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Education MEC addresses Unisa Autism Seminar, advocating for Inclusive Education By
Iednewsdesk On Apr 29, 2024
Presented by Unisa’s Department of Inclusive Education and Centre for Excellence on Disabilities, a
seminar held on 23 April promoted autism awareness and acceptance. The seminar covered a range of
topics, presented by government officials, higher education staff, parents of learners with autism and
self-advocates on the autism spectrum. With course modules such as Inclusion Strategies for Autism
Spectrum Disorder and Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, Unisa takes very seriously its role
in researching and formulating approaches to and philosophies of educating autistic learners. It
moreover has a proud history of providing outstanding support to learners living with disabilities
through its Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD), which creates
an enabling teaching and learning environment that ensures full participation and equalisation of
opportunities for Unisa students with disabilities. Setting the tone in her welcome address, Prof Mpine
Makoe, Executive Dean of Unisa’s College of Education (CEDU), thanked the organisers for bringing
together experts and interested parties to engage on the very important topic of awareness and
acceptance of autism. She welcomed the wide array of attendees, including academics, government
representatives, NGOs and students. She said that the conference was being beamed across the world,
making it possible for the global community to engage and participate.
In pursuit of acceptance
The Honourable Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for Education, officially opened the seminar on
behalf of The Honourable Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier, who was unable to attend due to urgent
provincial government business. The MEC said that the Gauteng Provincial Government wants society
to celebrate people on the autism spectrum and recognise their unique challenges. “To this end,” he
continued, “we have celebrated World Autism Awareness Day over the past two years.
Chiloane proceeded to outline the extensive measures and programmes that the province has in place
to support learners on the autism spectrum and also their parents and teachers. “In this regard,” he
continued, “we will continue building capacity, including for all staff at the relevant schools. Our goal
is to foster an inclusive learning environment and inculcate a culture of understanding and acceptance.
Moreover, we recognise the importance of providing vocational training and employment
opportunities.”
The MEC said that through partnerships with businesses and organisations, the Gauteng Provincial
Government seeks to build workplace diversity and create pathways to meaningful employment. “By
working together to overcome barriers,” he said in conclusion, “we can create a more inclusive and
supportive society. Let us join hands to create a future of diversity and celebrate the breaking of
barriers.”
