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UFS CUADS: A universal hub of learning for ASD Students

03 April 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), can be defined as a complex neurobehavioural condition which causes problems with language and communication skills. It also causes a person to have repetitive and rigid behaviour. Autism is characterised by a range of symptoms. World Autism Awareness Day 2019 concentrated effort on spreading awareness about the condition, and trying to break social, environmental, and psychological barriers that hampers autistic people.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Center for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) supports students with ASD by providing them with an alternative assessment venue instead of writing together with other students. CUADS has sound-proof cubicles for the purpose of studying, as well as amanuensis services for writing tests and examinations. This enables the student to settle into a quiet environment without any disturbance, in order to minimise anxiety. The department also actively pursues building relationships between students and lecturers at the UFS to open up communication, which enables optimum support to the student by both the lecturers and CUADS.

There are many subtypes of autism, such as autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. These conditions are mostly influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Due to autism being a spectrum disorder, each person suffering from the condition has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think, and solves problems can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support, and in some cases, live entirely independently.

News Archive

UFS Centenary 2004/05 : October snippets

2004-10-06

CENTENARY CONFERENCE
The proposed Centenary Conference on Democracy, Diversity and Development : Towards a mature and robust society – A critical discourse, refers. Unfortunately many invited contributors are unable to attend on the proposed dates (12 to 15 October 2004) prompting the UFS management to reconsider the timing of the conference. The UFS management has therefore decided to postpone this conference until an appropriate time in 2005.

As a result of this postponement the SAUVCA activities will also no longer be part of the October programme in Bloemfontein.

CENTENARY COMPLEX
The rehabilitation of the existing Reitz Hall and adjoining residence into the Centenary Complex is almost complete.

The inauguration of the complex – Reitz Hall and DF Malherbe House – will take place on Tuesday, the 12th of October 2004. A special open day from 11:00 until 16:00 is planned to enable all staff and students to visit this prestige complex. More detail will be available early October 2004.

FILM PREMIERE
The premiere of an UFS commissioned documentary, as part of its Centenary celebrations, on the remarkable leadership, reconciliatory and nation-building role of King Moshoeshoe, the Basotho leader of the nineteenth century, will take place on Wednesday, the 13th of October 2004. The director of this commissioned documentary is the well-known Max du Preez. Although this event is open to invited guests only, the documentary will also be screened by the SABC later this year. It will also be screened at several other occasions to enable staff and students to experience and discuss this film.

With this film and other projects the University of the Free State wishes to celebrate the legacy of this extraordinary African leader for the Free State and for South Africa.

CENTENARY HONORARY DOCTORATE GRADUATION CEREMONY
A special Honorary Doctorate Graduation Ceremony will take place on the 14th of October 2004 at 19:00 in front of the Main Building on the UFS campus. Twelve honorary doctorate degrees will be awarded to a diverse group of outstanding South Africans and international scholars. The Rector requests the attendance of all staff and students in large numbers during this prestige event.

The following candidates will receive an honorary doctorate degree: Me Antjie Krog, Prof Jakes Gerwel, Mr Karel Schoeman, Dr Frederick van Zyl Slabbert, Prof Saleem Badat, Dr Khotso Mokhele, Prof Robert Bringle, Prof Leo Quayle, Prof Jack de Wet, Prof Kerneels Nel (posthumous), Prof Boelie Wessels en Prof Jaap Steyn .

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