DISABILITY STALL DAY: A STEP TOWARDS INCLUSIVITY AT NWU

Mhlengi Khumalo 

@into.mbiyakwakhumalo

 

On Wednesday, 14 August, a Disability Stall Day took place in Lovers’ Lane, aiming to raise awareness about various disabilities and the challenges faced by students with disabilities on campus. This event was a collaborative effort between faculties and residences, each presenting a specific disability to educate and engage the North-West University (NWU) community.

 

The idea for Disability Stall Day originated from Erin Blume, the Differently Abled Coordinator, who emphasized the event’s purpose, which she stated was, “To raise awareness of the disabilities people face and to encourage interaction and understanding among the students.” This initiative also provided an opportunity for faculties and residences to conduct a needs analysis for the Disability Rights Unit (DRU), ensuring that the university can better accommodate students with disabilities in the future.

 

Lovers’ Lane was chosen not only for its high foot traffic, but also because it provided an open, accessible space where interactive activities could be set up to engage with students. Each of the 18 stalls had an interactive component designed to simulate the challenges faced by those with disabilities.

 

For instance, Gerhardt Botes, the Sport and Sponsors and Students’ Interest and Development (SID) representative for the Ratau Lebone House Committee (HC) teamed up with the LaVaria HC to present Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This was represented through a game that required participants to multitask while dealing with distractions, illustrating the difficulties associated with this condition.

 

Botes commented, “My father has ADHD, so getting information about his condition from him and understanding it really helped with majority of the research.”

 

The DRU, which aims to support NWU students with diagnosed disabilities, played a crucial role in the event. The unit provides various forms of assistance, including academic support such as extended writing time, access to a reader or writer during exams, and ergonomic adjustments. These concessions are tailored to help students reach their full academic potential despite their disabilities.

 

According to Alessia Pillay, Vice Chairperson External, “This event marks the start of something new for the university, we plan to expand activities like learning sign language and hosting more inclusive events throughout the year, rather than concentrating them within a single week.”

 

A significant part of the event was dedicated to debunking myths and misconceptions about disabilities. For example, Muungulwa Rambuda, Deputy Chairperson of Humanities, along with the Faculty of Engineering, focused on Rheumatoid arthritis. Their stall featured a game where participants had to handle chopsticks with a balloon wrapped on all four fingers and only your thumb free, simulating the joint stiffness caused by the condition. They also provided research-backed information to counter the common myths.

 

Rambuda remarked, “It is a myth that rheumatoid arthritis only affects the elderly and that it is curable with surgery. Young people can get arthritis, and it is not curable yet, but a treatment plan can be developed for you.”

 

The success of Disability Stall Day highlights the importance of continued efforts to create an inclusive environment at the NWU. The event not only educated students but also provided a platform for individuals with disabilities to voice their experiences and needs. “This is just the beginning,” said Blume, who hopes that such initiatives will be hosted throughout the year to maintain awareness and promote inclusivity on campus.

 

The DRU remains committed to supporting students with disabilities, working towards a future where every student at the NWU has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially, regardless of their physical or mental challenges.

 

Edited by Jomari Langenhoven