Vision
Enabling excellence in disability and rehabilitation research and practice, through disability and rehabilitation studies principles.
Mission
Informed by a disability rights approach, our division is a committed, co-ordinating and directive unit that aims at excellence in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities effectively. This is achieved by the training of researchers and professionals from a range of disciplines, to develop the necessary critical skills, clinical decision-making, managerial, educational and research knowledge, skills and socio-political attitudes, to assume positions of consultancy and leadership within the fields of disability studies and rehabilitation studies, and beyond. The Division's mission is underpinned by the principles of the person-centred bio-psychosocial approach to understanding disability and rehabilitation, and will be realised by working in collaboration with persons with disabilities and their organisations (as collaborators, advisors, stakeholders and students).
Objectives
Research and development
The Division conducts small and large scale disability research, using critical methodologies, to generate an evidence base that advances the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and disability scholarship in Africa.
The Division disseminates its research findings by means of publications, technical reports, policy briefs, webinars, conference proceedings, and media engagements, aiming to demonstrate that contributing to disability inclusion is the responsibility of all members of society.
Teaching and learning in disability studies and rehabilitation studies
The Division is responsible for the development and delivery of undergraduate modules and postgraduate programmes in disability studies and rehabilitation studies, that can be used for the training of a variety of professionals concerned with disability inclusion and equity.
Support services
The Division facilitates disability inclusive programs at all levels of health services and other sectors in the community, to promote the integration of persons with disabilities in in all spheres of life, through research, collaboration and teaching.
Collaboration
The Division aims to collaborate with other faculties, disciplines and institutions of higher learning, organizations of persons with disabilities, community members, NGO's and public and private health services and with any other relevant bodies.
