The North-West University (NWU) Disability Rights Unit recently received donations in the form of laptops and technology devices such as large-print yellow-on-black keyboards for the visually impaired.

This follows the launch of a collaborative project – sponsored by the Sasol Social and Community Trust – between the NWU, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation and the South African Library for the Blind.

This venture aims to support and enhance existing services for the visually impaired, and will benefit 24 established mini community libraries for the blind in North West municipalities, including one on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

Disability Rights Unit coordinator Vida Mutlaneng says the laptops – which include specialised software for blind users – will help students with their studies.

Third-year BCom student Lesego Molefe and one of the laptop recipients, says he is grateful.

“I wish to thank the Disability Rights unit for ensuring that we receive the necessary support. This laptop will help me reach my full potential,” says Lesego.

Other supportive technologies for the visually impaired that are available at the unit include screen and video magnifiers, reading machines, scanners, optical character recognition software, Braille and tactile technology, alternative hardware, and audio and e-books.

Vida Mutlaneng hands a laptop to NWU student Lesego Molefe.