At ProAccess, we believe that every learner deserves the chance to dream big and pursue higher education—no matter the barriers they face. That’s why we were proud to support a special university tour for Filadelfia Secondary School learners at the University of Pretoria on 14 May 2025.
This initiative was designed not just to inspire, but to provide practical support to visually impaired learners who are considering their future beyond high school. The tour gave the learners a real sense of what university life looks like, and even helped them check which study programmes they qualify for—something that truly hit home for many of them.
“The kids loved the tour—it made them realize the importance of getting good grades,” said one of the Filadelfia educators. “They also enjoyed the fact that they could check what they qualified for. It was a great experience, and hopefully next year we’ll be able to bring the whole group.”
Although there were challenges getting learners to campus that morning, we were grateful that the visit still took place. While only six out of the 25 expected Grade 12 learners made it, their presence was impactful.
Ms. Tshegofatso Kenalepe, Senior Disability Officer at the University of Pretoria, noted that the learners seemed engaged and gained valuable insights. “We hope this experience has inspired them—not only to consider studying with us but to pursue higher education in general,” she said.
One area of concern raised during the visit was the learners’ lack of basic computer skills—an essential component for success in today’s university environment. As ProAccess, we see this as an opportunity to advocate for greater support and resources that bridge the digital divide for learners with disabilities.
We are incredibly grateful to the University of Pretoria’s ADIS team for hosting Filadelfia, and to the educators and learners who made the effort to attend. With continued collaboration and support, we believe that more young people with disabilities will take bold steps toward their academic dreams.
Here’s to opening doors, raising aspirations, and making higher education accessible to all.
With accessibility and inclusion at heart,