About the Project
A practical assistive technology lending service for UKZN students
AccessAbility Unit is an occupational therapy-informed lending service designed to give students practical access to devices that support study, movement, communication, self-management, and full participation in university life.
What the Unit does
The Unit works like a library system. Students can search for available devices, book them, borrow them for a set period, and return them for reuse by other students.
Who it supports
The service supports students experiencing functional barriers, including registered disabilities, temporary injuries, chronic conditions, learning needs, sensory regulation difficulties, mental health-related barriers, communication barriers, and campus-environment barriers.
Why it is needed
Support services do not always translate into practical daily access. A student may receive concessions, counselling, DSU support, or medical care, but still need a device to read comfortably, move safely, regulate sensory overload, communicate effectively, or complete daily tasks.
How OT guides the service
The Unit focuses on everyday university roles rather than diagnosis alone. Each loan follows an OT-informed pathway: screen the functional need, match the device, provide safe-use guidance, issue and track the item, review usefulness, and refer when further support is required.
Vision
Practical, reusable, student-centred access
To improve access, participation, and independence for UKZN students experiencing functional barriers.
Mission
Loanable devices with OT-informed guidance
To provide assistive devices and functional participation support through a structured lending system that complements existing UKZN disability and student support services.