Universal Accessibility & Disability Services

Universal Accessibility & Disability Services Official Page for Universal Accessibility & Disability Services at Nelson Mandela University If we do not know that you need support, we cannot arrange it.

VISION:

The Unit strives to be the first choice in providing efficient support services for differently abled students. MISSION:

aims to provide appropriate support services to empower differently abled students on campus through assistive technology, training & development – encouraging independence and active participation in the academic and extra-curricular activities. FOUNDATIONAL STATEM

ENTS:

To advocate inclusivity and integration of differently abled students without any discrimination. To facilitate provision of reasonable accommodations to enhance access for success of differently abled students. Centre of excellence
Universal Accessibility and Disability services (UADS), located within the Student Life and Development, aims to assist students and staff with disabilities by:

Establishing reasonable accommodations and support systems;
Increasing awareness about and advocating for persons with disability;
Increasing awareness of the abilities of persons with disabilities amongst staff and students, thus providing persons with disability with an equal opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of student/staff life at NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY. Nelson Mandela University promotes equality of opportunity and aims to prevent discrimination wherever possible, UADS being an important part of this ethos. We not only exist to support students and staff but we also have an important role in advising on policy development and take an active role in committees and forums aiming to embed disability accessibility in everything we do. We encourage all students and staff with disabilities/special needs to disclose their needs on their application form/at registration or as a need occurs. This disclosure will not affect your application and will only enable us to plan and prepare for your arrival and support. You may discuss your support needs at any time during your study/employment career, even if you feel that you do not want any support. You may visit us to discuss your needs with us.

Access and Enrolment Department supported the Reach for a dream Slipper day today - funds raised for terminally ill chil...
29/05/2026

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 Ex...
27/05/2026

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 susta...
25/05/2026

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.”

22/05/2026

Africa Week 2026 officially begins with an exciting Day 1 opening programme featuring opening remarks from our Vice-Chancellor, a keynote lecture, and insightful responses from distinguished respondents.

Join us online via Zoom using the details below and provided on the poster, and be part of the conversation as we open an important week of dialogue, reflection, and celebration of Africa.

Africa Week Symposium 2026
Time: May 25, 2026 09:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://mandela.zoom.us/j/96569429027?pwd=lkTpSnqRjtxnfm3xrApvbBXPD3aYcF.1

Meeting ID: 965 6942 9027
Passcode: 354037

22/05/2026

Yoga Fridays sessions have started today at Ilitha Yoga Fridays officially started today at the Ilitha Free Expression Space.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of mindfulness, relaxation, and positive energy. We truly appreciate your presence and participation.

We look forward to seeing you again next Friday for another refreshing session.

Take a break, breathe, and reconnect with yourself at Yoga Fridays. Join us every Friday at 12h30 at the Ilitha Free Ex...
21/05/2026

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

Join us every Friday at 12h30 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.

20/05/2026

Visit Ilitha Free Expression Space and get exam-ready in comfort.

Ilitha Free Expression Space is the spot for you, Located at South Campus next to Postgraduate Village, Ilitha offers a calm and welcoming environment where students can study, relax, refresh their minds, and take a break from the stress of campus life.

Whether you want a quiet study session, a peaceful escape, or a place to chill with friends after studying — Ilitha is your space.

Need a break from the pressure of classes and upcoming exams?The Ilitha Free Expression Space, located at South Campus n...
18/05/2026

Need a break from the pressure of classes and upcoming exams?

The Ilitha Free Expression Space, located at South Campus next to Postgraduate Village, is the perfect space for students to relax, study, connect, and recharge. Whether you need a quiet environment to focus on your books, a place to unwind with friends, or simply an escape from the busy campus routine, Ilitha is open for you.

As exam season approaches, we encourage all students to make use of this welcoming space to prepare, refresh their minds, and maintain a healthy balance between studying and self-care. Come study, chill, have fun, and get exam-ready in a comfortable and inclusive environment.

10 April 2026: Making Human Dignity RealHuman rights don’t exist in isolation. They come with responsibilities.In collab...
15/05/2026

10 April 2026: Making Human Dignity Real

Human rights don’t exist in isolation. They come with responsibilities.

In collaboration with Kindness@Mandela and Dialogue@Mandela, our panel event brought together students and speakers to unpack what it really means to uphold human dignity in our everyday lives. We heard how disability rights are human rights. From the quality of education a visually impaired student receives, to whether a cracked pavement allows someone to walk independently and safely. We spoke about policies that are long overdue for review. And we were reminded, more than once, that change doesn’t start with a policy document. It starts with a conversation.

For UADS, this event was about more than just awareness. It was about building the kind of campus culture where every student, regardless of ability, feels seen, heard, and protected.
One conversation at a time.

14/05/2026

An Update from our HOD.

13/05/2026

Africa Week 2026 is coming!

From 25–29 May 2026, join us for a dynamic week of dialogue, insightful conversations, learning, and cultural celebration under the theme:
“Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goal of Agenda 2063.”

Get ready for engaging discussions, meaningful connections, and celebration. Save the date and keep an eye out for the full programme details.

Africa Week is proudly brought to you in collaboration with the Transformation Office, UADS (Universal Accessibility and Disability Services), CANRAD (Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy), Africa Hub, and Student Governance and Development.

Address

Port Elizabeth
6031

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27415042313

Website

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