06 December 2024 | STORY: Tshepiso Kaibe. PHOTO: VUT
2 minutes read time.
On 19 November 2024, the Department of Social Justice and Transformation (SJT) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) held an online training session to raise awareness and educate staff on the recruitment of people with disabilities. This significant event underscored the university’s commitment to inclusivity and advancing equal opportunities within its community.
The session opened with a warm welcome from Mr George Mvalo, Director: SJT, who introduced the purpose of the training. In his address, Mr Mvalo emphasised the university’s goal to ensure an inclusive recruitment process that actively accommodates people with disabilities. He noted that the university is in the midst of a comprehensive review of its policies and strategies related to disability inclusion, underscoring a commitment to a more accessible and supportive environment for all.
Following Mr Mvalo’s opening remarks, Ms Lesa Bradshaw, founder of Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting, took the stage as the keynote speaker. Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting is a pioneering social enterprise that advocates for a disability-confident economy. Ms Bradshaw’s presentation was both insightful and educational, shedding light on the broad scope of what the term “disability” encompasses. She elaborated on the diverse types of disabilities, illustrating the need for a nuanced understanding of disability in the workplace.
Ms Bradshaw also focused on practical approaches to fostering disability inclusion, emphasising how essential it is for organisations to create work environments that are supportive and accommodating. By providing guidance on inclusive hiring practices and addressing barriers to employment, she equipped attendees with the knowledge to actively promote a culture of inclusivity within their respective departments.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Mr Marvigo Mashilwane, who expressed gratitude to Ms Bradshaw for her time, expertise, and dedication. He also extended thanks to everyone in attendance, acknowledging their role in supporting the university’s mission for a more inclusive academic and professional environment.
The event forms part of a series of events VUT has embarked upon as part of Disability Rights Awareness Month.