Overcoming challenges to achieve success is Ms Jordan Lee de Villiers with her proud family.Disability is not Inability - Sports Science Degree Graduate
Ms Jordan-Lee de Villiers (22) has symptoms of both muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy but rose bravely above them to graduate with a Bachelor of Sports Science degree.
‘Considering the choice of degree and given my physical and mental restraints, I am proud and satisfied that I was not only able to complete my undergrad degree but also did so in the allotted time frame,’ said de Villiers
She said her disability cannot be categorised as she has symptoms of both muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. ‘I have a general muscle weakness, lack of co-ordination and a collapsed core. My muscle weakness is quite unique in that it is a diagonal weakness - left lower half and right upper half – which causes me to write and absorb information slower than the average person.’ She was unable to fully participate in all practical assessments.
De Villiers, who hopes to work among geriatric and disabled communities, is in the process of obtaining her driver’s licence which will help in terms of her future aspirations.
Among challenges she encountered during her studies was taking her own notes and not being able to fully partake in all practical sessions and meet time constraints during tests and examinations.
‘The Disability Unit helped me a lot arranging for lecturers to supply me with notes and organising a scribe as well as the extra time I needed for tests and examinations. Fortunately, I had very understanding and supportive peers. The practical lecturers were made aware of my physical limitations and made allowances accordingly,’ said de Villiers.
‘At the start of each semester I produced letters for each lecturer detailing my specific requirements. All lecturers were understanding and accommodating. I was fortunate to write in a separate exam venue, along with a few other special needs students, and thereby was not disturbed when the allocated exam time ended.’
De Villiers thanked UKZN’s Disability Unit, her lecturers, family and peers.
‘I chose this degree specifically as I encounter daily challenges which highlight my physical strengths and weaknesses. By studying for a Bachelor of Sports Science degree, I became more aware of the functions of muscles and how to address strength and flexibility challenges,’ she said.
De Villiers enjoys horse riding. ‘I am a competitive rider and compete at national level. I have my KZN colours in able-bodied dressage, and showing and also obtained my colours for para-dressage and achieved Olympic qualifying scores.’
She really enjoys Durban curry and spending time with her family.
Says de Villiers: ‘A disability is not an inability. One can achieve anything when you set your mind to it.’