You already have everything you need to succeed

To graduate is a milestone worth celebrating for any student. It is even more so for students who had to overcome formidable obstacles along the way. Such a student is Tsholofelo Modisane who recently got her honours degree in Education (Specialisation in Psycho-Educational Support). Beaming with pride, she says: “I am honoured, delighted and privileged to receive my Unisa degree.”

Because Modisane has a medical condition called retinitis pigmentosa, she is blind at night and has tunnel vision by day. Explaining some of the challenges she faced during her studies, she says: “I struggled to read the study materials and textbooks. I still experience great challenges when it comes to textbooks as not all of them are available in audio versions.” She added that where it would take a person with normal eyesight fifteen minutes to read one page, it would take her an hour to read the same page. “During exams, I also had trouble seeing the monitor when I had to submit exam papers,” she said.

Tsholofelo Modisane

Determined to finish her studies, Modisane realised that she simply had to stick it through and find the inspiration within herself. She would often tell herself: “I already have everything I need inside of me to achieve every goal I set for myself.” So she dug her heels in and got not only her undergraduate but also her honours degree. Another source of inspiration was her blind friend who has published a book. If her friend could do it, Modisane knew that she could also do it, whatever the odds.

Unisa’s commitment

As a university in the service of humanity, Unisa is committed to ensuring an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. The university contributed to Tsholofelo’s learning experience and success by creating an enabling environment to address her learning needs. She explains: “All my study materials were enlarged to A3 size. I had to use different devices and applications such as a narrator and magnifier, to enlarge everything on my laptop screen. Sometimes I had to use a magnifying glass and an extremely bright lamp to study.”

Modisane’s academic journey required great commitment. Today she is a proud Unisa alumnus and encourages other students to believe in themselves. She advises other students with disabilities: “Don’t give up on your studies or your goals because of your circumstances. Believe that you already have everything you need to succeed in you. You can do it!”

A university that believes in equal opportunities helps students with disabilities to succeed. When she was asked why she decided to study at Unisa, Modisane answered that Unisa made it possible for her to study at her own pace without any pressure. Additionally, Unisa is committed to help all students achieve their dreams. The university produces study material in alternative formats to cater for the diverse needs of students with disabilities. These formats include braille, large print, audio, electronic and DAISY. At registration, disabled students can choose the format that suits their needs.

For students with a hearing impairment, Unisa offers sign language services during career counselling, tutorial classes, examinations, graduations, and whenever the need arises. At its regional centres, dedicated multi-purpose centres accommodate students with disabilities.

The future

Modisane’s plans for the future include doing her master's degree, helping her community, and “working with young adults to encourage them to pursue their dreams and reminding them that they can be who they want to be and achieve the things they want to achieve.”

*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement