Participate in the Disability Policy review

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town's (UCT) Disability Policy is due for review. The purpose of a comprehensive review is to take an in-depth look at existing administrative policies to:

• determine whether the policy is still needed or if it should be combined with another administrative policy.
• determine whether the purpose and goal of the policy are still being met.
• determine whether changes are required to improve the effectiveness or clarity of the policy and procedures; and
• ensure that appropriate education, monitoring and ongoing review of the policy is occurring.

Consultation process

As a member of the university, you are invited to participate in a number of ways.

Firstly, you are encouraged to complete an electronic survey You may also attend one of the open consultation sessions.

The consultation dates, times and venues are as follows:

• Monday, 28 September 2026: 11:00–12:00, Bremner Pifer Room
• Tuesday, 29 September 2026: 11:00–12:00, Bremner Mafeje Room
• Wednesday, 30 September 2026: 11:00–12:00, Bremner Mafeje Room

Process after consultation

The relevant policy committee will review the feedback from the submissions, which may result in one of the three processes described below:

1. Substantive revision: Revisions that introduce a significant change to the scope or consequence of a policy. Substantive revisions alter the underlying principles or intent of the policy or significantly modify the requirements of the policy; and will proceed to the consultation route.
2. Minor revision: Revisions that do not affect the basic requirements, principles, scope or intent of a policy, but instead consist of non-substantive or technical corrections, updates or clarifications. Minor revisions may include substituting a new title or department name; adding a reference to a new regulation or guideline; re-ordering information for clarity; or inserting a definition to explain a policy. In this instance, the edited policy will be put before the UCT executive for noting and not follow a consultation process.
3. Decommissioning of the policy: A policy may be rescinded if:

• it has become inconsistent with legal or policy requirements.
• it no longer reflects the university’s practice; or
• it is consolidated into other policies, guidelines or procedures.

In this instance, the recommendation for decommissioning of the policy will be put before the UCT executive and, upon their approval, a recommendation to the Council will be made.

Communication to the university community will follow approval by either the UCT executive or Council.

Available support

If you experience distress during participation in this policy review, please use counselling support as follows.

For staff:

• Call the toll-free number 080 111 3945 for telephonic counselling.
• Chat live with an ICAS counsellor via the all-new ICAS app, which gives you and your family access to 24/7/365 Employee Wellness Programme information on your health and wellness needs. Please use the code UNI003.
• Send a please call me to *134*905#
• Send an e-mail to ICAS.

For students:

The Student Wellness Service has 24-hour telephonic counselling services available even during weekends. Students can access these services through:

• UCT Students Careline in collaboration with SADAG: 0800 24 25 26 (call) or 31393 (SMS)
• Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36
• ER24 UCT Collaboration: 010 205 3010

Questions

Should you wish to join the stakeholder consultations, or have any challenges when completing the survey, or have any other questions relating to the policy review process, please email Cedric Williams.

Sincerely

Professor Elelwani Ramugondo
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People, Culture and Society