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UFS campuses inclusive and accessible

17 March 2021 | Story University Estates | Photo UFS Photo Archive

wheelchair ramp_web read more — The UFS is committed to providing inclusive and accessible living, teaching, and learning spaces that are welcoming to all.

In accordance with its vision to be a university that is recognised across the world for excellence in academic achievement and human reconciliation, the University of the Free State (UFS) is committed to providing a universally accessible environment for all students, staff, and visitors on all three of its campuses.

A sense of belonging and togetherness

Creating an accessible environment that is conducive and welcoming to everybody on the campuses – which were not designed with accessibility in mind – is not an easy task. When the principles of universal design and access are applied, the environment and spaces can be enjoyed by all users alike, creating a sense of belonging and togetherness. The common perception that accessibility only provides equitable access and opportunities for persons in wheelchairs is refuted by universal access, stating that it is to the advantage and for the use of everybody. Parents with infants in strollers, delivery persons with trolleys or carrying heavy material, library patrons carrying an armful of books, academic staff with wheeled (rolling) laptop bags, and older people all benefit from the availability of a ramp, elevator, or automated door.

The current accessibility project of the UFS was initiated in 2009, evaluating the accessibility status of the UFS at the time. Priority inaccessible areas and spaces were identified and listed to be converted and improved over a period of five years, revising the list every year. The focus of the project was primarily on areas and spaces where most student activities take place, where specific needs and challenges have been identified, and where specific departments/divisions of the UFS have requested the improvement of access. The project does not only include access to buildings, but also accessible bathrooms, sufficient accessible parking spaces, accessible walkways, and accessibility within the classroom. The emphasis of the project is not only on wheelchair users and persons with mobility impairments, but also on creating an environment that can easily be navigated and used by everybody.

All new infrastructure incorporates accessibility measures

University Estates updated the accessibility reports mid-2020 and identified project priorities up to 2024. Among other things, the key focus areas were to make all walkways wheelchair-friendly, to create ablution facilities for persons with disabilities, to install lifts in buildings, and to install ramps. All new infrastructure by default incorporates accessibility measures in the planning stage.

On the South Campus, ramps were installed around the campus and pathways were made wheelchair-friendly. Entrances to existing lecture halls and other buildings have also been made more user-friendly for persons with disabilities. Additional to the above-mentioned initiatives, the institution has also embarked on a project that seeks to assist the visually impaired to better navigate the campus.

For our Qwaqwa Campus, immediate critical interventions that are in the planning stage and that should be done within the next year, are the creation of accessible ablution facilities in the Administration Building, library, and the Humanities and Education buildings.

WATCH video below:

News Archive

Kovsie Tennis team defends proud USSA record in Cape Town

2015-12-01

In 2014, Kovsies won gold at the USSA Tennis Tournament for the eighth consecutive time. Six players from last year's 12-man squad are in 2015 in Cape Town again available. Photo: Johan Roux

Duke Munro already has six gold medals from the USSA Tennis Tournament in his cupboard, and the Kovsie Tennis team would wish to bid him farewell in a fitting manner during what will probably be his last tournament in Cape Town.

This year's tournament, taking place from 30 November to 4 December 2015, will probably be Munro's last, since he is completing his Master's degree in Quantity Surveying at the University of the Free State (UFS).

He has competed in the USSA Tournament since 2009, and would like to help his team defend its proud record.

UFS aim for ninth consecutive title

Kovsies have won gold at the USSA Tournament for the last eight years. They are the only team who have been able to win the tournament since the combined format was adopted in 2010. In 2007 and 2008, their Women's team won the tournament, and in 2009, their Men's team.

Kovsies will play in group matches against the Universities of Venda and Wits on 30 November 2015, against the University of Cape Town's (UCT's) second team on 1 December 2015, and against UCT's first team on 2 December 2015. The cross and knockout matches will be played on 3 and 4 December 2015.

Other sporting codes

The Sevens Rugby team from the UFS will compete in the USSA Tournament in George on 30 November and 1 December 2015.

For the past two years, the team has won bronze, and will be playing three league matches on 30 November 2015 against the North-West University's Vaal Campus, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's Port Elizabeth Campus, and the Vaal University of Technology.

Kovsies are the current Varsity Sevens Champions after winning the title in Cape Town in April 2015.

Ten Kovsie swimmers took part in the USSA Tournament in Johannesburg from 28 November to 30 November 2015. Last year, Kovsies came third, but unfortunately some of their leading swimmers were unable to take part this year.

The Kovsie Table tennis team will participate in the USSA Tournament in Kimberley from 30 November to 4 December 2015.

Most of the USSA Tournaments in the other sporting codes were either postponed or cancelled because of the recent nationwide student protests. As a result of the protests, exams were written later, and tournaments would have taken place during the holidays.

Only the tennis, table tennis, Sevens rugby, swimming, and cricket B Division in East London will continue.

The USSA Soccer Tournament, to take place at the UFS and the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, was postponed until March 2016.

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