The Higher Certificate in Disability Practice at UCT is a one-year full-time qualification that prepares community workers and school-leavers for careers supporting people living with disabilities in South Africa's homes, schools, and communities. The curriculum covers the foundational knowledge, cognitive tools, and practical techniques needed for disability prevention, care, and inclusive community development — addressing the enormous gap in trained disability practitioners that exists particularly in South Africa's townships and rural areas. The qualification provides a recognised entry point into the disability sector and a stepping stone towards further study in health or social sciences. The programme is only offered when sufficient applications are received.
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or NQF Level 4 equivalent
NBT Academic and Quantitative Literacy: Upper Intermediate to Proficient
Home-Based Disability Carer – Provides personalised daily care, mobility assistance, and emotional support to disabled individuals in South African households and community settings.
Community Rehabilitation Worker – Facilitates access to assistive devices, social grants, and rehabilitation services for people with disabilities in South Africa’s underserved peri-urban and rural communities.
School Inclusion Support Worker – Assists learners with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities to participate in South African mainstream classrooms under inclusive education policy.
NGO Programme Assistant – Supports disability-focused organisations including DPSA-affiliated groups in delivering advocacy, sport, and skills development programmes across South Africa.
Disability Awareness Facilitator – Conducts community education workshops on disability rights, stigma reduction, and inclusive practices for churches, schools, and local government in South Africa.
