Beyond Disability: See the Ability, Break the Barriers

UNIVEN Disability Awareness Day calls for understanding, inclusion and equal opportunity

What if, for one moment, we stopped looking at disability as a limitation and started seeing the person, the potential and the possibilities beyond it? Disability is part of the human experience and diversity of our society, yet misunderstanding, stigma and in-accessible environments continue to create barriers that prevent many people from participating fully and equally. Disability Awareness Day on 8 September 2026 at the University of Venda (UNIVEN) is therefore more than a day of awareness, it is a call to open our minds, challenge misconceptions, listen to lived experiences and take action to build a university where accessibility, dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity are not ideals, but a reality for everyone.

The event, hosted by the Disability Student Unit (DSU), will bring together students, academic and support sta , university management, partners, community organisations and other stakeholders from 08:00 at the University Sports Hall. It is an opportunity for the entire UNIVEN community to learn more about disability, challenge stereotypes, promote accessibility and recognise the valuable contributions of persons with disabilities.

L-R: Mr Azwitamisi Gadisi: Acting HOD DSU, Ms Keila Vilanculo: Student Counsellor, and Mr Owen Sirwali

Adding their voices to this important conversation are Mr Azwitamisi Gadisi, Acting HOD of the DSU; Ms Keila Vilanculo, Student Counsellor; Mr Owen Sirwali; Mr Linda Mpo; Ms Tshegofatso Tema; and students Ms Vhugala Phahlane and Ms Christy Tala, whose powerful messages encourage the university community to move beyond awareness towards genuine understanding, inclusion and action.

Why disability awareness matters

According to Mr Azwitamisi Gadisi, Acting Head of the Disability Student Unit (DSU), disability is an important part of human diversity, and creating an inclusive environment is a shared responsibility.

“Disability is part of human diversity. Inclusion is a responsibility we all share.” Disability awareness is about much more than knowing that different types of disabilities exist. It is about understanding the experiences of persons with disabilities and recognising that many of the challenges they face are created not only by their disabilities, but also by physical, social, communication and attitudinal barriers.

A building without accessible facilities, information that is not available in accessible formats, negative stereotypes or assumptions about what a person with a disability can or cannot do can all become barriers to participation.

Disability awareness encourages us to ask a different question: What can we change to make sure everyone can participate? According to Mr Owen Sirwali, the event provides an opportunity to learn more about disability, challenge barriers and misconceptions, promote accessibility and recognise the valuable contribution of persons with disabilities within the university and society.

L-R: Mr Linda Mpo, Ms Tshegofatso Tema, Ms Vhugala Phahlane, and Ms Christy Tala

Listen to lived experiences

One of the most powerful ways to understand disability is to listen to people who experience it every day.

For Ms Vhugala Phahlane, a disabled student pursuing a Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems at UNIVEN, the event provides an important platform for disabled students to share their experiences and help others understand campus life from their perspective.

She encourages students and staff to attend with open minds and a willingness to learn, interact respectfully and gain a better understanding of the experiences of disabled students. Her message is simple: “Come with an open mind and leave with a deeper under-standing”.

Similarly, Ms Tshegofatso Tema challenges the university community to look beyond the assumptions that often surround disability. She emphasises that the event is not only for persons with disabilities but also for everyone. “Come and learn, listen, and be part of the change,” she urges.

Disability does not erase ability

For Christy Tala, a UNIVEN student, disability awareness is also about recognising the abilities, talents and potential of persons with disabilities. Her message captures the spirit of the day: in the word “disability” lies “ability.”

This perspective is important because people with disabilities should not be defined solely by their limitations. They are students, academics, professionals, innovators, leaders, researchers, parents, colleagues and community members with talents and aspirations like everyone else. True inclusion, therefore, means creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate, contribute, lead, and succeed.

Accessibility bene its everyone

Creating an accessible university is not simply about meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Accessibility can make the university better for everyone. Clear communication, accessible buildings, inclusive teaching practices, supportive services and an environment free from discrimination create a stronger institution where more people can participate fully. As Ms Keila Vilanculo, Student Counsellor, puts it, the event is an opportunity for the UNIVEN community to raise awareness, promote understanding and strengthen its commitment to an inclusive and accessible university.

Mr Linda Mpo echoes this vision: “Let us build a University of Venda where everyone belongs, everyone participates, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Inclusion starts with all of us

Disability Awareness Day reminds us that inclusion is not the responsibility of the Disability Student Unit alone. It is a collective responsibility. It begins with how we speak to and about persons with disabilities. It continues with how we design our spaces, provide information, teach, work, communicate and re-spond to people’s different needs.

Most importantly, inclusion requires us to listen to persons with disabilities and involve them in decisions that affect their lives. On 8 September 2026, the UNIVEN community has an opportunity to do exactly that: listen, learn, ask questions, challenge misconceptions and reflect on what each of us can do to remove barriers.

Because awareness should lead to action. And when we create a university where everyone belongs, everyone participates, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, we do more than support persons with disabilities; we build a better university for all. “Let us move beyond awareness to action and work together to build a University of Venda where every person is valued, every barrier is challenged, and everyone has the opportunity to belong, participate and succeed.”

Come ready to learn. Come ready to listen. Leave ready to make a difference.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811