Stellenbosch University (SU) is expanding tactile paving to enhance accessibility for visually impaired students. This long-term initiative, ongoing for six to eight years, aims to improve independent navigation across campus. Spearheaded by the Disability Unit in collaboration with Facilities Management and students, the project has steadily grown over the years.
Luigia Nicholas, Marketing and Training Coordinator at the Disability Unit, has played a key role in identifying priority routes. As a former student with a visual impairment, she has firsthand experience with the impact of these pathways. “When I was a student, there were only a few areas with tactile paving, but now we have significantly more pathways that help students navigate independently,” she said.
Implementing tactile paving requires extensive collaboration. The Disability Unit and Facilities Management conduct walkabouts to assess areas needing improvements. Students also report accessibility concerns, such as uneven paving or broken lifts, which Facilities Management addresses within budget constraints. However, challenges such as: funding, municipal regulations, and tree roots affecting paved surfaces have slowed progress.
“Tactile paving is essential for blind or partially sighted students, but installation isn’t always straightforward due to funding constraints and existing infrastructure,” Ms Nicholas said. Heritage laws and municipal jurisdiction over certain areas further complicate the process.
With increasing enrollment of visually impaired students, demand for tactile paving has grown. Orientation and mobility training incorporates these pathways, making their expansion crucial. “Guiding students to use pathways safely and plan routes carefully is an essential part of their independence,” said Dr. Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, head of the Disability Unit.
Beyond aiding the visually impaired, tactile paving signals designated walking areas for all students. However, many inadvertently block pathways by standing on them, leaving bicycles, or parking cars in these spaces, creating obstacles.
SU remains committed to improving accessibility through ongoing consultations and student feedback. Awareness campaigns are being implemented to educate the campus community about the importance of these pathways. “It’s encouraging to see more awareness, but continuous education is needed,” Ms Nicholas emphasized.
Despite challenges, the expansion of tactile paving reflects SU’s dedication to an inclusive campus where all students can navigate safely and independently.
By Agnes Homwe
