Living with a disability in higher education institution and having to cope with the res life is never easy.

Despite all the difficulties she had faced and the current ones that are unresolvable, UNIZULU student, Ntombizodwa Mabaso never let any circumstances discourage her from attaining her degree.

Mabaso, is a third year Environmental planning and Development student living with an odd disability known as osteogenesis imperfecta. Her choice of studying geography related studies was never intentional. She is a former science student but her disability forced her to change the entire course due to science labs not being accessible to her. However, she is getting familiar with her new course and is optimistic that it will take her far in life.

Although there are some difficulties along the way, she is hoping that she will soon graduate. Some of the difficulties she mentioned regarding the university life is that she always has to reach an understanding with some lecturers to change the lecture halls since some of them aren’t reachable, like the AL’s and the LT’s.

“I find it easy to approach lecturers about such situations, more especially if they’re willing to assist,” she said.

Mabaso also mentioned that though she has been studying almost three years at UniZulu, yet some students still stare at her like it is their first time.

“It used to bother me during my first year but now I understand, people will always stare no matter what,” said Mabaso.

She sometimes has to wait for students to make their way out after every lecture before she can go with her scooter.

Living at res and having to cope all alone wasn’t much of a difficulty for her. Although she may need help here and there but her room is designed to benefit her living condition. Her transition from home to staying at the university, according to her it hasn’t been much of a difference besides the fact that she is now living on her own and has gained more independence.

Mabaso advises all the disabled to avoid people’s judgements and focus on what is worthy.

“Talking about your disability is not a shame, if someone wants to be in your life, they’ll make efforts, you don’t have to change a thing about you, “she added.

Written by: Zekhethelo N. Khumalo

Caption: Ntombizodwa Mabaso, BA (Environmental Planning and Development) student at the University of Zululand.