By Maia Scheepers
“It is as if it was designed to be marketed as accessible, rather than designed to be used by people who rely on it,” said Cristen Koegelenberg, final-year LLB student.
Wheelchair-using students at Stellenbosch University (SU) say that “accessible” spaces often fall short in practice, turning routine tasks into daily challenges. Ramps too steep to navigate alone, heavy doors causing physical injury, and broken lifts are among the recurring challenges reported by disabled students.
Koegelenberg, who has Spina Bifida, refers to the library as a particular pain point. “The ramp is what I’d say discourages me to use the library the most. It is way too steep to use by myself.” First-year Theology student Asizat Raoof adds that she does not enter the library at all because of the strain put on her manual wheelchair, not wanting to have to ask for help every time she needs to navigate the ramp.
However, Koegelenberg also recognizes spaces where inclusion feels genuine. “If I think of a truly accessible space, like the Victoria Hub, you walk in and you can tell that it makes sense. The doors are slightly wider, the bathrooms on all the floors are accessible, the elevator is big enough and in working order. It feels like accessibility was considered from the beginning rather than just being added as an afterthought.”
Mikayla Morris, a third-year MMed student and ambulatory wheelchair user, describes similar frustrations at the Tygerberg campus. “I have had shoulder injuries because of the heavy doors,” she says. Morris also describes being forced to travel in the road due to poorly constructed sidewalks and non-functional ramps – a situation she says poses real safety risks. The issues do not only affect non-ambulatory and mobility impaired students; those who suffer temporary injuries are equally challenged.
Raoof notes that elevators are frequently busy or broken, sometimes causing her to miss class entirely. She acknowledges that the Disability Unit does, however, try to assist with pressing issues: “They work fast. They try, even if it is not possible.”
Amy Smith, a second-year BA (Visual Arts) student with muscular dystrophy, is appreciative of the available accessibility. “Most of the buildings are accommodating, especially my res, which implemented remote controlled doors for me,” she says, adding that ramps not positioned at building entrances can still be inconvenient, as well as having to scan and push doors before entering.
The challenges are not lost on the university. Luigia Nicholas, Marketing and Training Co-ordinator of SU’s Disability Unit (DU), acknowledges the gaps while outlining ongoing efforts. “We work closely with the facilities management on improving obstacles. There are, however, a budget, priority list and construction timelines. Some of the older buildings have heritage laws that restrict alterations.” The DU is working on a long-term project to make the entire campus accessible. They do regular walkabouts around campus and have open communication with disabled students to stay informed.
Nicholas adds that awareness is key: “We want to encourage staff and students, especially student leaders, to pick up on and speak up about accessibility issues within their faculties,” says Nicholas. “If we are unaware, we cannot help.”
We need this woman in the Netherlands!
Sho, Maia is such a good writer. She should get a raise!!!