An examination of the use and value of support systems for people living with HIV/AIDS in Makhanda
- Authors: Gorham, Catherine Margaret
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons South Africa Makhanda , AIDS (Disease) Patients South Africa Makhanda , Social networks , Diseases Social aspects , Health services accessibility , Narrative
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432411 , vital:72868 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432411
- Description: Through the experiences of five people, this study asks how support systems develop, are used and are valued for those faced with the everyday challenges of living with HIV. Additional evidence is found in accounts from those identified as essential sources of support. These are primarily friends, sometimes family. This perspective is rounded out by insights gathered from those working in local organisations and in the analysis of services offered by the state. The three women and two men at the centre of this study live in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is characterised by extremes of poverty and wealth, reflected in low employment, expanding informal and low-income settlement areas but also in a high level of community activism and access to resources. Each of the five tested positive for HIV variously between 1998 and 2008. These years were pivotal in the development of the local and national epidemic. The rapid expansion of infection rates, contestation over forms of and access to treatment, followed by emphasis of a biomedical response, in equal measure bracket and cut across their experiences. To this point, research is less concerned with what individual experiences say about living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Preoccupations lie more generally with macro- or micro-level factors, with behaviour change, managing risk and so public health – not the processes linking individual circumstances and choices to opportunities and outcomes described by individual, community and structural, socio-economic contexts. Personal accounts and observations of a developing, community-based, local response to an unfolding epidemic are therefore considered against the analysis of available medical and nonmedical resources. This enables identification and investigation of social processes operating between proximal and distal conditions, determining possibilities for access to support. The focus of this study thus falls to the interrelations of structure, agency and action. It contributes to an empirical and theoretical understanding of what “support” is, what “coping” means and what unfolds where diagnosis with HIV disrupts and challenges existing ways of coping and forms of support. The accounts gathered for this study offer an “insider” perspective, focused on what follows from testing positive to identifying what resources hold significance. Connections between individual, community and society, through psycho-social, local and macro-level processes are explored. Along with the empirical study of individual accounts, the thesis offers a theoretical framework that uses a grounded-theory approach in conjunction with the tools of narrative analysis. These are critically adapted from a sociology of illness studies. Ideas of risk and response, of material and social capital, of the nature of HIV/AIDS as an experience that is inclusive of both chronic, everyday challenge and critical, life-threatening crisis disrupting a sense of time, biography and self, are brought together in the analysis. In this way the understanding of what support means, how it develops and is used (systematically or not), and of the links operating between structural and social conditions, individual agency and action, can be developed. What the thesis finds is that, beyond the medical system of hospitals and clinics, there is surprisingly little use of available resources. There is thus an absence of any systematic support for those faced with the physical, psychological, social and material impacts of HIV/AIDS. Given the nature of personal circumstances, embedded as they are within local conditions that reflect structural constraints of the broader economy and society, this should not be surprising. A system of support exists in only the most limited definition. Against this, what is novel in these findings is the role that psycho-social processes play in negotiating these conditions and how this works, determining what unfolds. A key finding is that it is more through chance than choice that people do find conventional forms of support. The reasons for this have to do not only with limitations to state and institutional capacity, but also with the impact on individuals of perceptions of themselves shaped by the impact of the epidemic and also the past. The result is that under the burden of HIV/AIDS, in the context of extreme inequalities and the absence of an adequate response from the state, already invisible individuals who do not “count” run the risk of becoming doubly invisible. It is through a process of personal adaptation in which shifts in identity and a sense of self are key that they must find their own way. This involves re-conceptualisations of identity, a sense of self and place in the world. The focus on five people and the community in which they live is a limit to the scope of study Yet it is this focus which allows for a new understanding of the social processes involved, and so the links operating between individuals and society. This is of significance beyond the study of HIV/AIDS alone, contributing to the broader sociological project of understanding what it means to “be human”. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Gorham, Catherine Margaret
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons South Africa Makhanda , AIDS (Disease) Patients South Africa Makhanda , Social networks , Diseases Social aspects , Health services accessibility , Narrative
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432411 , vital:72868 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432411
- Description: Through the experiences of five people, this study asks how support systems develop, are used and are valued for those faced with the everyday challenges of living with HIV. Additional evidence is found in accounts from those identified as essential sources of support. These are primarily friends, sometimes family. This perspective is rounded out by insights gathered from those working in local organisations and in the analysis of services offered by the state. The three women and two men at the centre of this study live in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is characterised by extremes of poverty and wealth, reflected in low employment, expanding informal and low-income settlement areas but also in a high level of community activism and access to resources. Each of the five tested positive for HIV variously between 1998 and 2008. These years were pivotal in the development of the local and national epidemic. The rapid expansion of infection rates, contestation over forms of and access to treatment, followed by emphasis of a biomedical response, in equal measure bracket and cut across their experiences. To this point, research is less concerned with what individual experiences say about living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Preoccupations lie more generally with macro- or micro-level factors, with behaviour change, managing risk and so public health – not the processes linking individual circumstances and choices to opportunities and outcomes described by individual, community and structural, socio-economic contexts. Personal accounts and observations of a developing, community-based, local response to an unfolding epidemic are therefore considered against the analysis of available medical and nonmedical resources. This enables identification and investigation of social processes operating between proximal and distal conditions, determining possibilities for access to support. The focus of this study thus falls to the interrelations of structure, agency and action. It contributes to an empirical and theoretical understanding of what “support” is, what “coping” means and what unfolds where diagnosis with HIV disrupts and challenges existing ways of coping and forms of support. The accounts gathered for this study offer an “insider” perspective, focused on what follows from testing positive to identifying what resources hold significance. Connections between individual, community and society, through psycho-social, local and macro-level processes are explored. Along with the empirical study of individual accounts, the thesis offers a theoretical framework that uses a grounded-theory approach in conjunction with the tools of narrative analysis. These are critically adapted from a sociology of illness studies. Ideas of risk and response, of material and social capital, of the nature of HIV/AIDS as an experience that is inclusive of both chronic, everyday challenge and critical, life-threatening crisis disrupting a sense of time, biography and self, are brought together in the analysis. In this way the understanding of what support means, how it develops and is used (systematically or not), and of the links operating between structural and social conditions, individual agency and action, can be developed. What the thesis finds is that, beyond the medical system of hospitals and clinics, there is surprisingly little use of available resources. There is thus an absence of any systematic support for those faced with the physical, psychological, social and material impacts of HIV/AIDS. Given the nature of personal circumstances, embedded as they are within local conditions that reflect structural constraints of the broader economy and society, this should not be surprising. A system of support exists in only the most limited definition. Against this, what is novel in these findings is the role that psycho-social processes play in negotiating these conditions and how this works, determining what unfolds. A key finding is that it is more through chance than choice that people do find conventional forms of support. The reasons for this have to do not only with limitations to state and institutional capacity, but also with the impact on individuals of perceptions of themselves shaped by the impact of the epidemic and also the past. The result is that under the burden of HIV/AIDS, in the context of extreme inequalities and the absence of an adequate response from the state, already invisible individuals who do not “count” run the risk of becoming doubly invisible. It is through a process of personal adaptation in which shifts in identity and a sense of self are key that they must find their own way. This involves re-conceptualisations of identity, a sense of self and place in the world. The focus on five people and the community in which they live is a limit to the scope of study Yet it is this focus which allows for a new understanding of the social processes involved, and so the links operating between individuals and society. This is of significance beyond the study of HIV/AIDS alone, contributing to the broader sociological project of understanding what it means to “be human”. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Assessment of Pitman Model Capabilities in Modelling Surface Water-Groundwater Interactions in the Lake Sibaya Catchment, South Africa
- Authors: Ramatsabana, Phatsimo Pearl
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424188 , vital:72131
- Description: Difficulties arising from data scarcity, input data error or uncertainty, heterogeneous environments, lack of process understanding, and model structural uncertainty frequently constrain hydrological assessments of South African catchments. This research aimed to assess the usefulness of a “simpler” conceptual model for the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater. The idea is that, to leverage the limited available data and information, a compromise between model complexity and data availability is required, which improves the use of models to produce reliable hydrological systems assessments. The research methodology focused on catchment-scale lake-groundwater dynamics to explore the limits of the groundwater components of the modified Pitman model (Hughes, 2004) in this type of environment, thus, determining the potential for using this model for integrated water assessments in South Africa. The Pitman model (Pitman, 1973; Hughes, 2013) is one of the most widely accepted models regarding surface water hydrology in South Africa; however, the newly incorporated groundwater components (Hughes, 2004) have not been applied as extensively as the surface water components. There remains uncertainty regarding their capability to adequately simulate groundwater processes and accurately represent surface and groundwater interactions in some environments. The model was assessed based on how well simulated water balance variables accurately reflected available evidence and expected catchment response (objective 1). Secondly, the research identified and addressed uncertainties as regards the structure and application of the model’s groundwater interaction components (objective 2). The model was set up for the Lake Sibaya catchment, which is a predominantly groundwater-driven system and, thus, provides an important opportunity to interrogate different aspects of uncertainty in both the conceptualizing and quantifying interaction processes. The study’s overall conclusion is that the model performed satisfactorily as it was able to simulate the lake’s water balance correctly enough such that the influences of dominating components were sensibly reflected in variations in streamflow and lake volumes. The following key findings were noted; (i) the lake volume shows a continuous decline, (ii) the lake volume decreased with increasing development (forestry and abstractions) in the lake catchment, (iii) there is significant rainfall uncertainty in the study area and the model showed high sensitivity to rainfall differences, (iv) robust conceptual knowledge of local catchment conditions was valuable for reducing some of the data related uncertainty in the study area and for producing realistic model simulations, (v) the Pitman model (Hughes, 2013) updated GW components can provide a valuable tool for modelling integrated hydrological processes; nevertheless, when applying the model to specific environments, implicit approaches may be necessary to account for processes that are not fully represented in the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Ramatsabana, Phatsimo Pearl
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424188 , vital:72131
- Description: Difficulties arising from data scarcity, input data error or uncertainty, heterogeneous environments, lack of process understanding, and model structural uncertainty frequently constrain hydrological assessments of South African catchments. This research aimed to assess the usefulness of a “simpler” conceptual model for the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater. The idea is that, to leverage the limited available data and information, a compromise between model complexity and data availability is required, which improves the use of models to produce reliable hydrological systems assessments. The research methodology focused on catchment-scale lake-groundwater dynamics to explore the limits of the groundwater components of the modified Pitman model (Hughes, 2004) in this type of environment, thus, determining the potential for using this model for integrated water assessments in South Africa. The Pitman model (Pitman, 1973; Hughes, 2013) is one of the most widely accepted models regarding surface water hydrology in South Africa; however, the newly incorporated groundwater components (Hughes, 2004) have not been applied as extensively as the surface water components. There remains uncertainty regarding their capability to adequately simulate groundwater processes and accurately represent surface and groundwater interactions in some environments. The model was assessed based on how well simulated water balance variables accurately reflected available evidence and expected catchment response (objective 1). Secondly, the research identified and addressed uncertainties as regards the structure and application of the model’s groundwater interaction components (objective 2). The model was set up for the Lake Sibaya catchment, which is a predominantly groundwater-driven system and, thus, provides an important opportunity to interrogate different aspects of uncertainty in both the conceptualizing and quantifying interaction processes. The study’s overall conclusion is that the model performed satisfactorily as it was able to simulate the lake’s water balance correctly enough such that the influences of dominating components were sensibly reflected in variations in streamflow and lake volumes. The following key findings were noted; (i) the lake volume shows a continuous decline, (ii) the lake volume decreased with increasing development (forestry and abstractions) in the lake catchment, (iii) there is significant rainfall uncertainty in the study area and the model showed high sensitivity to rainfall differences, (iv) robust conceptual knowledge of local catchment conditions was valuable for reducing some of the data related uncertainty in the study area and for producing realistic model simulations, (v) the Pitman model (Hughes, 2013) updated GW components can provide a valuable tool for modelling integrated hydrological processes; nevertheless, when applying the model to specific environments, implicit approaches may be necessary to account for processes that are not fully represented in the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Just stories?: Epistemic (in)justice and everyday resistance in the digital stories of family literacy practices by Grade 1-5 workers at a South African University
- Authors: Viedge, Jane Margaret
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432308 , vital:72860
- Description: This thesis sets out to establish in what ways digital storytelling (DST) revealed instances of epistemic (in)justices inherent in the family literacy intervention experiences of four Black, working-class parents employed at a South African University1. Additionally, it explores how DST might be used by the participants (self-labelled the Storytelling Family Literacy - SFL Advocates) to correct any harm done. The context for the research is based on the deep-rooted harms of Bantu education in which Black South Africans were denied equal access to resources such as literacy practices. I investigated these aims by using the theories of DST, Communication for Social Change (C4SC) and epistemic (in)justice. As a participatory media practice supporting communications in marginalised communities, DST’s broad purpose is to assist these communities in telling stories of their lived experiences in ways that change dominant and, therefore, unchallenged views about them (Servaes & Malikhao 2014). In facilitating DST workshops with the SFL Advocates, I searched for evidence of epistemic (in)justice to enhance our (all stakeholders) understanding of their literacy experiences in ways that addressed their credibility status as ‘knowers’ (Fricker, 2007). Viewed through this lens, utilising DST provided a mechanism for understanding the impact of social interventions in a university setting that aimed to correct past injustices. The process involved online and face-to-face workshops with the participants during the Covid-19 Lockdown. The online format hampered data collection processes, and I resorted to face-to-face interactions for the workshops and interviews. These interactions were distinctly different from those I had experienced with participants in previous workshops, and they became a key focus in my analysis. Using narrative inquiry with critical realist and interpretive analysis techniques to interrogate the data, I discovered DST has both weaknesses and strengths as a C4SC communication tool. My findings revealed participants who, in the moment of leading their children and communities through the family literacy intervention, could claim to have redressed epistemic harms from the legacy of Apartheid education. However, by reflecting on this moment, the participants brought to light an epistemic harm that had been previously left unspoken: their sense of restored credibility as knowledge-bearers during the intervention was deeply shaken when the programme ended because they felt abandoned by the university. Therefore, the epistemic (in)justice lens unveiled hidden injustices that curtailed the participants’ ability to participate fully in the DST workshops. They described suffering the effects of pernicious and arbitrary acts of epistemic injustice at the hands of the University. Their participation in my workshops was erratic, and their stories were incomplete. As a result, I experienced difficulty analysing what I perceived as a lack of data. Moreover, despite my independent researcher status, my positionality as participant-observer was problematic as the participants may have perceived me as representative of the University and its institutional power. I responded to the problematic data by including a new theoretical framework in my analysis: the theory of everyday resistance (Vinthagen & Johansson, 2013). Combined with epistemic (in)justice theory and Vivienne’s ideas of using DST for everyday activism, I theorised how the participants negotiated their expressions of identity in epistemically unjust spaces. To put institutional epistemic injustice in perspective in the context of the University, I drew on Fricker’s three models of epistemic justice that enable fair and free conditions for marginalised workers to communicate for social change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Viedge, Jane Margaret
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432308 , vital:72860
- Description: This thesis sets out to establish in what ways digital storytelling (DST) revealed instances of epistemic (in)justices inherent in the family literacy intervention experiences of four Black, working-class parents employed at a South African University1. Additionally, it explores how DST might be used by the participants (self-labelled the Storytelling Family Literacy - SFL Advocates) to correct any harm done. The context for the research is based on the deep-rooted harms of Bantu education in which Black South Africans were denied equal access to resources such as literacy practices. I investigated these aims by using the theories of DST, Communication for Social Change (C4SC) and epistemic (in)justice. As a participatory media practice supporting communications in marginalised communities, DST’s broad purpose is to assist these communities in telling stories of their lived experiences in ways that change dominant and, therefore, unchallenged views about them (Servaes & Malikhao 2014). In facilitating DST workshops with the SFL Advocates, I searched for evidence of epistemic (in)justice to enhance our (all stakeholders) understanding of their literacy experiences in ways that addressed their credibility status as ‘knowers’ (Fricker, 2007). Viewed through this lens, utilising DST provided a mechanism for understanding the impact of social interventions in a university setting that aimed to correct past injustices. The process involved online and face-to-face workshops with the participants during the Covid-19 Lockdown. The online format hampered data collection processes, and I resorted to face-to-face interactions for the workshops and interviews. These interactions were distinctly different from those I had experienced with participants in previous workshops, and they became a key focus in my analysis. Using narrative inquiry with critical realist and interpretive analysis techniques to interrogate the data, I discovered DST has both weaknesses and strengths as a C4SC communication tool. My findings revealed participants who, in the moment of leading their children and communities through the family literacy intervention, could claim to have redressed epistemic harms from the legacy of Apartheid education. However, by reflecting on this moment, the participants brought to light an epistemic harm that had been previously left unspoken: their sense of restored credibility as knowledge-bearers during the intervention was deeply shaken when the programme ended because they felt abandoned by the university. Therefore, the epistemic (in)justice lens unveiled hidden injustices that curtailed the participants’ ability to participate fully in the DST workshops. They described suffering the effects of pernicious and arbitrary acts of epistemic injustice at the hands of the University. Their participation in my workshops was erratic, and their stories were incomplete. As a result, I experienced difficulty analysing what I perceived as a lack of data. Moreover, despite my independent researcher status, my positionality as participant-observer was problematic as the participants may have perceived me as representative of the University and its institutional power. I responded to the problematic data by including a new theoretical framework in my analysis: the theory of everyday resistance (Vinthagen & Johansson, 2013). Combined with epistemic (in)justice theory and Vivienne’s ideas of using DST for everyday activism, I theorised how the participants negotiated their expressions of identity in epistemically unjust spaces. To put institutional epistemic injustice in perspective in the context of the University, I drew on Fricker’s three models of epistemic justice that enable fair and free conditions for marginalised workers to communicate for social change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The complexities of transfer pricing methods and the role of advance pricing agreements and tax audits in addressing disputes
- Authors: Ndou, Wavhudi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Transfer pricing Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , Advance pricing agreement , Double taxation , Arms-length transactions , Tax auditing , Advance tax ruling , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , United Nations , World Bank
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419631 , vital:71661
- Description: Base erosion and profit shifting is defined as the use of tax planning strategies by multinational enterprises, often through exploiting gaps and mismatches between the countries in which they operate (OECD, 2021: p. 1). Multinational enterprises exploit these gaps through the use of transfer pricing. Goods and services are exchanged between connected persons or associated enterprises at prices that do not reflect their arm’s length price, in order to shift profits from high tax to low tax jurisdictions. In terms of section 31 of the Income Tax Act, transactions between connected persons or associated enterprises must be reflected at their arm’s length price. Transfer pricing has become an issue due to the difficulties in determining an appropriate arm’s length price. Disputes arise between a taxpayer and a tax administration on the methods to use to determine an appropriate transfer price. The use of Advance Pricing Agreements prevents these disputes from arising and provides tax certainty on the treatment of transactions for both the taxpayer and the tax administration. While the OECD recommends the use of Advance Pricing Agreements as a method to prevent disputes from arising, the OECD also argued that if a country has the resources to conduct an audit, an Advance Pricing Agreement will not lead to increased revenue collection. The research therefore analyses the problems faced in determining an appropriate arm's length price and compares the role that Advance Pricing Agreements and audits play in addressing transfer pricing issues. The possible role of Advance Tax Rulings is also explored, but they are found not to be suitable, except for the most simple transactions. The research applies a legal interpretative, doctrinal research methodology and a qualitative research method. The data comprised of relevant South African tax legislation, OECD Guidelines, the World Bank Handbook, and the UN Manual, together with the writings of acknowledged experts in the field. The study establishes that a proper functioning audit system is crucial to increasing revenue collection once a country implements an Advance Pricing Agreement. The research therefore recommends the adoption of Advance Pricing Agreements in South Africa as a dispute prevention measure. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Ndou, Wavhudi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Transfer pricing Taxation Law and legislation South Africa , Advance pricing agreement , Double taxation , Arms-length transactions , Tax auditing , Advance tax ruling , Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , United Nations , World Bank
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419631 , vital:71661
- Description: Base erosion and profit shifting is defined as the use of tax planning strategies by multinational enterprises, often through exploiting gaps and mismatches between the countries in which they operate (OECD, 2021: p. 1). Multinational enterprises exploit these gaps through the use of transfer pricing. Goods and services are exchanged between connected persons or associated enterprises at prices that do not reflect their arm’s length price, in order to shift profits from high tax to low tax jurisdictions. In terms of section 31 of the Income Tax Act, transactions between connected persons or associated enterprises must be reflected at their arm’s length price. Transfer pricing has become an issue due to the difficulties in determining an appropriate arm’s length price. Disputes arise between a taxpayer and a tax administration on the methods to use to determine an appropriate transfer price. The use of Advance Pricing Agreements prevents these disputes from arising and provides tax certainty on the treatment of transactions for both the taxpayer and the tax administration. While the OECD recommends the use of Advance Pricing Agreements as a method to prevent disputes from arising, the OECD also argued that if a country has the resources to conduct an audit, an Advance Pricing Agreement will not lead to increased revenue collection. The research therefore analyses the problems faced in determining an appropriate arm's length price and compares the role that Advance Pricing Agreements and audits play in addressing transfer pricing issues. The possible role of Advance Tax Rulings is also explored, but they are found not to be suitable, except for the most simple transactions. The research applies a legal interpretative, doctrinal research methodology and a qualitative research method. The data comprised of relevant South African tax legislation, OECD Guidelines, the World Bank Handbook, and the UN Manual, together with the writings of acknowledged experts in the field. The study establishes that a proper functioning audit system is crucial to increasing revenue collection once a country implements an Advance Pricing Agreement. The research therefore recommends the adoption of Advance Pricing Agreements in South Africa as a dispute prevention measure. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The use of assistive technology in inclusive education: understanding the experiences of students with learning disabilities at South African universities
- Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- 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
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- 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
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
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