Graduate Determined to Change Perceptions about Students with Disabilities

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I grew up in a society where people living with disabilities were often regarded as psychologically troubled and dependent.

So said Ms Nokwabelo Mabaso after obtaining her Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management at UKZN’s Autumn Graduation.

Mabaso (28), who grew up in Weenen in KwaZulu-Natal, was diagnosed with blindness seven years ago but that did not stop her from chasing her dreams. She enrolled at UKZN and completed not one but two degrees with a Bachelor of Social Sciences being her first qualification.

She is now motivated to complete a doctoral qualification.

Looking back on her time at UKZN, Mabaso said one of the most memorable highlights was in her first year when she received an invitation from the Golden Key Honour Society.

‘I am mostly grateful for UKZN’s initiatives to ensure students with disabilities are accommodated in their academic journey.’ The support she received from the University and its Disability Unit were a testament to the significance of inclusive practices in academia.

‘They ensured that for every test or exam I was well accommodated, and that all lecturers were aware of my presence during lectures,’ she said.

Special provisions such as instruction on screen-reading from JAWS software and consultation sessions tailored to her needs also enabled her to navigate her academic journey seamlessly.

‘This was very helpful, as it was difficult for me to follow Power-Point presentations during lectures. During these consultation sessions lecturers would briefly explain important points that may have been presented through graphs and pictures in class,’ she said.

Mabaso is firmly committed to changing society’s perception of individuals with disabilities, aiming to not only inspire, but also to share the knowledge and skills she has acquired with others.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele

Photograph: Supplied