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When asked what their highlights were after a visit to the University of the Free State (UFS), one after another, the children from Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind signed their favourite moments from their visit. The sign language interpreter could barely keep up with interpreting learners’ enthusiastic responses.

“The games we played! The skipping rope! The (special) siren (of an emergency vehicle), the machines to measure heart rates and oxygen levels,” their hands expressed with joy, the interpreter interpreted into words for those who could not follow the signs.

Thirty-one learners between the ages of eight and 12, accompanied by four dedicated educators, spent the day exploring and learning on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. They were warmly welcomed by the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), as well as the UFS Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies in the Faculty of The Humanities, for a morning programme filled with engaging, fun-filled, and educational activities. To ensure every moment was accessible, a skilled team of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters, sponsored by the Academy for Multilingualism, supported communication throughout the day. However, the main language for the day was excitement, love and care by both staff, students and learners alike.

This visit formed part of the Doctor for a Day Deaf Awareness Initiative — a first-of-its-kind UFS project dedicated to promoting inclusivity and celebrating Deaf Awareness Month through meaningful education and engagement.

Hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences

The day began with a thrilling demonstration by paramedics from the Free State College of Emergency Care and Life-Rosepark Hospital. The children learned about the equipment used to save lives: the “jaws of life,” heart rate and oxygen monitors, and the life-saving equipment inside an ambulance. But the moment that truly lit up the learners’ faces was the demonstration of the Rumbler siren fitted to the LifeEMS emergency response vehicle. This unique innovative, low-frequency system creates vibrations that can be felt by everyone — including those who are Deaf — alerting them to the approach of an emergency vehicle.

At the Clinical Simulation and Skills Unit, the learners explored the fascinating world of healthcare and got to practise proper handwashing, discovered the inner workings of the human eye, and learned simple but vital skills such as how to stop nosebleeds, apply bandages, and assist a friend who has lost consciousness.

The fun continued at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, where UFS students from Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Sciences guided the children through exciting activities. From balance and coordination games to memory challenges, breathing exercises, and pegboard tasks for hand function, the learners were fully immersed in play with a purpose. Students from Nutrition & Dietetics, taught the learners about healthy foods by playing a game called “Build My Plate” where they had to build a plate by using the healthy plate model.

Inspiring words and bright futures

The morning programme ended with heartfelt encouragement from UFS staff. Prof Nicholas Pearce, Head of the UFS School of Clinical Medicine, told the learners that their visit left a lasting impression on university staff and students — so much so that many were now inspired to learn sign language themselves. He encouraged the children to dream big and consider returning to UFS one day as students in any field that excites them.

Prof Corlia Janse van Vuuren, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, reminded the learners of their power to shape the future. “As young people, you have the ability to change the world,” she said. “Your visit today has opened our eyes to how we can change the future with you.”

Play with a purpose

As the morning visit came to an end, the children left with more than just memories. Each received a goodie bag from UFS, a special gift from McDonald’s and a Happy Meal sponsored by McDonald’s Bloemfontein.

After their visit to the FHS, the learners headed to the lawns in front of the Main Building for a fun-filled afternoon. Security Services engaged the learners on important topics surrounding safety awareness, as well as ensuring the learners knew that security staff were there to protect and keep them safe.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter, discovery, and inspiration. The SASL UFS students and staff were able to engage in play activities with the learners and thus had an equal opportunity to learn from the learners. A celebration of learning, inclusivity, and the endless possibilities that await the learners of Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind.