University of the Witwatersrand: Disability Rights Unit

27/08/2026

Wits University Disability Rights Unit 40th Anniversary poster. Did you know? One of the first accessibility projects at Wits included a three-dimensional model of the campus to help blind students navigate their surroundings.

University of the Witwatersrand: Disability Rights Unit

26/08/2026

Wits DRU: 40 Years of Access, Inclusion and Impact

Wits University Disability Rights Unit 40th Anniversary poster. Did you know? In 1982, disability activist Kathy Jagoe challenged a campus accessibility committee because it was made up entirely of able-bodied people. Her advocacy led to disabled representatives being appointed to the committee, helping to shape disability access at Wits for decades to come.

University of the Witwatersrand: Disability Rights Unit

17/08/2026

A gentle reminder and a worthwhile read. Sharing this again for those who may have missed it.

📢 INVITATION: Join us for Beyond the Ramp: Disability, Inclusion, and Innovation Seminar at Wits

Title: Disability as Diversity: Transforming Inclusion through Dignity and Dialogue

📅 Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
🕐 Time: 13:00 – 14:30
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register: https://shorturl.at/PQSuQ

11/08/2026

🎓 DRU Student Support Sessions – You’re Invited! 💙

The Disability Rights Unit (DRU) invites students to a series of Student Support Sessions designed to help you reflect, reset, and build effective study and life skills.

📅 5 August – Reflect and Reset: Goal Setting
📅 12 August – Study Styles (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinaesthetic)
🎤 Guest Speaker: Neuropsychologist – Enid Schutte
📅 26 August – Study Tips and Memory Function
📅 2 September – Study Tips for Neurodiversity
🎤 Guest Speaker: The Spectrum Centre – Chael Nel
📅 16 September – Understanding Neurodiversity
🎤 Guest Speaker: Head of Pre-Award Support – Thashni Pillay
📅 30 September – How to Structure a CV

🕐 Time: 13:15 – 14:15
📍 Venue: DRU Boardroom

Come along, learn, connect, and equip yourself with tools for success! 🌟

📧 Contact: [email protected]

11/08/2026

🎉 For 40 years, the Disability Rights Unit has worked to remove barriers, create opportunities, and support the success of students with disabilities. Join us as we celebrate four decades of access, inclusion, and impact.

03/08/2026

📢 INVITATION: Join us for Beyond the Ramp: Disability, Inclusion, and Innovation Seminar at Wits

Title: Disability as Diversity: Transforming Inclusion through Dignity and Dialogue

📅 Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
🕐 Time: 13:00 – 14:30
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register: https://shorturl.at/PQSuQ

27/07/2026

Boitumelo Dingalo has graduated with an Honours degree in Bachelor of Arts. As a blind student, she has shown remarkable determination, resilience and excellence throughout her academic journey.
The Disability Rights Unit is proud to have supported Boitumelo along the way, and we are honoured to celebrate this important milestone with her. Her success is a reminder that with the right support, opportunity and perseverance, barriers can be overcome.
Congratulations, Boitumelo! We wish you every success as you continue to pursue your dreams. Your achievement inspires us all.

10/07/2026

Leadership looks even better in blue! 💙💛

Big Blue Friday called, and our leaders answered. Ms Carol Crosley, Registrar, Registrar’s Division; Ms Nicoleen Potgieter, Deputy Registrar; and Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor, Head of the Disability Rights Unit showing that great leadership comes with Wits pride, team spirit, and a smile.

02/07/2026

Inclusive spaces don't happen by chance. They are designed with purpose. ♿✨

At the World Facilities Management Day celebration hosted by the Wits Operation and Facilities Management Department in May 2026, Mrs Subhashini Ellan, DRU Academic and Facilities Access Coordinator, sharing : “WHY DISABILITY ACCESS MATTERS: “A shift from fixing the person with a disability to fixing barriers to access” was based on cultivating belonging for people with disabilities through Wits campus accessibility.