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Sentrum vir Studentevoorligting en -ontwikkeling Kantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes (Gestremdhede) Victoriastraat 37, Stellenbosch Centre for Student Counselling and Development Office for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities) 37 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch OORLEWINGSHANDLEIDING VIR STUDENTE MET GESTREMDHEDE EN SPESIALE LEERBEHOEFTES OP DIE US-KAMPUS SURVIVAL MANUAL FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL LEARNING NEEDS ON THE SU CAMPUS SAAMGESTEL DEUR STUDENTE MET EERSTEHANDSE ONDERVINDING COMPILED BY STUDENTS WITH FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

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Page 1: Survival manual for students with disabilities and … Documents/WORD... · Web viewStudente is ook ongelukkig daarvoor bekend dat hulle kansvatters is, en daarom maak so ʼn dokument

Sentrum vir Studentevoorligting en -ontwikkelingKantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes (Gestremdhede)

Victoriastraat 37, Stellenbosch

Centre for Student Counselling and DevelopmentOffice for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities)

37 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch

OORLEWINGSHANDLEIDING VIR STUDENTE MET GESTREMDHEDE EN SPESIALE LEERBEHOEFTES

OP DIE US-KAMPUS

SURVIVAL MANUAL FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL LEARNING NEEDS ON

THE SU CAMPUS

SAAMGESTEL DEUR STUDENTE MET EERSTEHANDSE ONDERVINDING

COMPILED BY STUDENTS WITH FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

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INHOUD

1. Oorlewingsgids vir gehoorgestremde studente

2. Oorlewingsgids vir serebraal gestremde/rolstoelgebonde studente

3. Oorlewingsgids vir gesiggestremde studente

CONTENTS

1. Survival guide for hearing-impaired students

2. Survival guide for cerebrally palsied/wheelchair-bound students

3. Survival guide for visually impaired students

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TELL US WHAT YOU NEEDSO THAT WE CAN HELP YOU!

Please contact:

Marcia Lyner-CleophasHead: Office for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities)

021 808 3497 [email protected]

or

Melanie WillemsCommunications Officer

Office for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities)021 808 3675

[email protected]

or Connie Park and Pippa Louw

Braille Officers021 808 3518

[email protected] and [email protected] respectively

Centre for Student Counselling and DevelopmentOffice for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities)

37 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch

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LAAT WEET ONS WAT JY NODIG HET SODAT ONS JOU KAN HELP!

Jou kontakpersone is:

Marcia Lyner-CleophasHoof: Kantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes (Gestremdhede)

021 808 [email protected]

of

Melanie WillemsKommunikasiebeampte

Kantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes (Gestremdhede)021 808 3675

[email protected]

of

Connie Park en Pippa LouwBrailleringsbeamptes

021 808 [email protected] en [email protected]

Sentrum vir Studentevoorligting en -ontwikkelingKantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes (Gestremdhede)

Victoriastraat 37, Stellenbosch

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OORLEWINGSGIDS VIR GEHOORGESTREMDE STUDENTE

1) Dit is belangrik om ʼn amptelike dokument te hê wat jou gehoorverlies en die omvang daarvan beskryf.

2) Vra jou oudioloog/spraakterapeut daarvoor en laat die Universiteit dit amptelik stempel om te bevestig dat jy ʼn gehoorgestremde student is. Omdat jou gestremdheid nie ooglopend is nie, is dit soms vir die Universiteit/dosente moeilik om te glo dat jy ʼn probleem het/kan hê. Studente is ook ongelukkig daarvoor bekend dat hulle kansvatters is, en daarom maak so ʼn dokument jou meer geloofwaardig.

3) Meld aan by die Sentrum vir Studentevoorligting en -ontwikkeling (SSVO).

a) Indien jy dit nodig ag dat die Universiteit sekere kwessies namens jou hanteer, moet hulle jou skriftelike toestemming daarvoor ontvang. Die sentrum weet watter kanale om te volg en kan as ʼn tussenganger tussen jou en ʼn dosent of departement optree.

b) Enige versoek/klagte aan die Sentrum/Universiteit moet skriftelik ingedien en gereeld deur die student opgevolg word.

c) Jy kan ook by die Sentrum om ekstra eksamen-/toetstyd aansoek doen. Op tersiêre vlak kan ʼn student vyf tot twintig (5-20) minute per uur ekstra ontvang. Hiervoor moet jy skriftelik aansoek doen en jou jongste oudiologieverslag by jou aansoek insluit. Volg die aansoek gereeld op en vra dat hulle jou per gewone pos/e-pos/SMS laat weet indien jy nie ʼn telefoon kan gebruik nie.

4) Vra vir afsonderlike rekenaarregistrasie- en biblioteekoriëntering. Die gewone oriënteringsgroepe is baie groot en dus moeilik om ouditief en visueel te volg. Gereelde versoeke vir herhaling in die groot groepe sal heel waarskynlik nie net die oriënteerder irriteer nie, maar jou ook steeds met onvolledige inligting laat.

5) Vra die Universiteit (IT) om jou persoonlike rekenaar (indien jy een het) ʼn voorkeurverbinding met die Universiteit se intranet te gee. E-poskommunikasie is jou mees geskikte kommunikasiemiddel met die SSVO, dosente en studente – des te meer as jy nie ʼn telefoongebruiker is nie. Met e-pos hoef jy nie tussen klasse te sukkel om persoonlik by mense afsprake te probeer maak nie.

6) Gebruik die eerste klas in elke vak om met ʼn afskrif van die amptelike dokument wat jou gehoorgestremdheid staaf, by jou dosent aan te meld. Vra sy/haar e-posadres en verskaf ook joune. Daar is gewoonlik nie tyd vir veel meer nie. Verdere kontaksessies kan per e-pos gereël word.

7) Die Universiteit se oudiovisuele materiaal het nie onderskrifte nie. Aangesien toetse/take op sodanige materiaal volg, is dit ʼn groot frustrasie. Die Universiteit ondersoek tans die finansiële implikasies verbonde aan onderskrifte, en hoop om die probleem binnekort te oorbrug. Sommige dosente bied alternatiewe take – e-pos jou dosent dus sodra die probleem ontstaan. Elke taak tel tot jou klaspunt. Moet nooit net ʼn leë blad inhandig nie!

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8) Vakke soos Biologie wat praktiese klasse insluit, maak van mikroskope gebruik. Met ʼn gehoorgestremdheid is dit haas onmoontlik om in die mikroskoop te kyk en tegelykertyd te volg wat die dosent sê. Daar is voorgestel dat die mikroskopiese materiaal met ʼn projektor op ʼn grootskerm voor in die klas vertoon word om sake te vergemaklik. Die Universiteit volg die voorstel tans op.

9) Jou lesings word dikwels tweetalig aangebied. Wees dus bedag op skielike oorskakelings tussen Engels en Afrikaans. Indien die klas in Afrikaans is, is die PowerPoint-skyfies gewoonlik in Engels, en omgekeerd. Soms is dit moeilik om so by te bly. Ongelukkig is dié werkswyse ononderhandelbaar, en moet jy leer om daarby aan te pas. Skaf handboeke in jou moedertaal aan, anders worstel jy ure lank met die vertaling van moeilike vakterminologie. Vir sommige studente is dit beter om in sommige vakke heeltemal na hulle tweede taal oor te skakel. Dit bly jou keuse – jy ken jouself die beste en weet wat vir jou sal werk.

10) Jou dosente is kenners op hulle onderskeie vakgebiede. Hulle is nie onderwysers nie en het nie noodwendig kennis van verskillende onderwysstyle en hoe dit jou raak nie. Dosente praat dikwels met hulle rug na jou gedraai, loop heen en weer terwyl hulle praat, en hou die mikrofoon te styf teenaan hulle mond. Party het snorre, ander mompel, ensovoorts. Hulle gaan niks hiervan vir jou verander nie, al wil hulle ook. In die eerste plek is hulle gewoontes reeds diep gevestig en tweedens vergeet hulle van jou versoeke. Dit is dus moeilik om te liplees en/of te luister.

11) Bogenoemde omstandighede maak dit vir ʼn gehoorgestremde student baie moeilik om klasnotas af te neem. Dit is nie die Universiteit se beleid om volledige notas aan studente te verskaf nie – ook nie aan gestremdes nie. Sommige dosente verskaf kernnotas, of verwys jou na WebCT daarvoor. Kernnotas is ongelukkig nie genoeg om jou te laat slaag nie. Vra ʼn betroubare student of jy afskrifte van sy/haar notas mag maak, of maak met die dosent se wete en toestemming ʼn klankopname van die klas en reël vir die transkribering daarvan. (Skakel Wayne Melle by Maynards Office Technology (Edms.) Bpk., telefoonnommer 021 424 3140, vir kwotasies om indien moontlik jou eie diktafoonstelsel aan te skaf – die aanbevole model is die Olympus DS 2300, ʼn digitale stemopnemer-en-transkribeerstel.)

12) Indien jy in ʼn koshuis wil bly, maak seker dat hulle van jou gestremdheid weet. Reël byvoorbeeld dat iemand jou wakker maak wanneer hulle brandontruimingsoefeninge het, anders slaap jy regdeur. Dis ook in jou eie belang dat daar iemand anders in jou koshuis is wat dieselfde kursus as jy volg. Heel moontlik het jy in ʼn stadium iets belangrik gemis, en kan jy so daarvan uitvind.

13) ʼn Selfoon met ʼn vibreeraksie is nuttig om jou betyds vir klas wakker te maak. Wees egter aan die veilige kant, en koop ook ʼn "Shake ʼn Wake". Dié vibreerwekker is by DEAFSA by telefoonnommer 011 482 1610 beskikbaar. Jou kamermaat het dalk nie ʼn agtuurklas soos jy nie!

Gesels met jou huiskomiteelid oor voordeurdiens, wat tradisioneel vir eerstejaars verpligtend is.

In die verlede is daar al neerhalende aanmerkings gemaak indien die diens nie flink en vinnig genoeg na seniors se sin is nie. Jy sal ʼn dik vel moet hê om dit te oorleef! Telefoondiens is reeds by baie koshuise afgeskaf, maar kan vir jou ʼn probleem wees.

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Wanneer iemand vir jou kom kuier, saai hulle dit oor die interkomstelsel by die voordeur uit. Tref daarom ʼn reëling dat jou vriende of ander besoekers jou eerder "missed call" of SMS wanneer hulle daar is. Die kans is baie goed dat jy nie die interkom gaan hoor nie!

Indien jy enige verdere vrae het of met iemand wil gesels wat jou spesifieke probleme verstaan, tree gerus met Elnette Botha in verbinding: E-pos: [email protected] Selnr: (SMS asb.) 084 454 7676

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SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED STUDENTS

1) It is important that you obtain an official document, which describes the extent of your hearing loss.

2) Get this from your audiologist/speech therapist, and have it officially stamped by the University to confirm that you are hearing impaired. Since your disability is not necessarily visible, sometimes the University/lecturers find it hard to believe that you have/may have a problem. Unfortunately students are also known as chancers, and therefore such a document gives you the necessary credibility.

3) Report to the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (the CSCD, but more commonly known by its Afrikaans abbreviation, the “SSVO”).

a) If you want the University to take care of certain issues on your behalf, you need to give them written permission to do so. The Centre knows which channels to pursue and could act as mediator between you and a lecturer or department.

b) Any request/complaint submitted to the Centre/University has to be done in writing and should be followed up by the student on a regular basis.

c) You could also apply to the Centre for additional test/exam writing time. At tertiary level a student could be granted an additional five to twenty (5-20) minutes per hour. Apply in writing and remember to attach your latest audiology report. Do regular follow-ups and ask the Centre to inform you of the outcome via snail mail/e-mail/SMS if you cannot use a telephone.

4) Ask for separate computer registration and library orientation. Usually the orientation groups are very big and you might therefore struggle to follow what is being said and shown. Requests for repetition every now and again might not only irritate the orientation leader, but will still leave you in the dark.

5) If you have a personal computer, ask the University (IT) for a preferential connection to the intranet. E-mail is your most effective means of communication with the SSVO, lecturers and students – even more so if you cannot use a telephone. With e-mail you save on having to go to people’s offices between lectures to secure appointments.

6) Use the first lecture in each subject to establish contact with your lecturer, provide him/her with a copy of the official document proving your hearing impairment, and exchange e-mail addresses. Usually time will not allow for much more; further contact sessions could be arranged via e-mail.

7) The University’s audiovisual material does not have subtitles. Since this material usually forms the basis of tests/assignments, the lack of subtitles causes much frustration. The University is currently looking at the financial implications attached to adding them – hopefully the problem will be addressed soon. Some lecturers offer alternative assignments. Therefore, e-mail your lecturer as soon as the problem arises. Every single assignment contributes to your class mark. Never hand in a blank page!

8) Subjects, such as Biology, which include practical work usually entail the use of microscopes. With a hearing impairment it is almost impossible to look in the microscope whilst following what the lecturer says. To make things easier, it has

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been proposed that a projector be used to show the microscopic material on a big screen in the front of the class. The University is currently considering the proposal.

9) Lectures are often bilingual. Therefore, be prepared for sudden switches between English and Afrikaans. If the lecture is in Afrikaans, the PowerPoint slides are usually in English, and vice versa. Sometimes it is difficult to keep up. Unfortunately this methodology is not negotiable, and you will have to learn to adapt. Buy textbooks in your mother tongue – otherwise you will battle for hours to translate complicated technical terminology. Some students find it easier to completely switch to their second language for some subjects. The choice is yours – you know yourself and will know what would work best for you.

10) Your lecturers are experts in their respective academic fields. They are not teachers and do not necessarily know about different teaching styles and their effect on you. Often lecturers speak with their back towards you, they move about in the room whilst speaking, and hold the microphone too close to their mouths. Some wear a moustache, others mumble, etc. They are not going to change any of this for you, even if they want to. Firstly, they are too set in their ways, and secondly, they forget about your requests. This makes lip-reading/listening very difficult.

11) It is therefore a nightmare for a hearing-impaired student to take down notes. It is not University policy to provide students – also not disabled students – with comprehensive notes. Some lecturers provide core notes, or refer you to WebCT for this purpose. Unfortunately core notes are not enough to make you pass your subjects. Ask a reliable student’s permission to copy his/her notes, or record the lecture with the lecturer’s full knowledge and approval, and have it transcribed. (If possible, contact Wayne Melle at Maynards Office Technology (Pty.) Ltd., telephone number 021 424 3140, for quotations to buy your own dictaphone system – the Olympus DS 2300 Digital Voice Recorder and Transcription Kit comes highly recommended.)

12) If you want to stay in a residence, ensure that they are fully aware of your disability. For example, make arrangements for someone to wake you up for fire drills, otherwise you will sleep right through them. Also it will be in your interest to have someone else in your residence who takes the same course as you. You might have missed something important during lectures, and could pick up on it this way.

13) A vibrating cell phone comes in very handy to wake you up in time for your lectures. However, be on the safe side and also get a “Shake ‘n Wake”. This vibrating clock is available from DEAFSA at telephone number 011 482 1610. Who knows – your room mate might not have an eight 'o clock lecture like you!

Discuss front door duty, which is traditionally compulsory for first-year students, with your house committee member. Past experience is that seniors are quick to pass rude comments if front door duty is not swift and speedy enough. You will have to grow a thick skin to survive it! Even though many residences have done away with telephone duty, it might still be a problem. When you receive visitors, their arrival is announced on the intercom system at the front door. Therefore, ask your friends or other visitors rather to give you a missed call or send an SMS when they arrive. You will probably miss the intercom announcement!

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Should you need any further information, or want to speak to someone who understands your specific problems, do not hesitate to contact Elnette Botha:E-mail:[email protected]: (Please SMS) 084 454 7676

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SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR CEREBRALLY PALSIED/WHEELCHAIR-BOUND STUDENTS

1) If possible, make some time in the year prior to your arrival to come and look at the campus layout, talk to staff and students, and look at residences.

2) Ensure that you have a medical certificate from your doctor describing your disability and special needs before arriving on campus.

3) Report to the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (commonly known as the “SSVO”). Once you have arrived on campus, report to the SSVO, and ask to meet with someone in the Disability Office.

4) Ask them about registration. Usually students are allocated a specific time slot for registration according to their academic degree programmes. Therefore the queues are long and people’s tempers short. Normally, however, disabled students are allocated a separate registration day when it is quieter. Find out when would be the best registration time. If you are in a residence, tell your residence mentor.

5) Apply for extra exam/test writing time. The amount of extra time granted will be discussed with you, and recommendations by specialists or other medical health personnel will be noted. Follow up with the SSVO until the issue is resolved. Start early. Do not wait until the first test series.

6) Allow the SSVO to make your disability known, where appropriate. This will enable them to notify the departments where you will be studying as well as the student society for disabled students, Dis-Maties, of your mobility problem.

7) Due to your disability, your computer will play a central part in your life on campus. All computers and laptops have to be checked for viruses, and need new software that is to be loaded by the University’s IT department. Therefore, take your computer to them, explain that you are disabled and that you need to be connected to the intranet ASAP. E-mail is your main form of on-campus communication with lecturers, the SSVO, University staff and fellow students. If possible, IT then usually prioritises your request.

8) During orientation week you are taken on tours of buildings such as the library and computer centre. If you find it difficult to keep up or take part, ask for an individual session, which would better suit your needs.

9) Use the first lecture in each subject to try to introduce yourself to the lecturer. Start communicating by informing your lecturer about your disability and your specific needs. Remember, you are possibly one of hundreds of students in his/her class. It is your responsibility to approach a lecturer. When test/exam time comes, it is your responsibility to contact your lecturer in advance to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made to accommodate you. If you have been granted extra test/exam writing time, your lecturer must be notified accordingly before you arrive at the test/exam venue. Exams are coordinated by the Examinations Office. During exams and tests, always keep the official letter in which you are granted extra writing time handy. You will receive this letter from the Examinations Office after you have applied in writing via the SSVO for extra writing time or other exam concessions. Certain lecturers use PowerPoint presentations in class. Normally these are available on the University’s local intranet, WebCT. WebCT slides usually contain the most important information of the lectures. Along with your textbooks and regular class attendance, you should therefore be fairly well off. However, if you feel the need for extra notes, and are unable to take them down yourself, find a reliable friend whose notes you could copy.

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10) Residences:a) Upon receipt of your residence placement, ensure that the particular residence is

accessible.

b) If adjustments need to be made in the bathroom or any other room of the residence, contact the SSVO or the housemother/housefather so that the necessary arrangements can be made before your arrival.

c) When you move into the residence, acquaint yourself with the House Committee (commonly known as the “HK”) members, and ensure that the HK member allocated to your section is fully aware of your disability.

d) If you need assistance in the dining hall, ask any Fedics/Kagiso employee to help you.

e) There are many advantages to living in a residence. Make an effort to befriend those in your residence who take the same subjects as you . Not only does it help with your studies, but generally it makes life easier and more enjoyable.

f) Should your disability make traditional first-year duties impossible, you could be exempted from them. Once again, remember to discuss this with your HK member. He/she should be more than willing to help.

g) There are different on-campus computer facilities. HUMARGA located on the third floor of the Arts Building, is most commonly used by disabled students, as it is the most accessible and employs staff who have experience of working with disabled students. They also work closely with the SSVO’s Office for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities).

h) Most buildings on campus are accessed by swiping your student card at the door. If you cannot perform this action, speak to the specific building’s management. Remote controls are issued in such cases.

11) Stellenbosch University dates back many years, and therefore people with disabilities were not necessarily accommodated in many of the buildings’ design. If you experience problems with a building’s accessibility, approach the SSVO for assistance.

12) Lectures continue – come rain or shine! Be prepared, and try to work out a strategy of how to get to class on rainy days. Some personal advice: An umbrella is essential on the Stellenbosch campus – whether you attach it to your wheelchair, or hold it between your legs!

13) Last but not least: We may be disabled, but first and foremost we are students. We come here to further our education, but also to experience life in the “real world”. That includes having fun! The Maties Dance Society for example has a seperate class for disabled students, and the Sports Science Faculty offers us the opportunity to participate in their programmes. We can share in the variety of sports activities as well as social opportunities that Stellenbosch offers.

If you need any further information, or want to speak to someone about your specific needs, please feel free to contact Toni Mould (Dis-Maties Committee member in charge of new students): E-mail: [email protected] or cell: 082 936 5131

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OORLEWINGSGIDS VIR SEREBRAAL GESTREMDE/ROLSTOELGEBONDE STUDENTE

1) Knyp indien moontlik in die jaar vóór jy by die Universiteit begin tyd af om na die kampusuitleg en koshuise te kom kyk en met personeel en studente te gesels.

2) Maak voordat jy op die kampus aankom seker dat jy ʼn mediese sertifikaat van jou dokter het wat jou gestremdheid en spesiale behoeftes beskryf.

3) Meld by die Sentrum vir Studentevoorligting en -ontwikkeling (die SSVO). Meld sodra jy op die kampus aankom by die SSVO aan en vra om met iemand in die Kantoor vir Studente met Gestremdhede te gesels.

4) Gesels met hulle oor registrasie. Gewoonlik kry studente na gelang van hulle akademiese graadprogram ʼn bepaalde tydgleuf vir registrasie. Dan beweeg die rye gewoonlik maar stadig en die humeure taamlik vinnig. Studente met gestremdhede kry egter normaalweg ʼn aparte registrasiedag wanneer dit stiller is. Vind uit wat die beste registrasietyd sal wees. Indien jy in ʼn koshuis bly, onthou om jou koshuismentor daarvan in kennis te stel.

5) Doen aansoek om ekstra eksamen-/toetstyd. Die hoeveelheid goedgekeurde bykomende tyd sal met jou bespreek en aanbevelings deur spesialiste of ander mediese personeel in aanmerking geneem word. Volg dit met die SSVO op totdat die saak afgehandel is. Begin vroeg. Moenie tot die eerste toetsreeks wag nie.

6) Gee die SSVO toestemming om jou gestremdheid waar toepaslik bekend te maak. Sodoende kan hulle die departemente waar jy gaan studeer asook die studentevereniging vir gestremde studente, Dis-Maties, van jou beweeglikheidsprobleem in kennis stel.

7) Weens jou gestremdheid speel jou rekenaar ʼn belangrike rol in jou kampuslewe. Alle rekenaars en skootrekenaars moet vir virusse nagegaan word en het nuwe programmatuur nodig wat die Universiteit se IT-departement daarop sal installeer. Neem daarom jou rekenaar na hulle toe, verduidelik dat jy ʼn gestremdheid het en so gou moontlik ʼn intranetverbinding nodig het. E-pos is jou belangrikste kommunikasiemiddel met dosente, die SSVO, Universiteitspersoneel en medestudente op die kampus. Indien moontlik maak IT dan gewoonlik jou versoek ʼn prioriteit.

8) Gedurende oriënteringsweek word jy op toere van geboue soos die biblioteek en rekenaarsentrum geneem. Indien dit vir jou moeilik is om by te bly of deel te neem, vra vir ʼn individuele sessie wat meer geskik vir jou behoeftes is.

9) Gebruik die eerste lesing in elke vak om jouself aan die dosent voor te stel. Begin kommunikeer deur hom/haar van jou gestremdheid en bepaalde behoeftes in kennis te stel. Onthou, jy is waarskynlik een van honderde studente in sy/haar klas. Dit is jóú verantwoordelikheid om die dosent te nader. Met toets-/eksamentyd is dit wéér jou verantwoordelikheid om vooraf met jou dosent in verbinding te tree om seker te maak dat die nodige reëlings getref word om vir jou voorsiening te maak. Indien daar ekstra toets-/eksamentyd aan jou toegestaan is, moet jy vóórdat jy by die toets-/eksamenlokaal opdaag jou dosent daarvan inlig. Eksamens word deur die Eksamenkantoor gereël. Hou altyd in toets-/eksamentyd die amptelike brief waarin jy ekstra skryftyd toegestaan word byderhand. Jy sal so ʼn brief van die Eksamenkantoor ontvang nadat jy skriftelik via die SSVO om ekstra skryftyd of ander eksamenvergunnings aansoek gedoen het. Party dosente gebruik PowerPoint-aanbiedings in die klas. Gewoonlik is hierdie aanbiedings op die Universiteit se plaaslike intranet, WebCT, beskikbaar. WebCT-skyfies bevat normaalweg die belangrikste inligting van die lesings. Saam met jou handboeke en

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gereelde klasbywoning, behoort jy heel goed te vaar. Indien jy egter bykomende notas nodig kry, maar dit nie self kan maak nie, vra ʼn betroubare vriend of jy afskrifte van sy/haar notas mag maak.

10) Koshuise:

a) Maak sodra jy in ʼn koshuis geplaas word seker dat die gebou toeganklik is.

b) Skakel die SSVO of die huisvader/-moeder indien daar byvoorbeeld in die badkamer of enige ander vertrek aanpassings gemaak moet word sodat die nodige reëlings sommer vóór jou aankoms getref kan word.

c) Leer ken jou huiskomitee- (HK-)lede wanneer jy by die koshuis intrek en maak seker dat die HK-lid in jou gang ten volle van jou gestremdheid bewus is.

d) Vra enige Fedics-/Kagiso-werknemer indien jy in die eetsaal hulp nodig kry.

e) Die koshuislewe het baie voordele. Doen moeite om vriende te maak met diegene in jou koshuis wat dieselfde kursus as jy volg. Dit sal jou nie net in jou studie help nie, maar ook sommer die lewe oor die algemeen makliker en lekkerder maak.

f) Indien jou gestremdheid tradisionele eerstejaarpligte onmoontlik maak, kan jy daarvan vrygestel word. Onthou weereens om dit met jou HK-lid te bespreek. Hy/sy behoort met graagte te help.

g) Daar is verskillende rekenaarfasiliteite op die kampus. Studente met gestremdhede verkies om HUMARGA op die derde verdieping van die Letteregebou te gebruik aangesien dit die mees toeganklike is en hulle ervare personeel het wat weet hoe om met gestremde studente te werk. Hulle het ook ʼn noue werksverhouding met die SSVO se Kantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes (Gestremdhede).

h) By die meeste geboue verkry ʼn mens toegang deur jou studenteveegkaart by die deur te gebruik. Praat met die betrokke gebou se bestuur indien dit vir jou ʼn probleem is. In sulke gevalle gee hulle gewoonlik vir jou ʼn afstandbeheerder.

11) Die Universiteit Stellenbosch het baie jare gelede tot stand gekom. Daarom is mense met gestremdhede nie juis by die ontwerp van die geboue in aanmerking geneem nie. Skakel die SSVO vir hulp indien enige van die geboue vir jou ontoeganklik is.

12) Klasse gaan voort – in sonskyn én gietende reën! Wees voorbereid, en probeer ʼn strategie uitwerk van hoe jy op reëndae by die klas gaan kom. ʼn Bietjie persoonlike raad: ʼn Sambreel is onontbeerlik op die Stellenbosch-kampus – jy kan dit aan jou rolstoel vasmaak of tussen jou bene vasknyp!

13) Les bes: Ons is dalk gestremd, maar ons is in die eerste plek studente. Ons kom universiteit toe om verder te studeer, maar ook om die lewe in die “regtige wêreld” te ervaar. Dit sluit pret in! Die Maties-dansvereniging bied byvoorbeeld ʼn aparte klas vir studente met gestremdhede aan, en die Fakulteit Sportwetenskap bied ons die geleentheid om by hulle programme betrokke te raak. Ons kán in Stellenbosch se verskeidenheid sportaktiwiteite en sosiale geleenthede deel.

Vir enige verdere inligting, of as jy met iemand oor jou bepaalde behoeftes wil gesels, tree gerus met Toni Mould (Dis-Matieskomiteelid verantwoordelik vir nuwe studente) in verbinding: E-pos: [email protected] of Selnr: 082 936 5131

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OORLEWINGSGIDS VIR GESIGGESTREMDE STUDENTE

Hoe moet ek op universiteit oorleef?

Die begin van jou universiteitsloopbaan is vir almal nogal skrikwekkend – des te meer as jy ʼn gestremdheid het. In hierdie gids bied bestaande Stellenbosch-studente jou ʼn paar nuttige oorlewingswenke.

Vir jou gerief is die handleiding in verskillende afdelings verdeel:

- Akademies- Oriëntering en beweeglikheid- Koshuislewe en sosiaal - Hulp en dienste - Ander dienste

Akademies

Hierdie is seker die belangrikste afdeling – dit is immers die hoofrede waarom ʼn mens universiteit toe kom.

Begin deur jou dosente van jou gestremdheid in kennis te stel. Praat met mekaar, en sit jou behoeftes so duidelik as moontlik uiteen. Verduidelik ook aan jou dosente hoe hulle jou kan help – hulle weet nie noodwendig nie. Moenie bang wees nie; hulle is gewoonlik meer as bereid om jou so ver moontlik by te staan.

Hier volg ʼn paar riglyne:

Indien jy byvoorbeeld jou werk in braille moet laat druk, vra jou dosent vir die handboek, en neem dit dadelik na die brailleringsbeamptes by HUMARGA op die derde vloer van die Letteregebou. Hulle sal jou leermateriaal skandeer, redigeer en brailleer. Verduidelik ook aan die dosent dat jy braille gebruik en jou toetse vooraf deur die brailleringsbeamptes verwerk moet word. Jy sal die toets ook nie in die klas aflê nie, maar by HUMARGA se Lombardi Braillesentrum (lokaal 360). Vra ook om vooraf van video- of ander vertonings in die klas ingelig te word sodat jy langs iemand kan sit wat deurentyd aan jou kan verduidelik wat aangaan.

Die belangrikste is om ʼn goeie verstandhouding met jou dosente te hê en met hulle te kommunikeer. Moenie bang wees om te praat nie – die meeste dosente is gewoonlik baie tegemoetkomend en is bereid om te help waar hulle kan.

Klasnotas

Goeie klasnotas is belangrik vir suksesvolle studie. Hier het jy ʼn paar opsies:

Die een is om ʼn klankopname van die lesing te maak. Probeer so voor as moontlik in die klas sit om die beste klankgehalte te verseker.

Die ander moontlikheid is om die lesinginhoud op ʼn rekenaar of enige ander aantekenaar vir gesiggestremdes te tik.

Dosente deel ook notas in die klas uit.

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Daar is twee soorte notas: dié op rekenaar, en dié wat uit handboeke of ander materiaal gekopieer word.

Indien die notas elektronies beskikbaar is, vra die betrokke dosent om dit aan jou te e-pos. Op dié manier is die inligting dadelik op jou rekenaar. PDF, PowerPoint en ander grafika-lêers word nie deur die sagteware ondersteun nie en sal dus ook deur die brailleringsbeamptes verwerk moet word.

Indien dit nie elektronies beskikbaar is nie, kan dit deur die aangewese persoon geskandeer word. Vra die dosent vir afskrifte van transparante sodat jy dit ook kan laat skandeer. Dosente kan ook tutoriaalnotas vergroot – gee hulle ʼn aanduiding van die beste lettergrootte vir jou behoeftes.

Jy kan ook die dosent vra om, wanneer hy van die swartbord gebruik maak, terselfdertyd te sê wat hy skryf.

Eksamens en toetse

Natuurlik speel eksamens en toetse ʼn belangrike rol, en vind eersgenoemde meer formeel as laasgenoemde plaas.

Wanneer daar eksamen geskryf word, is dit jou verantwoordelikheid om die betrokke dosent van jou gesiggestremdheid in te lig en hom/haar te vra om jou vraestel te vergroot. Die dosent sal dit dan aan die Eksamenkantoor deurgee, wat die nodige aanpassings sal maak.

Laat weet ook jou dosent indien jou vraestel in Braille gedruk moet word sodat hy/sy dit betyds vir die aangewese persoon by HUMARGA kan stuur. Daardie persoon voorsien dan die Eksamenkantoor van die vraestel in Braille.

Jy sal die vraestel by HUMARGA se Lombardi Braillesentrum (lokaal 360) beantwoord aangesien die rekenaars wat vir gesiggestremde persone aangepas is daar staan.

Iets waarvan jy al hoe meer sal hoor, is ʼn “predikaat.” Al jou toets-/evalueringspunte word deur die jaar bymekaargetel om jou predikaatpunt te vorm, wat uiteindelik bepaal of jy eksamen mag skryf. Weereens is dit jou plig om die dosent van jou behoeftes in te lig.

Jy kan ook met die Eksamenkantoor reël om jou toetse en eksamens mondelings af te lê. In so ʼn geval word daar ʼn transkribeerder gereël wat jou antwoorde sal neerskryf. Vra die Kantoor vir Studente met Spesiale Leerbehoeftes/Kantoor vir Studente met Gestremdhede om jou hiermee te help.

Oriëntering en beweeglikheid

Selforiëntering sal jou help om so gou en vlot moontlik op jou eie op die kampus rond te beweeg.

Indien jy met ʼn kierie of gidshond loop, is dit raadsaam om die betrokke instrukteur te skakel. Probeer eers om die basiese roetes – byvoorbeeld die pad na jou koshuis, of van jou woonstel na jou klasse – saam met die instrukteur te leer.

Probeer om ʼn week of wat vóór die Universiteitsopening die beste roetes te kom ondersoek. Die res sal jy wel mettertyd met behulp van vriende leer ken.

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Die Sentrum vir Studentevoorligting en -ontwikkeling (SSVO) lewer ook ʼn diens waar vrywilligers jou kan help as jy byvoorbeeld wil dorp toe gaan of ʼn geleentheid iewers heen nodig het. Vir meer inligting hieroor, skakel die SSVO.

Koshuislewe en sosiaal

Oor die algemeen pas gesiggestremdes maklik in ʼn koshuis aan. Dit help dalk as jou koshuis so sentraal as moontlik of so na as moontlik aan jou klasse is.

Oor koshuis- en verblyfsake kan damestudente met mev. Hendrikse by 021 808 4579 in verbinding tree terwyl manstudente mev. Blanché by 021 808 4546 kan skakel. Besoek ook www.sun.ac.za/students/maties/akkommodasie vir meer inligting, of maak ʼn draai by die SSVO-kantoor by Victoriastraat 37.

Op die sosiale kalender is jool ’n moet en groot pret. Dit vind aan die begin van die jaar plaas en behels skakeling tussen koshuise. Maak seker dat jy dit nie misloop nie – só ontmoet jy nuwe vriende.

Op sportgebied bied die Universiteit ook programme vir studente met gestremdhede aan, en is daar ook ʼn groot gimnasium wat jy kan besoek. Vir meer inligting hieroor, skakel me. C. Rossouw by 021 808 4733 of stuur ʼn e-pos na [email protected].

Hulp en dienste

Buiten dié wat reeds hierbo genoem is, lewer die SSVO nog ʼn hele paar ander dienste. Me. Marcia Lyner-Cleophas (telefoonnommer 021 808 3497; e-posadres [email protected]) en me. Melanie Willems (telefoonnommer 021 808 3675; e-posadres [email protected]) by die SSVO sal jou graag hieroor raad gee.

Die beskikbare dienste is kortliks soos volg:- ʼn Volledig toegeruste rekenaarlokaal - die Lombardi Braillesentrum, lokaal 360 by HUMARGA op die derde verdieping van die Letteregebou - is tot jou beskikking. Hier kan jy jou klasnotas, transparante, voorgeskrewe boeke en artikels asook toets- en eksamenvraestelle in braille druk. Jy kan ook dokumente vergroot en uitdruk, en vier rekenaars is boonop met Jaws, ʼn spraakprogram, toegerus. Jy sal ook tot Zoomtext, ’n pakket met vergrotingsprogrammatuur, toegang hê. Vir meer inligting in hierdie verband, tree met mev. Connie Park (telefoonnommer 021 808 3518 of e-posadres [email protected]) of mev. Pippa Louw (telefoonnommer 021 808 3518 of e-posadres [email protected]) in verbinding. Hulle kantoor is lokaal 356 reg langs die Braillesentrum. Vir hulp met die aankoop van skootrekenaars of sagteware kan jy mnr. Jan Louw (telefoonnommer 021 808 2235 of e-posadres [email protected]) kontak.

- Vir mense wat ekstra vergroting nodig het, het HUMARGA ook 2 leesmasjiene.

- Die JS Gericke-biblioteek en die Musiekbiblioteek (Konservatorium-gegbou) het elk `n rekenaar met Jaws for Windows en Zoom Text vir blinde en swaksiende studente. Vir inligting in hierdie verband, tree met me. Elda Nolte by telefoonnommer 021 808 2346 of e-posadres [email protected] in verbinding. Die SSVO-vrywilligers kan ook in so ’n geval help. Vir meer inligting oor die vrywilligers is me. M. Lyner-Cleophas (telefoonnommer 021 808 3497 of e-posadres [email protected]) en me. Melanie Willems (telefoonnommer 021 808 3675 of e-posadres [email protected]) weer die kontakpersone.

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- Die SSVO bied verder ook individuele bystand en werksessies wat op sake soos persoonlike probleme, loopbaanbeplanning, werksoekvaardighede, akademiese probleme en studie- en denkvaardighede konsentreer. Dr. H.J. Brand (telefoonnommer 021 808 4707 of e-posadres [email protected]), me. M. Lyner-Cleophas (telefoonnommer 021 808 3497 of e-posadres [email protected]) of me. Melanie Willems (telefoonnommer 021 808 3675 of e-posadres [email protected]) sal jou meer hieroor kan vertel.

- Skakel 082 557 0880 vir die 24-uur-krisislyn vir emosionele of sielkundige noodgevalle.

Ander dienste

- Deur die Universiteit se akademiese-tutorstelsel ontvang studente ondersteuning van die Sentrum vir Onderrig en Leer (SOL). As jy dus met ’n spesifieke vak sukkel, kan hierdie mense jou met raad en mentorskap bystaan – bel SOL by 021 808 3717 vir hulp in die verband. Die koshuise het ook akademiese raadgewers wat jou met enige akademiese probleem kan help. Gebruik dus hierdie mense indien jy in ’n koshuis gaan bly – hulle is daar om jou te help.

- Die oudiobiblioteek verskaf sowel akademiese as nieakademiese bandhulp vir gesiggestremdes. As jy handboeke kort of baie boeke vir ’n vak soos Engels moet lees, is hierdie dalk ’n goeie opsie. Rhonette Rossouw by telefoonnommer 021 689 5983 of e-posadres [email protected] sal jou vrae hieroor beantwoord. (Onthou: Hierdie is nie die Universiteit se diens nie, en die naaste bandhulptak is in Kaapstad.)

- As jy probleme met studiegeld en verblyf ervaar, kan jy die Afdeling Beurse en Lenings skakel. Praat met me. Lynette Williams by telefoonnommer 021 808 4627, of stuur vir haar ’n e-pos by [email protected].

Moenie skroom om, wanneer jy jou studie begin, die mense by die SSVO van jou behoeftes in kennis te stel nie. Dis die enigste manier vir hulle om uit te vind hoe hulle jou kan bystaan en jou studie-ervaring makliker kan maak. Maak daarom ’n afspraak en gaan gesels met hulle. Me. Marcia Lyner-Cleophas (telefoonnommer 021 808 3497 of e-posadres [email protected]) of me. Melanie Willems (telefoonnommer 021 808 3657 of e-posadres [email protected]) ontvang graag jou oproep of e-pos.

Laastens is daar ook die Dis-Matieskomitee – ’n groep studente met gestremdhede wat dáár is vir ander soos hulle. Dis-Maties is daar om jou met elke denkbare probleem te help en jou na die regte mense te verwys. Sluit boonop sommer by die vereniging aan as jy net lus is vir lekker kuier en nuwe vriende maak. Kontak die voorsitter, Sonja Lakemeier, by selfoonnommer 082 791 9135 of e-posadres [email protected].

’n Paar algemene opmerkings ter afsluiting: Aan die begin voel jy dalk alleen; jy dink dalk jy is al wat sukkel. Wees verseker, dit is nie die geval nie. Ja, jy hét dit ’n bietjie moeiliker, maar daarom is al hierdie mense en dienste daar om jou hand te sterk. Álle eerstejaars sukkel maar eers om by die ritme van die Universiteit aan te pas. As jy jou weer kom kry, dans jy deur jou tersiêre loopbaan. Alle sterkte, hou moed, en onthou, hulp is nooit te ver weg nie. Gebruik die hulp tot jou beskikking en moenie bang wees om te vra nie.

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SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR VISUALLY- IMPAIRED STUDENTS

How will I survive at university?

Everyone finds the start of their university career quite daunting – all the more if you have a disability. In this guide, existing Stellenbosch students offer you a few handy survival tips.

For your convenience, the guide is divided into the following sections:

- Academics- Orientation and mobility- Residence life and social- Assistance and services- Other services

Academics

This is probably the most important part – it is after all why one goes to university.

Start by informing your lecturers of your disability. Talk to them, and explain your needs as clearly as possible. Also explain to your lecturers how they could assist – they do not necessarily know. Never be scared; usually they are more than willing to help wherever possible.

Use the following guidelines:

If for example you need to have your work printed in Braille, ask for your lecturer’s textbook, and take it to the Braille officers at HUMARGA on the third floor of the Arts Building. They will scan, edit and print your material in Braille. Also explain to your lecturer that you use Braille and that the Braille officers have to process your test in advance. You will also not take the test in class, but at HUMARGA’s Lombardi Braille Centre (room 360). Ask to be notified in advance of video or any other shows during lectures so that you could sit next to someone who could explain everything to you as you go along.

Most important is to have a good understanding and open communication channels with your lecturers. Do not be scared of approaching them – usually most lecturers are very accommodating and willing to help where possible.

Class notes

Good class notes are important for successful studies. In this regard you have a few options:

One is to record the lecture. Try to sit right in front to ensure the best possible sound quality.

Another option is to type the contents of the lecture on a computer or any other note maker for the visually impaired.

Lecturers also hand out notes in class.

There are two kinds of notes: those that are on a computer/electronically available, and those that are copied from textbooks or other material.

If the notes are available electronically, ask your lecturer to e-mail them to you. In this way the information will be readily available on your computer. The assistive software provided, like JAWS which is used by people who are blind, do not support PDF, PowerPoint and

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other types of graphic files and such material should also be processed by the Braille officers.If they are not in an electronic format, you could have them scanned by the designated person. Remember also to get copies of all transparencies from your lecturer for scanning. Lecturers could also enlarge tutorial notes – give them an indication of the best font size to suit your needs.

If lecturers use a blackboard, another tip is to ask them to say what they are writing down as they are doing it.

Exams and tests

Of course exams and tests play an important role – the former are usually conducted more formally than the latter.

When writing an exam, it is your responsibility to inform your lecturer of your visual impairment, and to request him/her to enlarge your question paper. The lecturer will then in turn ask the Examinations Office, who would make the necessary changes to your paper.

Also inform your lecturer if your question paper needs to be printed in Braille so that he/she could send it in advance to the designated person at HUMARGA. That person then provides the Examinations Office with the question paper in Braille.

You will complete the question paper at HUMARGA at the Lombardi Braille Centre – room 360 on the third floor of the Arts Building- which is equipped with computers and special software for the visually impaired.

Something you will start hearing about soon, is a “class mark”. Your class mark is accumulated from your results in continuous tests/evaluations, and will determine whether you are allowed to write an exam. Once again it is your responsibility to inform the lecturer of your special needs.

After having made the necessary arrangements with the Examinations Office, you could also take oral tests and examinations. In such a case a transcriber’s services are used to take down your answers. You could arrange this in consultation with the Office for Students with Special Learning Needs/Disability Office.

Orientation and mobility

Self-orientation will help you to move about campus on your own as soon and problem-free as possible.

If you walk with the aid of a walking stick or guide dog, it is advisable to contact the relevant instructor. First try to learn the basic routes – e.g. the way to your residence, or from your flat to your lecture halls – with the instructor’s help.

Try to visit campus a week or so before the University starts to explore the best routes. In time you will get to know the rest with your friends’ help.

Through the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD, commonly known as the “SSVO”), there are also volunteers who are available to assist if you for example need to go to town or need a lift somewhere. For more information, please contact the SSVO.

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Residence life and social

Generally, visually impaired students easily adapt to life in a residence. It could help a great deal if your residence is centrally located or as close as possible to your lecture halls.

Regarding residence and accommodation issues, female students can contact Mrs Hendrikse at 021 808 4579, while male students are welcome to phone Mrs Blanché at 021 808 4546. Also visit www.sun.ac.za/students/maties/akkommodasie for more information, or drop in at the SSVO office in 37 Victoria Street.

On the social calendar, rag is an absolute must and loads of fun. It takes place early in the year and entails social contact between residences. Do not miss it – it is a fun way to meet new friends.

The University also offers sports programmes to students with disabilities, and has a huge gym, which you are free to use. For more information, contact Ms C. Rossouw at 021 808 4733 or [email protected].

Assistance and services

Apart from those already mentioned above, the SSVO renders quite a number of other services. Ms Marcia Lyner-Cleophas (telephone number 021 808 3497; e-mail address [email protected]) and Ms Melanie Willems (telephone number 021 808 3675; e-mail address [email protected]) at the SSVO will gladly assist you.

Briefly, the available services are as follows:- You will have free access to a fully equipped computer room – the Lombardi Braille

Centre, room 360 at HUMARGA on the third floor of the Arts Building. Here you can print your class notes, transparencies, prescribed books and articles as well as your test and exam papers in Braille. You could also enlarge and print documents. Four computers are equipped with Jaws, a speech programme, while you will also have access to Zoomtext, a package with enlarging software. For more information in this regard, contact Mrs Connie Park (telephone number 021 808 3518 or e-mail address [email protected]) or Mrs Pippa Louw (telephone number 021 808 3518 or e-mail address [email protected]). Should you need advice about purchasing a laptop or software, please contact Mr Jan Louw (telephone number 021 808 2235 or e-mail address [email protected]).

- For those who need extra enlarging, HUMARGA also has 2 reading machines.

- The JS Gericke library as well as the Music library (in the Conservatorium building) has a computer with Jaws for Windows and Zoom Text that blind and partially sighted students can use to browse the library’s catalogue. If you need books for assignments, one of the library staff members will assist you to find them. For more information, contact Ms Elda Nolte on telephone number 021 808 2346 or e-mail address [email protected]. The SSVO volunteers could also assist in this regard. For more information on the volunteers, your contact persons are Ms M. Lyner-Cleophas (telephone number 021 808 3497 or e-mail address [email protected]) and Ms Melanie Willems (telephone number 021 808 3675 or e-mail address [email protected]).

- The SSVO further offers individual assistance and workshops that focus on matters such as personal problems, career planning, job-seeking skills, academic problems, and study and intellectual skills. Dr H.J. Brand (telephone number 021 808 4707 or e-mail address [email protected]), Ms M. Lyner-Cleophas (telephone number 021 808

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3497 or e-mail address [email protected]) or Ms Melanie Willems (telephone number 021 808 3675 or e-mail address [email protected]) will be able to tell you more.

- Dial 082 557 0880 for the 24-hour crisis line for emotional or psychological emergencies.

Other services

- The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) supports students by means of the University’s academic tutoring system. Therefore, if you have trouble with a particular subject, they can assist you with advice and mentorship – contact the CTL at 021 808 3717. In your residence you will also find an academic counsellor, who would be able to help you with any academic problem. If you are planning on staying in a residence, make use of these people’s services – after all, they are there to help you.

- The audio library provides both academic and non-academic tape-aid for the visually impaired. If you need textbooks or have a lot of prescribed reading for a subject such as English, this might be a good option. Rhonette Rossouw on telephone number 021 689 5983 or e-mail address [email protected] would be able to answer your questions about this service. (Remember: This service is not provided by the University, and the closest tape-aid branch is in Cape Town.)

- Should you experience problems with regard to study fees and accommodation, you could contact the Bursary and Loans Division. Speak to Ms Lynette Williams on telephone number 021 808 4627 or e-mail her at [email protected].

When starting your university career, do not hesitate to inform the people at the SSVO of your needs. There is no other way for them to find out how they can assist you and make your study experience easier. Therefore, make an appointment to go and speak to them. Ms Marcia Lyner-Cleophas (telephone number 021 808 3497 or e-mail address [email protected]) or Ms Melanie Willems (telephone number 021 3675 or e-mail address [email protected]) are waiting to hear from you.

Lastly, there is the Dis-Maties Committee – a group of students with disabilities who are there for others like them. Dis-Maties is meant to assist you with every imaginable problem, and refer you to the right people. What is more, join the association if you simply want to socialise and meet new friends. Contact the chairperson, Sonja Lakemeier, on cell phone number 082 791 9135 or e-mail address [email protected].

In conclusion, a few general remarks: You might feel lonely in the beginning; you might feel that you are the only one who is suffering. Be assured – that is not the case. Yes, maybe it is a bit harder for you, but that is why all of these people and services are there to support you. All first-year students battle at first to get used to the University’s rhythm. Before you know it, you will be dancing through your tertiary career. Best wishes, chin up, and remember, help is never far away. Use the help available to you, and never be afraid of asking.

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