Assistive technology enables inclusion in higher education : the role of Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association
Date
2019-08-22
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
Background: Using assistive technology is one way to foster inclusion of students in the post-school education and training (PSET) sector.
Objectives: Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA) enables the sharing of new knowledge about assistive technologies through its symposia, and making information available on its website. Additionally, it facilitates dialogue and collaboration amongst institutions in the PSET network using a listserv and newsletters, given that PSET institutions are spread countrywide.
Method: This is an article based on a presentation at the 5th African Network of Evidence-to-Action in Disability (AfriNEAD) conference in Ghana in 2017 that focused on the value of assistive technology for students pursuing studies in the PSET sector and the role played by HEDSA in South Africa.
Results: The positive gains and existing gaps in disability inclusion in the higher education sector in South Africa are highlighted, with reference to access to technology. All higher education institutions have internet access and can thereby make use of listservs to communicate information. MapAbility is a way that prospective students can gain a snapshot view of available resources at institutions of learning, using the internet.
Conclusion: An association such as HEDSA plays a critical role in the PSET sector to enhance disability inclusion using online tools to disseminate information.
Description
CITATION: Lyner-Cleophas, M. 2019. Assistive technology enables inclusion in higher education : the role of Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association. African Journal of Disability, 8:a558, doi:10.4102/ajod.v8i0.558.
The original publication is available at https://ajod.org
The original publication is available at https://ajod.org
Keywords
Disability inclusion, Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA), Self-help devices for people with disabilities, Post-school education and training (PSET)
Citation
Lyner-Cleophas, M. 2019. Assistive technology enables inclusion in higher education : the role of Higher and Further Education Disability Services Association. African Journal of Disability, 8:a558, doi:10.4102/ajod.v8i0.558