UNISA Admissions for Students with Disabilities

Unisa provides equal opportunities for all students. The following questions and answers will give you a better idea of what to expect as a student with a disability.

I have a disability. Can I still study through Unisa?

Yes. Unisa is committed to helping all students achieve their ambitions. We provide assistance throughout the administrative and study processes.

I have a visual impairment. How can I access the study material?

Unisa produces study material in alternative formats, including Braille, large print, audio and electronic. We also request electronic copies of prescribed books from national and international publishers on behalf of our students with disabilities.

If I have a hearing impairment, can I still attend discussions and tutorials?

Yes. Unisa provides sign language interpretation services in certain of its contact groups.

Will Unisa’s lecturers and admin staff understand me and my disability?

Yes. Unisa regularly provides disability training and awareness programmes to its members of staff.

Is there help on offer when it comes to assignments and exams?

Yes. If you need to work in different formats, such as Braille or audio, we can transcribe your examination scripts and assignments.

Advocacy and resource centre for students with disabilities (ARCSWiD)

Location of ARCSWiD

ARCSWiD is situated within the Learner Support & Student Affairs portfolio and is one of the three directorates under the Dean of Students with Student Development and Student Funding being the others.

Vision of ARCSWiD

The vision of ARCSWiD is to be the leading provider of quality services for students with disabilities registered with UNISA.

Mission of ARCSWiD

In line with UNISA’s Strategy, the mission of ARCSWiD is to create an enabling teaching and learning environment that will lead to the full participation and equalisation of opportunities for students with disabilities.

Focus Areas

We currently have two focus areas and these are:

Student Support and Administration

Registering Students with disabilities
Producing study material in alternative formats
Providing academic support interventions
Transcribing assignments and exam scripts
Providing sign language interpretation services

Advocacy and Training

Implementing facilitation of learning training programmes
Commissioning/Conducting research
Implementing Community Outreach programmes

What services can students with disabilities receive from ARCSWiD?

Referrals to career and counseling services
Assistance in completing application forms during registration
Assistance with fee reduction applications
Assistance in motivating for assistive devices and access technology equipment
Study guides and tutorial letters in either Braille, large-print, electronic or audio formats
Electronic versions of prescribed books obtained on request from publishers
Interventions with academic departments
Advice on assistive devices and access technology
Sign Language Interpretation services for deaf students
Orientation and Mobility assistance for blind and partially-sighted students
Advice on low-vision devices for partially-sighted students
Referrals to relevant service providers and civil society organizations
Referrals to the Library Disability Workgroup for recommended textbooks in electronic format

We Care, We Develop, We Support!

UNISA Admissions for Students with Disabilities