Letsoalo, says their school is grateful for the support by UL for securing a sense of belonging among learners living with disabilities. “When a career exhibition is hosted, earmarked for the learners with disabilities, it encourages them to work hard,” she indicated.
Bochum-West Circuit Manager, Mapula Ledwaba, confirmed that her circuit was inspired to extend a hand of support to learners with disabilities. “The career exhibition by the Higher Education Institutions like the UL is crucial for special schools learners because they will be able to choose careers they want and know that pursuing such career paths would not be a problem,” Ledwaba appreciates.