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The Wayne Naranjit’s Disability Studies prize is awarded
in honour of Wayne Naranjit (1978–2005), a student
with disabilities who attended The University of the
West Indies during the period 2000-2005. Wayne
was diagnosed with the degenerative and terminal illness
- Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of
four years.
Wayne’s life has been an example of success. He
started his journey at The University of the West Indies
in 2000 as a part-time student majoring in Management Studies. During
his studies he received several bursaries from the University
including a trophy for academic performance. At the
time of his death he was in his final year and was short
of two (2) courses to complete his degree and well on his
way to getting First Class Honors.
Wayne was also very instrumental as a Member of the Planning
Committee which was responsible for the hosting of the Think
Tank Conference which was held at the University in 2004. The
Conference was conceptualised in preparation for the class
on Social Disability Studies and its main goal was to sensitise
national tertiary educational facilities, including The University
of the West Indies, to the process of creating an enabling
environment for students with disabilities.
In 2005, the Faculty of Social Sciences honored Wayne Naranjit
when for the first time the student achieving the best all
round performance in the Social Disability Studies programme
was awarded a prize in his memory. Coincidently, he
was enrolled in the Social Disability Studies Class (2005)
but died the day before the class was carded to start.
Winner 2008
Nicole Henry - B.Sc. Sociology
For me, this course was an incredible experience. As a person with an invisible disability, it was a very validating experience and a chance for me to share with my fellow students in an academic setting what life with a disability is really like. As a student, it was fascinating to examine disability from an academic standpoint and to learn about other types of disabilities and other people’s real life experiences. It has impacted me so much that my desire is eventually to become a researcher in the field with a view to contributing to research in the Caribbean. Thanks to Ms. Thomas and Ms. Huggins for an excellent course.
Winner 2007
Roderick Beaumont – B.Sc Social Work
“It was a valuable exercise for me because I know that I will encounter persons with disabilities in the social work profession and I am required to have the knowledge and necessary skill in order to assist them according to their needs”. The coursework exercise was very informative…It has taught me that persons with disabilities do not allow this to prevent them from accomplishing their goals, instead have to move on in life. They strive for excellence just as every one else and they can make a valuable contribution to society.”
Winner 2006
I, Corisha Wright wish to thank my Lecturer Ms. M. D. Thomas
and Tutor Ms. J. Huggings, as well as persons with disabilities,
wo were specially invited to share during the lectures for
the enlightening exposure to the subject area of Disability
Studies. As a budding social worker, I am now better prepared
to treat with this client population in the future. I consider
this course to be one of the best offered at this institution,
as it offers students a theorethical and practical component
to the issues and experiences of the real persons, who have
overcome real situations in a minimally adaptive society.
Kudos to the example persons with disabilities continue to
set in their daily lives.
Winner 2005
 Crystal
Williams is the
first winner (2005) of the Wayne Naranjit’s Disability
Studies prize given to the student achieving the best performance
in the Social Disability Studies programme.
"I am Crystal Williams
and I have always had some interest in people with disabilities.
After leaving St. Joseph's
Convent it was not until my 3rd year at the University
of the West Indies, St. Augustine, when the University
introduced a course on Social Disability Studies that
my interest was served. The course enlightened and broadened
my pre-existing concerns and beliefs and to a great extent
changed my narrow views about individuals with disabilities.
I am honoured to have won the award and I am looking
forward
to continuing my studies in the field. "
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