Unisa advances inclusive communication and accessibility

Sophy Mabaso from Unisa’s Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) recently facilitated Basic South African Sign Language (SASL) training to students with disabilities in Tshwane, to advance inclusive communication and accessibility within the student community.

The programme was designed to introduce participants to the foundational basics of SASL, including the manual alphabet, common greetings, essential vocabulary, and basic conversational skills. The training also included an overview of Deaf culture and appropriate communication practices to promote respectful and effective engagement with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Delivered over two consecutive days, the sessions combined theoretical instruction with practical exercises, group activities, and scenario-based learning to ensure participants could apply their skills in real-world contexts. By the end of the training, attendees demonstrated competence in basic signed communication, including self-introduction and simple dialogue.

This initiative reflects Unisa’s continued commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment in which all students, regardless of hearing ability, have equal opportunity to participate and communicate. The training further highlights the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools to reduce communication barriers and promote dignity and inclusion.

Future sessions are being considered to support continued learning and proficiency development in South African Sign Language.

* Submitted by Sophy Mabaso, Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities