WELCOME FROM OUR HEAD OF THE DISABILITY RIGHTS UNIT
Dear Students, Staff, and Members of our Community,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the start of the second quarter of what promises to be a meaningful and engaging journey. Whether you are joining us for the first time at the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) or are a returning student with a disability, we are delighted to have you as part of our community.
The DRU remains committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for all students. Our mission is not only to ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to academic life, but also to cultivate a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging across the university. As we begin this quarter, I would like to introduce and acknowledge the dedicated team behind the DRU.
Our staff members bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and professionalism to their work. They are here to support you through a range of services, including academic accommodations, assistive technologies, advocacy, and wellness support. We encourage you to reach out, get to know them, and make use of the resources available to you
This newsletter aims to keep you informed, inspired, and connected. In this edition, you will have the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about our services, and stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives. We hope it serves as a valuable platform for sharing stories, achievements, and important information.
To our students: your presence enriches our university. We encourage you to engage fully, ask for support when needed, and take pride in your journey.
To our broader community: Thank you for continuing to support and advance inclusion in meaningful ways. Let us work together to make this a successful and empowering year for everyone
Warm regards,
Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor
Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor
THE DISABILITY RIGHTS UNIT TEAM
WHO WE ARE
(From left to right) Ms Arlene Damons - Academic Concessions & Therapy Coordinator: Mr Andrew Sam - Adaptive Technologist; Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor - Head of the DRU, Mr Bongani
Access Coordinator; Ms Megan Greaves - Sign Language Interpreter; Ms Londiwe MngomaReception & Social Media; Ms Kobela Petja - Print Impaired Access Coordinator & WEC Administrator; (front) Mr Alfred Tlou - Tests & Exams Officer
THE DISABILITY RIGHTS UNIT
WHAT WE DO
OUR VISION
To be a leading institution that fosters an inclusive, accessible and empowering environment for students and staff with disabilities, enabling them to thrive academically, professionally, and socially.
OUR MISSION
To advocate for, support, and promote the rights of students and staff with disabilities at WITS University, ensuring equal access to education, opportunities, and services, while also raising awareness and creating a culture of inclusivity on campus.
CORE VALUES
INCLUSIVITY:
Creating a welcoming environment for all students and staff.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Ensuring equal access to education and services.
EMPOWERMENT:
Supporting the independence and success of students and staff with disabilities.
ADVOCACY:
Promoting disability rights and policies that reflect the needs of the community.
COLLABORATION:
Working with all stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external organisations, to enhance accessibility and rights for people with disabilities.
Dr Leila, we admire all that you do for WITS, the DRU, staff and students and disabilties at large. You are an inspiration, as you strive to uphold the core values of the DRU. Thank you.
MEET THE DRU STAFF
DR LEILA ABDOOL GAFOOR HEAD OF THE DISABILITY
RIGHTS UNIT
As Head of the DRU at Wits, Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Unit’s operations, including staff management, service delivery, and administration. She is responsible for ensuring the effective provision of support services to students and staff with disabilities, including coordinating academic concessions, facilitating access to inclusive learning materials, and implementing reasonable workplace accommodations.
Dr Abdool Gafoor plays a key role in advancing an inclusive institutional culture by driving initiatives that promote accessibility and equity across the University. She actively collaborates with internal stakeholders, government bodies, and partner institutions to strengthen disability inclusion practices. Her work is underpinned by a strong commitment to disability awareness, advocacy, and the continuous enhancement of an enabling environment for all members of the Wits community.
RECEPTION & SOCIAL MEDIA
LONDIWE MNGOMA
Ms Londiwe Mngoma, affectionately known as Londi, is our Senior Administrative Assistant and the first point of contact as you are welcomed to the DRU. She supports students and staff by directing queries to the relevant coordinators. She guides students with their DRU registration and through the process of applying for concessions. Londi supports visually impaired and blind students by providing accessible study materials to ensure equal access to learning.
In addition, she manages the DRU’s social media platforms, creating and sharing awareness content to promote inclusion and support services. Londi’s role is to ensure that students receive timely assistance and access to the resources they need to succeed.
Londi, your friendly, professional service, makes all who enter the DRU, feel welcome and their needs well attended to. Thank you.
ACADEMIC CONCESSIONS & THERAPY COORDINATOR
ARLENE DAMONS
Ms Arlene Damons is the Academic and Therapy Coordinator. Concessions are granted based on a diagnosed disability and depend on appropriate medical or psychological reports. Concessions may include extra time, stop-the-clock, a heightadjustable desk, typing, adaptive technology, accessible content, and a separate exam venue, among other provisions.
Arlene hosts the DRU Student Support Sessions. Topics include ‘Setting yourself up for a successful year’, ‘Exam tips and strategies’, and ‘Neurodiversity and exams’.
She coordinates the Disability Interest Group meetings, which are held four times a year.
She welcomes your input for future issues of the enABLE newsletter!
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIST ANDREW SAM
Mr Andrew Sam, a proud Wits BSc alumnus, is a technologist and network systems engineer with over 23 years of expertise in assistive technologies. As the Adaptive Technologist at the Disability Rights Unit (DRU), Andrew was instrumental in establishing the DRU as a technological leader in the Higher Education disability sector His work centres on empowering students with disabilities with the knowledge and skills to succeed - not only in their studies, but also in the workplace
He works closely with students to assess individual digital needs and recommend tailored solutions, from screen readers and Braille displays to eye- trackers and voice recognition tools, while providing one- on-one training to bridge ICT gaps - particularly for students from historically disadvantaged schools. Andrew also champions digital accessibility across Wits’ platforms, including the university’s LMS, Ulwazi, ensuring that every student can fully engage in academic life.
ACADEMIC & FACILITIES ACCESS COORDINATOR
SUBHASHINI ELLAN
Mrs Subhashini Ellan, the DRU’s Academic and Facilities Access Coordinator, fulfils multiple roles.
She coordinates the Gateway to Success (GTS) first-year students’ orientation programme for the DRU. She consults with students and staff with permanent or temporary mobility impairments about their physical access support needs. This involves reviewing medical supporting documents and recommending disability parking or campus drop-off access. Online applications must be submitted via the Physical Access Request Form on the DRU website.
Thank you, Sue, for the tireless work you do in each of your roles. Your attention to detail and commitment to campus accessibility is admirable and makes a difference.
Mrs Ellan manages disability-access matters across Wits campuses by collaborating with the Operations and Facilities Management (OFMD) department. This involves finding practical access solutions through campus site visits with staff and students with mobility impairments. Campus disability-access issues can be flagged with her, with an accompanying photograph of the barrier to access for people with physical disabilities.
Mrs Ellan is the primary DRU contact for employees who want to disclose their disabilities to Wits’ Human Resources (HR) department and request work reasonable accommodations. Wits employees are also required to provide confidential medical supporting documents. Through her work at the DRU, Mrs Ellan contributes to disability sensitisation and awareness at Wits and collaborates on disability support in higher education.
Alfred, your quiet diligence, in your various roles is noticed and makes a difference to the DRU, the staff and the students. Thank you.
TESTS AND EXAMS OFFICER ALFRED TLOU
Mr Alfred Tlou is responsible for approving students' registrations with the DRU, which is required before students can apply for academic concessions. He is the Test and Examinations Officer for the DRU Students who are granted concessions that specify writing at the DRU exam venue, submit their test and exam timetables to Alfred, who liaises with the Examinations and Graduations Office (EGO) and the relevant lecturers to prepare accordingly Alfred arranges invigilation for DRU exams amongst DRU staff and oversees the whole process
Alfred is also responsible for the DRU accounts, including orders, purchases, and receipts, in collaboration with Dr Leila.
PRINT IMPAIRED ACCESS COORDINATOR
KOBELA PETJA
Ms Kobela Petja is responsible for providing services to convert study materials for students with visual impairment into accessible formats by adapting learning materials for students with visual impairments or dyslexia and implementing these adaptations within the learning environment and materials to ensure equal access to education. This includes modifying prescribed resources to offer large-print, accessible readings, and Braille upon request. Assistive technology, such as screen readers (including Window Eyes and JAWS) and magnifiers, can also play a crucial role in enabling access to digital content.
Creating an inclusive learning environment means ensuring that every student has equal access to educational resources. For students with visual impairments or dyslexia, accessible study materials can present barriers. Adapting course content into accessible formats promotes independence, confidence, and academic success.
Thank you, Kobela, for all that you do, both what is visible and what is done behind the scenes, for the benefit of the students at WITS. Your input changes lives.
Bongani, your gentle, humble input for students and staff alike, is noticed and appreciated. Thank you.
ACCESSIBLE STUDY CONTENT PROVIDER BONGANI SITHOLE
Mr Bongani Sithole, is an Accessible Study Content Provider and Sign Language Interpreter. His role with the DRU involves converting study materials for printimpaired students into accessible formats as well as providing sign language interpretation for Deaf students. These services ensure that all students in need have equal access to learning materials, enabling them to participate fully in their studies.
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
MEGAN GREAVES
Ms Megan Greaves is a South African Sign Language Interpreter at the DRU. She provides support services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Her services include South African Sign Language Interpreting (SASLI), Realtime captioning, and making use of a Loop system.
Language access is a cornerstone of her work, ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students have access to their lectures and study content from the get-go. She is excited to work with existing and future students at the DRU.
Thank you Megan, your quiet, diligent work and your creativity enhance the work that we do.
Free Assistive Technology Tools for Every Student.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Whether you have a diagnosed disability or want tools that make studying easier, linked below are some of the best free assistive technologies available to support you.
A free, open-source screen reader for Windows that reads aloud everything on your screen - from documents to web pages. Ideal for students who are blind or have low vision. Microsoft Immersive Reader Built directly into Microsoft products like Word, OneNote, Teams, and Edge, Immersive Reader reads text aloud, highlights words as they're read, adjusts spacing and font, and translates text. It includes a focus mode that removes distractions and highlights one line at a time - great for anyone who struggles with tracking while reading. Natural Reader: Drag and drop files or paste text to have them read aloud. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and as a Chrome browser extension
Visual & Reading Support NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
Writing & Note-Taking Microsoft Dictation
Built directly into Microsoft Word, the Dictate feature provides voice typing (speech-to-text) for hands-free document creation - ideal for students with motor impairments or repetitive strain injuries Google Docs is similar to Microsoft Dictation. It includes built-in voice typing (speech-to-text) for hands-free document creation and automatically saves and syncs work across all your devices. Otter.ai generates transcripts of recordings, with a free Basic version offering 300 minutes per month - perfect for capturing online lecture content without the stress of keeping up with notes.
Microsoft To Do (free with your Wits Microsoft account) A clean, distraction-free task manager that helps you break your workload into manageable steps and set reminders throughout your day Notion (free for students): An all-in-one workspace for notes, to-do lists, calendars, and project planning. Flexible enough to suit different thinking and organisational styles.
Focus & Organisation (ADHD / Neurodivergence)
Hearing & Communication
Google Live Transcribe (Android) A free app that provides realtime speech-to-text captions using your phone's microphone helpful in lectures, conversations, and group discussions for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Google Live Caption (Google Chrome) is an accessibility feature built into the Google Chrome browser that generates captions for videos, podcasts, games, live streams, video calls, and other audio media. Otter.ai (also listed above - it does double duty!) With a free Basic version offering 300 minutes per month, Otter.ai records audio and automatically takes real-time notes, so students can focus on the discussion rather than scrambling to keep up.
HAVE A STUDY PLAN
MAKE IT APPEALING, E.G., COLOUR CODE
STICK TO IT
REWARD YOURSELF WITH RELAXING OR FUN ACTIVITIES
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
BRAIN - BODY HEALTH!
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
EAT NUTRITIOUS FOODS
HEALTHY HYDRATION, LOTS OF WATER! LIMIT ENERGY DRINKS
MOVE BETWEEN SESSIONS, EXERCISE OR TAKE A WALK
SLEEP RECHARGES YOUR BRAIN – BATTERY
DRU STUDENT SUPPORT SESSIONS
DRU Student Support Sessions (SSSs) held in the first block, focused on ‘Setting yourself up for Success’
And in the second black, the focus was on ‘Neurodiversity and Exams’.
Keep an eye on the Wits DRU Facebook page and emails for adverts for sessions to be held in the third and fourth blocks.
Contact: arlene.damons@wits.ac.za.
DISABILITY INTEREST GROUP (DIG) MEETINGS
Wits Staff and Students are welcome to attend the DIG meetings. Feedback is given on Disability matters on the Wits Campus A topic of interest is presented.
14 May: Neurodiversity and Higher Education
27 July: Chronic Illnesses and Conditions
19 October: Celebrating 40 years of the DRU. A Walk through the History of the DRU at Wits.
The WITS DRU webiste has a new look and feel, and includes:
Interesting information such as Disabilty Statistics for 2025
Information on all our services, policies and procedures
Download all required forms
https://www.wits.ac.za/disability-rights-unit/
SNIPPETS FROM STUDENTS
CON-GRAD-ULATIONS to Ayanda (above) and Reitumetse (bottom), as well as Holly Heinzelmann (below) who featured in the previous issue! Please let us know if we missed anyone!
DRU GRADUATES
A NOTE FROM AYANDA DREW
Dear Andrew, Alfred, Tis, and all the DRU staff,
I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for everything you have done for me, from supporting me through my BA to guiding me through my LLB. My years at Wits are filled with fond memories: the laughter (especially Andrew’s teasing), the encouragement, and the unwavering support you gave me. From helping me manage my severe learning disorder to assisting me with navigating stairs and elevators, you were always there
The DRU became a home away from home, a safe and protected space in what often felt like a daunting world. For that, I will always be deeply grateful.
My quote from‘Fox and the Hound’: Goodbye may seem forever, but in my heart is a memory, and there you will always be.
My name is Reitumetse Lebethe. I am a recent Bachelor of Commerce in Law graduate, and my academic journey was greatly supported by my registration with the Disability Rights Unit. As a student with eyesight challenges, I consistently received the necessary accommodations, including additional time and access to appropriate resources, during tests and examinations. This ensured that I was assessed fairly on equal footing with my peers.
The DRU also provided ongoing support during unforeseen circumstances, demonstrating flexibility and care. Overall, their assistance made my academic experience significantly more manageable, accessible, and ultimately more successful.
REITUMETSE LEBETHE’S MESSAGE
DRU OFFICE AT EDUCATION CAMPUS – REVAMP
Plans have been approved, and preparations are underway for the construction of a new, pristine DRU satellite office at the Education Campus. Dr Leila and Andrew have been hard at work behind the scenes and have shared a picture of the plans with us.
A model of the plans
14
APRIL
2026 - VICTORY PARADE
SHIELD WINNERS
Andrew, Leila, Arlene, Subhashini and Londi, celebrating the Rugby Victory
1 APRIL - EASTER MANIA
The DRU team decorated the DRU reception for the Easter Mania Competition.
Kobela and Megan at WEC DRU
DISABILITY AWARENESS & ADVOCACY
GATEWAY TO SUCCESS
JANUARY 2026
The DRU gave presentations to first year students at the annual GTS programme.
Students had a tour of our facilities, including a demonstration of sign language, how to lead someone who is blind and awareness of physical accessibility on campus.
The DRU team held 50 sessions for over 3000 students, who had a 5-minute tour of the DRU, including a fun sign language activity.
Presentations on DRU services, were given to various faculty groups. And panel discussions were held.
Demonstrations included sign language greeting, leading someone who is blind, and considerations towards someone who is in a wheelchair.
Kobela, Bongani and Londi joined Epilepsy SA in an awareness campaign on Education and Braamfontein Campuses in February 2026. Epilepsy SA offers valuable support services and information, including newsletters, videos, and research. https://epilepsy.org.za/
DRU SITE VISIT ZYLSTRA COMPLEX - 4 DECEMBER 2025
Dr Leila, Subhashini, and Kobela gave valuable input on accessibility at the construction site, on the Zylstra Complex renovations.
