Shani Little

For Shani Little, giving up on pursuing her studies is not an option as she is focused on her goals, not her disability. Little, a visually impaired student, recently obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences and Social Services under Unisa's College of Human Sciences. She is currently enrolled for the same degree at honour's level, majoring in psychology.

She remarks: "Even when you feel like giving up, please do not. Instead, take one challenge at a time, and seek support." Little started her journey at Unisa in 2001. After enrolling for a degree, she only managed to do two modules and took a break. She says that at the time, she received books on cassette tapes since the Internet was in its infancy. She states: "I struggled to continue. I have the utmost respect and admiration for students with disabilities who studied back then. Technology, online learning, and electronic materials have enhanced opportunities for special-needs students."

Creating an enabling teaching and learning environment for students with disabilities

Unisa's Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) has a vision to be the leading provider of quality services for the institution's students with disabilities. Its mission is to create an enabling teaching and learning environment that leads to the full participation and equalisation of student opportunities. In addition, through various platforms, it creates awareness around the challenges and the rights of persons with disabilities.

Unisa does not believe in the marginalisation of persons with disabilities. Therefore, the university assists the students with, among others, fee reduction applications, sign language interpretation services for deaf students, motivating for assistive devices and access to technology equipment, and accessing study guides and tutorial letters in either Braille, large print, electronic or audio formats.

Little is grateful to Unisa ambassadors for assisting and supporting her unreservedly in her academic journey. "I am grateful for their patience and efficiency, from registration to the graduation phase. They organised accessible electronic textbooks, which helped immensely, and granted me extra time during examinations. They came to my rescue numerous times. I advise students to build relationships with ARCSWiD, their lecturers and other students," asserts Little.

In addition to being an accessible university for students with disabilities, Little also says Unisa is affordable and convenient in terms of time management. Little works as a braille proofreader at an organisation that produces literature in accessible formats for visually impaired learners. She states that she did not have to quit her job to study full time, "therefore," she continues, "Unisa was the best option."

Shani Little (middle) with her supportive husband, Sean Little and daughter, Michel Little attending her graduation ceremony at Unisa

Following her calling against all odds

Little remarks that she always had an interest in people and how their minds work. She says: "I was curious about why people do what they do." She adds: "I have always been a good listener and do not mind listening to people's problems. I wanted to become more equipped to assist them; hence I major in psychology."

Little aims to study further to possibly the highest qualification. After completing her honour's degree, she says she plans to register with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners as a wellness counsellor and would like to open her counselling practice. In addition, she is considering studying other fields that can complement her psychology qualification.

She says: "I encourage fellow students to join Unisa's social media platform groups that are available for various modules. Unisa students are wonderful; we help each other. Also, familiarise yourself with the available technology to make it easier to access books and other study materials."

Little states that students should not let their disabilities stand in the way of their dreams but focus on achieving their goals. She concludes: "Study further; nobody can take away your qualifications. People who are successful in life are usually either great entrepreneurs or well-educated. If you can do one or both, your way to success is open."

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement