Disability Rights Unit

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For ×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃûs with Disabilities

 

Helping You Thrive at Wits

Once you're registered with DRU, a world of support opens up. From cutting-edge assistive technology to personalised reasonable accommodations, we're here to remove barriers and help you focus on what matters most - your education.

How to Register with DRU

New and returning students with disabilities can register with DRU and upload their supporting disability/medical documents via the Wits ×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃû Self-Service portal. ×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃûs with temporary disabilities (e.g. broken limbs) may also request help for the period during which they are disabled. Click here for a step-by-step guide through the process.?

Academic Support

Tests & Exam Accommodations

DRU facilitates concessions for tests and exams to ensure you can demonstrate your knowledge fairly. Applications are processed through the Wits ×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃû Self-Service portal: apply early to meet semester deadlines (April 30 for June exams, August 31 for November exams).

How to Apply for Extra Time and Concessions

Applications for extra time and other concessions are facilitated through the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) and the Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC). Only students with documented disabilities are eligible to apply. Click here to find out how to apply.

Accessible Course Materials

×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃûs with visual or print impairments can request course materials in accessible formats, such as electronic, braille, or tactile. Last year, we converted over 7,000 pages of academic content. Let us know what you need, and we'll work with your lecturers to deliver accessible materials in time.

Assistive Technology

Specialist Computer Centres

DRU has specialist computer centres, all of which are accessible and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adaptive equipment. Our computer centres are open to all students with disabilities who use assistive technology, including:

  • Screen readers and magnifiers
  • Speech-to-text software
  • Braille devices, displays and embossers
  • Loop systems for hearing support
  • Eye-tracking technology
  • Literacy support software
  • Other emerging assistive technologies
Equipment Loans

Need equipment to help you study while at Wits? Where possible, we can loan laptops with specialised software, braille devices, assistive hearing devices, and mobility aids, including motorised wheelchairs, to applicable DRU-registered students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Training & Support

New to assistive technology? We offer specialist one-on-one training sessions to help you master the tools you need. 

Campus Access and Mobility

Mobility Training

Learn to navigate campus confidently with personalised orientation and mobility training. We provided 625 training sessions last year to students with visual and mobility impairments.

Physical Access

Request disability parking, on-campus drop-off access, or report accessibility barriers through our online system. Click here to complete the physical access request form. We work with Campus Planning to continuously improve accessibility across all Wits campuses.

Communication Support

Sign Language Interpretation

Deaf students receive professional South African Sign Language (SASL) interpretation in lectures, tutorials, and meetings. Our interpreters provided 1,080 hours of support last year, ensuring you never miss a word.

Partner Services

We work closely with other Wits units to support your success:
  • Campus Health and Wellness Centre - Health services and concessions assessment
  • Counselling and Careers Development Unit- Personal therapy and career guidance
  • Wits Writing Centre - Academic writing support
  • Libraries - Accessible study spaces and resources
  • Sports Administration - Inclusive sports opportunities
  • ×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃû Development & Leadership - Holistic development programmes

Questions?

Our team is here to help you access the support you need. Visit us at our offices at Braamfontein East Campus (Solomon Mahlangu House, First Floor), Parktown Education Campus (Admin Block, First Floor), or Parktown Health Sciences Campus (Office of ×ãÇò¾º²ÊappÅÅÃû Success, 4C01).

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 16:30

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