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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

Boyden observatory celebrates its achievements

2004-10-05

The red carpet will be rolled out and champagne glasses filled tonight when the Boyden Observatory outside Bloemfontein will launch the first phase of the new science centre.

This phase, which was completed earlier this year, consists of a new auditorium, reception area and paths which connect educational visiting points on the Boyden terrain.

“Over the past two years the Boyden Observatory has been re-sited as a research, educational and public facility. The new facilities are now being utilised for educational and public programmes. The 1,5m Boyden telescope has also recently been upgraded and is used for research purposes,” says Dr Matie Hoffman from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Physics, who is responsible for the management of the centre.

“The Boyden Observatory is a unique facility of the UFS - we are one of the few universities in the world who has its own observatory,” says Dr Hoffman.

“The main purpose of the science centre is to create enthusiasm for science amongst the public. The centre also has a great educational function and focuses specifically on the improvement of the quality of science education in the Free State,” says Dr Hoffman.

Fund-raising for the planned second phase of the science centre, which will consist of interactive in- and outside exhibition areas, will also start tonight. “After the completion of the second phase the Boyden Observatory will probably become the most accessible and public-friendly observatory in the country and a great asset for the Free State Province,” says Dr Hoffman.

A small robotic telescope, which will be controlled from the University College Dublin in Ireland, will also be installed at the Boyden Observatory this year.

“Just as this year is a significant one for the UFS with its centenary celebrations, so it is also a significant one for the Boyden Observatory. The Harvard University in the United States of America started with the construction of the original 1,5 m telescope in its original form 100 years ago, the telescope was put in place at Boyden 70 years ago and Mr Uriah Boyden – the person who donated the money with which the Boyden Observatory was constructed, was born 200 years ago,” says Dr Hoffman.

The first phase of the science centre was built with funds sponsored by the AngloGold Fund, the Shuttleworth Foundation, the Charl van der Merwe Trust and the Lila Theron Trust. Donations from the Friends of Boyden Observatory and other individuals also contributed to the success of the project.

Those who are interested in educational tours of the science centre can contact Dr Hoffman at (051) 401-2322.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 October 2004

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