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19 March 2019 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Thabo Kessah
Thokozile Thulo
Thokozile Thulo says the UFS has changed its focus in supporting students with disabilities.

The Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) has recently opened a permanent office on the Qwaqwa Campus The centre aims to ensure that the University of the Free State increasingly becomes a universally accessible higher-education institution which embraces students with various disabilities.

Thokozile Thulo, CUADS Assistant Officer at Qwaqwa said: “Our focus has changed from ‘special’ accommodation for individuals to the creation of a learning environment that is welcoming and empowering to all students. Integrated learning and education methodologies and processes are being researched and developed to create more awareness among lecturing staff. This incorporates universal design, faculty instruction and curricula.” 

The CUADS office assists students to gain access to study courses, learning materials, various buildings and residences, computer facilities and specialised exams and tests. For visually-impaired students, study material and textbooks in Braille, audio, e-text or enlarged format are provided. 

The office also supports students with various psychosocial and chronic conditions such as epilepsy and panic disorder, as well as learning difficulties such as dyslexia and hyperactivity. “In addition, we support students with special arrangements such as extra time for tests and exams,” said Thokozile.



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Internationally-renowned futurist proposes innovation in corporate management
2016-05-10

Description: Pieter Geldenhuys  Tags: Pieter Geldenhuys

Pieter Geldenhuys, guest speaker at the seminar, who mapped the future of corporate management  (left) with Dr Vic Coetzee, Senior Director: Information and Communication Technology Services at the UFS (right).
Photo: Hatsu Mphatsoe

Humans need to adapt their thinking to the world’s changes. This is Pieter Geldenhuys’s conviction.

The Information and Communication Technology Services (ICT) at the University of the Free State hosted a seminar on 22 April 2016 at the Bloemfontein Campus. Geldenhuys, the Director of the Institute for Technology Strategy and Innovation at North-West University and internationally-renowned futurist, presented his views on technology, innovation, and corporate management on this occasion.

Geldenhuys, a well- known speaker, academic, and futurist, is in the business of identifying opportunities in the changing technological and social landscape with the aim of assisting companies to prepare for the future, while being an active agent in defining it. Lately, he has been exploring the concept of a new kind of management science, which he believes is a prerequisite for institutions such as ours.

This management science incorporates physics in improving corporate management. “We have an unbelievable grasp of the world of physics,” he said, suggesting that we use our knowledge of nature to capitalise on individual and collective strengths within institutions.

He said that minor changes can change one’s future or that of an organisation completely. He even went as far as to state that the culture of an organisation is the one that determines how well you do. Relating to the adaption of organisations in a constantly changing and dynamic environment, Geldenhuys advised that, “when faced with disruption, don’t retaliate; accept.” 

By making use of different tools, such as technology aw well as social and business trends, Geldenhuys is adamant that corporations and institutions will adapt easily to the world’s complex systems.

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