VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY
TITLE
APPROVING AUTHORITY
APPLICATION
STATUS OF POLICY
REVIEW DATE
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
IMPLEMENTATION AND
MONITORING
DESIGNATION OF POLICY OWNER
NAME OF POLICY OWNER
DATE OF APPROVAL
POLICY ON PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES
STUDENTS, STAFF, GUESTS AND
VISITORS OF THE VAAL
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
REVISION OLD TECHNIKON POLICY
2016
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC
DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS AND SERVICES
REGISTRAR
HUMAN RESOURCES
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Foreword
2. Policy Statement
3. Policy Objectives
4. Important Definitions
5. Scope of Application
6. Statement of Intent
7. Applicable Convention and Legislation
8. Implementation
9. Appendices
FOREWORD
The background of this policy is contained in a document titled Appendix 1. It outlines
the preparatory work that has been completed and the philosophical approach
adopted in the development of the policy. Policies of other South African higher
education institutions have also been considered. All the commitments contained in
this policy are subject to affordability by the Vaal University of Technology.
POLICY STATEMENT
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is committed to the promotion of equal
opportunity for all persons. It therefore supports the rights of people with disabilities
to be involved in higher education both as employees and students. This policy
specifically deals with issues of students. There is a separate policy to deal with staff
issues.
Following what is commonly termed the Social Model of Disability, rather than the
Medical Model of Disability, VUT acknowledges that physical impairment does not
constitute a disability in itself and that people with disabilities only become disabled
when education, work and leisure opportunities are denied to them on the basis of
their impairment.
Accordingly, the criteria used by VUT to screen and admit students (on the basis of
academic ability and suitability for course/degree) shall apply equally to students with
disabilities. However, the following exceptions will apply:
a)
In cases of mental impairment, the University retains the right to request a
formal assessment of the impairment;
b)
In the case of disabilities which arise after a student has registered, the
University may require an evaluation of the student’s ability to continue
studying and reserves the right to exclude her/him on the basis thereof.
People living with progressive conditions or illnesses are considered as people with
disabilities once the impairment starts to be substantially limiting. Progressive or
recurring conditions which have no overt symptoms or which do not substantially
limit a person are not considered disabilities.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
To ensure that:
a) Positive and unprejudiced attitudes towards people with disabilities are fostered
and encouraged;
b) Individuals are provided with a choice at registration as to whether they will
disclose their disability or not, except where this is required by law
c) To ensure that all future buildings, renovations, facilities and services provided by
the university comply with the requirements of universal design
d) To establish a Disability Unit that will provide dedicated support services to people
with disabilities.
e) To offer reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities in all areas of
university life, if not immediately, but on an incremental basis as required and
affordable.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Access
It is a means or way to easily and safely approach, reach, enter, use and benefit from a
physical space, building, facility or service.
Participate, enjoy and exercise economic, social, cultural and political rights and
responsibilities.
Accessibility
The extent to which aspects of society can be equally, easily, safely and appropriately
used or reached by people with special needs or impairments. These include transport,
information, equipment, activities resources, language, communication, education and
technology.
Barriers
Obstacles and impediments that prevent people from free movement, decision-making,
association and participation in human activities. They may be environmental
(physical) or created by the attitudes and systems of society.
Disability
Disability is a recurring physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which
hinders the full and effective participation of an individual in society on an equal basis
with others.
Discrimination
It is any distinction, exclusion or restriction of persons which has the effect of
nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of all human rights.
Prejudice
It is a judgement or opinion that is biased, unfair, hurtful and discriminatory.
Reasonable accommodation
It is making the necessary and appropriate adjustments and modifications to ensure
that persons with disabilities are able to enjoy or exercise with others all their human
rights and fundamental freedoms. This will include the following actions:
a) adapting existing facilities to make them accessible;
b) adapting existing equipment or acquiring new equipment;
c) reorganising workstations and classrooms;
d) changing training and assessment materials and systems;
e) restructuring jobs or lectures;
f) providing readers, Braille equipment, sign language, interpreters;
g) providing specialised supervision, training, concessions and support.
VUT will consult the employee or student with disability/disabilities and where
practicable, technical experts, to establish appropriate mechanisms to accommodate
them.
VUT will also seek funding for purposes of providing reasonable accommodation in
situations where there are foreseeable difficulties in the institution meeting the needs
of people with disabilities.
Social model
Is the view that circumstances of people with disabilities and the discrimination they
face are socially created phenomena which are not related to their impairments. It
emphasizes the shortcomings of society in respect to disability and the abilities and
capabilities of people with disabilities.
Medical model
This is when the focus is on the physiology or the impairment or the perceived deficits
of the person with disabilities, e.g. the degree of a person’s deafness.
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This policy applies to all staff, students, guests, visitors and all who are admitted to
the premises of the Vaal University of Technology. The university on an incremental
basis will ensure that the design, layout, parking and access to its buildings
accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
STATEMENT OF INTENT
In recognition of past discrimination and unequal treatment of people with disabilities,
the Vaal University of Technology undertakes to:
1. Encourage all staff and students to adopt all 18 articles the Disability Charter of
South Africa. (See Appendix 1)
2. Promote the terminology that is preferred by the disability rights movement. (See
Appendix 2)
3. Create awareness by all that the treatment of people with disabilities is a human
rights issue. (Summary of Bill of Rights, Appendix 3).
APPLICABLE CONVENTION AND LEGISLATION
South Africa adopted and signed into law the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities in 2007. The Rights of People with Disabilities are
contained in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Bill of Rights),
Employment Equity Act, White Paper (6) on Higher Education, Promotion of Equality
and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act and the Integrated National Disability
Strategy.
IMPLEMENTATION
Where practical, support services for students and staff with disabilities will be
provided through the Disability Unit which will be staffed with people with the
requisite expertise and skills within the Unit for Social Justice.
Collaboration with other universities will be initiated in order to adopt best practice
and to share opportunities for staff and students with disabilities.
The disclosure of disabilities is voluntary but applicants are encouraged to disclose so
that any study, care and accommodation needs can be seen to. Applicants with
disabilities will be assisted to select courses/staff development programmes based on
their potential and skills.
No application of a disabled person who meets the required academic criteria or
minimum requirements of a job will be rejected without an interview.
If accommodating the employee or student requires the cooperation of other staff or
students, it may be necessary to reveal the person’s disability after consulting the
person with disability if it is not otherwise obvious to some people.
Student applicants with disabilities will be assisted to select courses/programmes that
are appropriate for their skills, special requirements and abilities by the relevant
Academic Head of Department or nominee. Applicants with disabilities have to follow
the prescribed application procedure; however, the nature of the disability may require
the institution to adopt new procedures.
Selection interviews should be sensitive and special needs for disabled applicants with
regard to language must be considered, for example Braille or Sign. Student
applicants will be considered for the study course of choice after careful consideration
of all implications and within the limits of reasonable feasibility and affordability.
A record of reasons given for the rejection by Student Admissions will be forwarded to
the Disability Unit.
APPENDICES
1. VUT Background Document
2. Disability Charter of South Africa
3. Disability Rights Movement Terminology
4. Summary of Bill of Rights