Disability Unit
Our Work
The Disability Unit proactively addresses the unique needs of disabled students who call Stellenbosch University their academic home. Our goal is to create an enabling environment that empowers you to achieve your full potential through effective integration into the student community. We ensure every student has equitable access to academic resources, health and counselling services, and financial support.
Our team coordinates special exam arrangements, assist faculties with developing accessible study materials, and provides assistive technology tailored to individual learning requirements. By working closely with each student, we enable them to navigate academic challenges confidently and independently, ensuring practical, individualised solutions support every step of their university journey.
Our Services
Academic support
We help with special arrangements for tests and exams, such as extra time or other support to complete tests and exams. You can also access specially formatted study materials or assistive technology, such as screen readers, Braille embossers and digital magnifiers. Additionally, we also connect you to staff who can give you advice on writing your assignments, and who to contact for academic tutoring and library access.
Training and work sessions
We also offer training and work sessions to students and staff to ensure that improving and removing obstacles to accessibility for students with disabilities becomes a communal responsibility. We do this through sign language sessions, the accredited Lead with Disability Programme focused on universal access and design, and reasonable accommodation expectations from a disability perspective; and the Siyakhula training sessions offered by the University’s HR Division where the DU offers a session on universal access and design, and disability inclusion on campus.
Sports
Stellenbosch University offers a variety of sports for persons with disabilities and many of the country’s top national and international athletes with disabilities have called Maties Sport their training base over the years. We’ll connect you to the right staff members to ensure you are able to continue pursuing your sports goals or can get access sport codes you may want to pursue.