“Some of the take-home points were centred around the need for ongoing staff training to conscientise them about the less visible disabilities and being sensitive and understanding instead of second-guessing or forgetting about students' needs. Flexibility and individualisation in teaching, learning, and assessment practices were also emphasised, as well as the importance of check-ins by educators with students," explained Lyner-Cleophas.
?During the discussion, student panelists highlighted their concerns regarding how Casual Day is celebrated at school level, where discussions and awareness creation about physical and mental disabilities are not common or may not happen at all.
“The students felt that there was a need for more conscientisation and awareness campaigns at schools."
Lyner-Cleophas said that the Disability Unit has also seen an increase in requests for quiet spaces, as some shared campus spaces become very noisy when you have large crowds of students present. For some neurodiverse individuals, this can lead to sensory stimuli overload, which can lead to anxiety, feeling distressed, or uncomfortable in such a space.
“Students are encouraged to use spaces such as the SU Botanical Gardens, which they can enter free of charge with their student card, find quieter spaces in academic buildings where there is seating, spend time in the computer-user areas, such as HUMARGA or FHARGA, or utilise the hub spaces within some of the clusters that are open to students from that cluster.
She also recommends networking with other students to find out where they go to get centered.
Added Nicholas: “We really need society to be more cognisant of inclusion, with specific reference to people with disabilities on campus."
By participating in Casual Day, Stellenbosch 肆客足球 supports the Stellenbosch Work Centre (SWC) through sticker sales, of which a certain percentage goes to the SWC. A percentage of ticket sales also go to the national body that arranges the annual Casual Day event, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
?More information on the Stellenbosch Work Centre can be found at www.stellenboschworkcentre.org.za. They can be contacted via e-mail at info@stellenboschworkcentre.org.za.
