Natalie Jordaan (centre), pictured with her family and Prof Jonathan Jansen.

Natalie Jordaan (a profoundly Deaf person, whose first language is South African Sign Language) graduated on 29 March 2012, receiving her BCom IT degree. She was the first profoundly Deaf student (as Sign Language first language) graduating from the Unit for Students with Disabilities of the University of the Free State. She and her deaf parents attended the event.

Natalie was a dedicated student who has proven that no obstacle should stand in one’s way of success. She started her studies in 2004 by bridging with the then called Career Preparation Programme and registered for BEd in 2005 and decided to change her course to BCom IT during 2006.

The Unit for Students with Disabilities supported Natalie throughout her studies amongst others provided the services of South African Sign Language interpreters in her classrooms.  She is brave enough to face life’s challenges and took on another by being employed in the private sector.