Mafumane Tlhapi

The Student Campus Council in collaboration with the Disability Rights Unit on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus recently held a two-day disability awareness event.

 Themed “Take a few steps in my shoes”, the main objective of the event was to raise awareness on issues of disability and to ensure that the campus community starts to understand that disability affects each and every individual. 

“One of the issues highlighted during the event is that people with disabilities need support and not pity,” says Vida Mutlaneng, coordinator of the Disability Rights Unit.

“To enable participants to experience the daily life of people with disabilities, volunteers were blindfolded, and others were given ear plugs and wheelchairs. It was a great experience to all who participated.

 Vida says this campaign means a lot to her. “The more people know about disability, the easier it will be for disabled students at the NWU to be supported and integrated into the vibrant student life on offer for all students.”

Students and staff who participated said the event was an eye-opener for them, and made them more alert to the different challenges people with disabilities face every day.

 Volunteers participate in the disability awareness event to experience the daily life of people with disabilities.