I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all staff and students with disabilities at the University of Dar es Salaam Centre for Disability Services (UDSM-CDS). Currently, we are privileged to offer support services to approximately 20 staff members and 164 students with Special Needs from all the Colleges, Schools, Institutes, and Directorates of the University of Dar es Salaam. Among the 164 students, 19 are postgraduates, and 145 are undergraduates. Our primary objective is to ensure that each individual receives appropriate support services to thrive academically and professionally aiming to promote inclusivity and equal participation in the learning and working environment.
We provide support services to all staff and students with various disabilities, including:
We also offer services to students facing temporary medical conditions or injuries resulting from accidents that may necessitate accommodations within the campus or special arrangements during examinations. Our services vary for each staff member or student depending on the nature and severity of their disability as well as their unique learning or working needs. For instance, staff and students with severe physical impairments receive support with wheelchairs and tricycles to facilitate their mobility, while individuals with total blindness receive teaching and learning materials, as well as examinations in accessible formats, among other services. Similarly, those with total deafness benefit from sign-language interpretation to enhance the accessibility of oral information.
As the CDS, we are honored to be the first centre in Tanzania providing support services to staff and students with special needs in higher learning institutions. We consider it a privilege to contribute to the achievement of educational goals for many graduates with special needs.
To all academic, administrative staff, and service providers, I would like to emphasize that disability is not inability. Individuals with disabilities possess unique capabilities, just like those without disabilities. Therefore, we should focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities, aiming to enhance inclusivity in service provision. Also, disability should be perceived as an opportunity to diversify our services, rather than as a barrier.
To the staff and students with special needs, it is important to remember that people hold different attitudes and perceptions towards disability. Instead of allowing negative attitudes from society to affect you, it is crucial to focus on your own capabilities. You have the power to use society's negative attitudes as an opportunity to educate them and demonstrate your abilities, thereby working towards changing society's perception of people with disabilities.
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the University of Dar es Salaam Centre for Disability Services. Together, let us strive towards a future where every individual, regardless of their disability, can thrive, reach their full potential, and make valuable contributions to the society while also fostering understanding and respect of diversity among the wider University community.
Dr. Sarah Ezekiel Kisanga
Manager, UDSM Centre for Disability Services