The use of assistive technology in inclusive education: understanding the experiences of students with learning disabilities at South African universities
- Authors: Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities , Ableism , Learning disabilities South Africa , College students with disabilities South Africa , Inclusive education South Africa , Assistive computer technology , Self-help devices for people with disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425160 , vital:72215
- Description: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of students with learning disabilities in accessing assistive technology at South African universities. The field of learning disabilities is relatively emerging in South Africa. Critical scholarly literature demonstrates that universal access, democratic participation and inclusion remains a challenge for students with learning disabilities in higher education. This research is informed by the Social Model of Disability (SMD) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which are considered vital elements of disability inclusion and transformation in higher education. The social model of disability provides valuable insights into social barriers that continue to marginalise, discriminate and exclude those living with disabilities. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative surveys were utilised to further complement the research. The unit of analysis in this study were students with learning disabilities, academic, library, disability unit, Student Affairs Services and ICT staff members. Two universities were chosen for this purpose: one with a dedicated disability unit and another one still in its infancy in establishing a disability unit. The findings indicate that the disability services offered to the students at the two institutions are qualitatively different. This study reveals glaring gaps at institutional level in the nature and extent of support services available to students with learning disabilities: lack of adequate resources including funding, inaccessible assistive technology, lack of training and expertise and staff attitudes in dealing with students with learning disabilities. The study found that after the students with learning disabilities disclose, they are neglected, and experience negative attitudes and stigma. The study showed that sometimes it is hard and expensive to get accommodations as a student with learning disabilities. The findings suggest that having a dedicated disability unit increases inclusion and awareness about available services compared to universities that do not have them. A concern was raised by the staff members that students with disabilities do not make use of the available assistive technology. This study calls for integrating the universal design for learning with assistive technology to enhance the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in South African universities. This will assist students with learning disabilities to achieve better academic outcomes and complete their tasks more efficiently and independently. This study recognises that the provision of disability services is a costly enterprise but service delivery needs to be fast-tracked regardless. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Access and control of biodiversity in the context of biopiracy: the case of pelargonium sidoides in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
- Authors: Doyle, Anastasia Roxane
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Biopiracy -- South Africa , Traditional ecological knowledge -- South Africa , Plants, Cultivated -- Patents , Biodiversity -- Conservation -- South Africa , Pelargoniums -- Harvesting -- South Africa , Pelargonium sidoides -- Harvesting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76321 , vital:30547
- Description: The purpose of this research is to explore access and control of biodiversity in the context of biopiracy with specific reference to the case of pelargonium sidoides in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. The research is informed by the increased appropriation of local biodiversity and indigenous knowledge by industry as well as global debates on promoting sustainable resource utilisation and sustainable rural livelihoods. This study adopts a two-pronged conceptual approach mainly, Marx’s Ecology and the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Framework (SRLF). The former provides useful insights into the processes and dynamics of power asymmetries between developed and developing countries, capital accumulation, inherent displacement and the predatory nature of capitalism. Whilst the latter addresses how livelihoods are fashioned in a holistic way. As a significant starting point the South African political economy is examined through the lens of the two economies debate. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth interviews, observations and archival research as the primary data collection techniques. Preliminary site visits were conducted to negotiate access. Key informants of the study were representatives of the core groups (interested and affected stakeholders) involved in the case of pelargonium sidoides. Specifically, participants included representatives from the Imingcangathelo Community Development Trust and the Masakhane Community Property Association, local harvesters, local community members, monitoring and enforcement environmental officers, plant breeders (cultivators), scientists, local businessmen involved in natural resource trade, academics, legal representatives and non-governmental organisations. The Rhodes University research ethical guidelines were followed accordingly. The findings of the study suggest that trade in pelargonium sidoides is influenced by a complex and dynamic interplay between the state-industry-rural elite coalitions. Moreover, that this activity is largely centralised and exclusionary. This process is depicted in the unsustainable utilisation of pelargonium sidoides and other natural resources, the dismantling of local livelihoods, exploitation of harvesters and an incoherent environmental governance structure. At the core of this unequal system of exchange is industry, which effectively functions to generate profits whilst dispossessing peripheral communities such as the Masakhane community. The study therefore, argues that in order for local communities to access the trade there needs to be a shift in this system of unequal exchange. Not only regarding beneficiation, but in building community capacity and becoming involved as critical stakeholders in the governance of resources in the study area. The study found that there are competing narratives that inform the status and sustainability of pelargonium sidoides. Furthermore, given the current trajectory of the Masakhane community’s struggle for land, access to natural resources and exclusion from decision-making regarding pelargonium sidoides, the area will continue to be underdeveloped with concomitant poverty, inequality and comprised rural livelihoods.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Biofuels and rural development: A case study of the Mapfura-Makhura Incubator and small-scale farmers in the Limpopo Province
- Authors: Mothupi, Frans Makwena
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1488 , vital:20062
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to examine the livelihood impact of biofuel production on small-scale rural farmers participating in the MMI project in the local districts in Limpopo province. The study is theoretically underpinned by the sustainable livelihoods framework which provides a nuanced analysis of the complex nature of poverty and livelihoods. The framework was used to examine how MMI as a structure with its own processes (incubator model) plays a role in creating a means for farmers to have more access to livelihood assets which would help them achieve improved livelihoods outcome. The findings of this study reflect what has already been articulated in literature about small-scale biofuel projects. This study shows that MMI’s incubator plays an important role for 73% of the farmers to access all of the livelihood assets and ultimately improving their farm income and food security. Furthermore, 90% of the participants admitted to have received support from MMI in a number of ways. This includes the provision of farming inputs, labour and access to markets in addition to training, mentoring and coaching. The study also found that despite the overwhelming support, both MMI and farmers face a number of challenges. Farmers still lack adequate farming inputs, transport, access to markets and vulnerability to natural disasters. MMI faces challenges in raising funds to provide inputs to all their incubatees and lack of adequate mechanization. Lack of transportation affects both farmers and MMI in that farmers find it difficult to access MMI service. In the same light, MMI has found it difficult to reach farmers for post-incubation, coaching and mentoring or delivering inputs; this can be challenging and a costly process. MMI’s biofuel production project has the capability for improving rural livelihoods through agriculture. The study concludes by recommending that MMI should improve its own capacity in order for them to better the lives of the farmers they assist. This study is significant for contributing to a field which has received less academic and research attention in South Africa. Its scholarly contribution will enhance the existing body of knowledge on biofuels and rural development in South Africa
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- Date Issued: 2016