Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association

Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA) is an advocacy and rights-based non-profit organisation representing disability services in Higher Education Institutions in South Africa, and is recognised and endorsed by the Department of Higher Education and Training, as well as being accepted as a community of practice by Universities South Africa.

HEDSA Infographic that outlines the 8 key objectives. 1. Stimulate dialogue and facilitate critical reflection 2. Promote Rights equity, diversity, and inclusivity 3. Network and cooperate with national bodies 4. Facilitate inclusivity & collaboration at national level 5. Support advocacy & disability-related change management 6. Identify needs and current issues for students with disabilities 7. Undertake projects that are affordable, achievable and appropriate 8. Encourage collaboration research and development of HE institutions

HEDSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (2023 - 2027)

Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom

Chairperson, NMU

Dr Leila Abdool Gafoor

Vice-Chairperson, WITS

Ms Charity Morrison

Secretary, UFS

Ms Anneline Taljaard

Interim Treasurer, Boland TVET College

Dr Maria Ramaahlo

Publicity and Communications, UJ

Mr Nceba Nyanda

Co-opted Member, Lovedale TVET College

Vacant

SAUS Representative

Vacant

SATVETSA Representative

LATEST NEWS

HEDSA Biennial Conference 1-3 October 2025, KZN

The HEDSA Exco is proud to announce that the HEDSA 2025 Biennial Conference under the theme “Neurodiversity matters: Recognising and valuing differences” will be taking place at Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel & Convention Centre from the 1 - 3 October 2025.

Visit www.hedsa.co.za/conference for more info.

HEDSA Highlights

Analysing disability support at South African public universities -HEDSA -USAf Initiative - April, 2025

The USAf Transformation Managers’ Forum (TMF) task team, in collaboration with HEDSA conducted a comprehensive survey to obtain information on and audit the extent to which students and staff with disabilities are included and integrated in public higher education institutions. The HEDSA survey was distributed to the 26 universities and institutions of higher learning in August 2023, completing the data collection by April 2024. The 127-item questionnaire, along with supporting documents, provided the datasets for the analysis. The final report has been sent to Vice-Chancellors’ offices with an emphasis on the need for institutional and leadership buy-in.

HEDSA Gauteng Region Roadshow promotes inclusion at SMU

HEDSA recently hosted its Gauteng Region Roadshow at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). A key highlight of the event was the discussion on how institutions can collaborate to improve disability services. Many institutions shared innovative solutions, such as partnerships with external stakeholders and the implementation of assistive technologies. SMU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, with Khumalo stating: “Our goal at SMU is to create an institution that is truly inclusive, where every student, regardless of ability, has the resources and support to succeed.” Additionally, colleagues were informed about the purpose and structure of disability units, including their placement within institutions, organisational charts, and available services. The National Chairperson, Dr. Delubom emphasised that these units play a vital role in facilitating the integration of students with disabilities, providing support, ensuring the implementation of reasonable accommodations, and advising institutions on universal design principles. The positioning of these units varies across institutions; some fall under the Transformation Office, Student Affairs, or Student Counselling, while in colleges, they are positioned under Student Support Services.

SMU’s commitment to excellence, caring, and social responsiveness was evident throughout the event. The university remains dedicated to working alongside organisations like HEDSA to break barriers and promote inclusivity, ensuring that all students receive equal opportunities to succeed in their academic pursuits.

First Rand Foundation Project: Disability Rights Unit Capacity Building Programme,

Sol Plaaitjie University (SPU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding HEDSA

SPU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HEDSA and UCT to enhance its disability support services through funding received from the First Rand Foundation for the Disability Rights Unit Capacity Building Programme. This partnership aims to improve access and success for students with disabilities at SPU. The MoU follows disability inclusion training for SPU staff, focusing on accessibility and universal design for learning. This initiative underscores SPU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the academic success and wellbeing of all students

HEDSA Eastern Cape Disability Region held their first executive meeting of the year

Joined by the HEDSA Chairperson, Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom who provided training to the executive members. The executive was a representation from Walter Sisulu University, Lovedale TVET and UNISA. As they reflected on the achievements and setbacks of the previous years, HEDSA -EC look forward to carrying out the many activities that they have planned for the year.

University of Zululand academics enlightened on how best to support students with sensory disabilities through HEDSA workshop

The two-day workshop was organised by the Disability Unit under the Student Services Department at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), as endorsed by the Human Resources Department and the offices of the deputy vice-chancellors for teaching and learning as well as institutional support. The objective, according to Disability Coordinator Phiwayinkosi Mjadu, was to capacitate UNIZULU academics to better accommodate students living with visual and hearing impairments during lectures, class assessments and examinations.

USAf task team on implementation of disability policy framework -UFS and HEDSA representatives

HEDSA Community News Highlights

Superpowers for disability access - Wits University

Meet Kabelo Kekana, the top 2024 Grade 12 learner with a disability, now tackling law at Wits

Enrolment of Students with Disabilities and role of Disability Units

VUT advances disability inclusion with online recruitment training session

Pioneering disability inclusion: Wits DRU and Afretec lead the way

The importance of creating awareness of Invisible Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Learning

UJ launches Disability Forum, championing accessibility and inclusion

Mandela University’s Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom elected as Chairperson of HEDSA

TUT disability activist elected as HEDSA Chairperson

ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES

Looking for how to assist students with disabilities with online learning?

Click here to read more

Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies

https://www.hedsa.org.za/training-coursesworkshopscolloquiums

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HEDSA MEMBERSHIP AND LIST SERVE

As the HEDSA community we make use of a list serve to share best practices, ask questions, advise, guide learn from others and just share knowledge and information. If you would like to be added to the listserv, please make contact with Dr Maria Ramaahlo (HEDSA Publicity and Communication) or Ms Charity Morrison (HEDSA Secretariat), at hedsa001@gmail.com, or

MorrisonCY@ufs.ac.za.

HEDSA 2025 Membership Database Registration Form