News Releases

UWI Orientation Creates Inclusive Environment for Students with Disabilities

For Release Upon Receipt - December 4, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, December 4, 2023 – As the International Day for Persons with Disabilities was celebrated this weekend, Amanda Henry, a final-year student at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), recently shared a powerful testimony about her transformative educational experience. Speaking at the annual Orientation for Students with Disabilities hosted by the Student Life and Development Department (SLDD) under the First Year Experience programme Amanda revealed, "This marked the first time in my academic career that I truly felt seen and heard. No longer overlooked. So much so, that I am now considering my Masters.” Her inspiring statement underscored the profound impact of The UWI's inclusive environment, which has motivated her to expand her academic pursuits. The orientation was held on September 7, 2023, at the Postgraduate Lounge of the Teaching and Learning Complex.

 To understand how it all started, Amanda recounted her initial struggles with university life, saying, “University was unchartered territory and the support I needed wasn't there anymore…once again, I entered a system that worked against me.” She vividly described the pivotal role of the Student Life and Development Division (SLDD) in transforming her university experience, offering essential support, including employment as a student assistant, examination accommodations and a safe space to speak with staff, that helped her overcome the urge to drop out.

 The recent Orientation for Students with Disabilities, organized by SLDD, is a significant initiative that addresses the unique needs and challenges of students with disabilities. This event featured a moving testimony from a parent, who commended The UWI for significantly enhancing his daughter's educational journey and wholeheartedly recommended The University for its supportive environment.

 Professor Indar Ramnarine, Deputy Principal of The UWI, proudly announced the acquisition of a dedicated vehicle to assist students with disabilities in navigating the campus, a major step towards enhancing accessibility and convenience. This commitment to inclusivity extends to various campus facilities, including libraries, where efforts are being made to remove physical barriers and create a more welcoming space for all students.

 Added to this, Dr. Jacqueline Huggins, Manager, SLDD highlighted The UWI's inclusive ethos, stating, that "normal" is subjective, and acknowledging the diverse student body as a vital aspect of The University's culture. Dr. Huggins also spoke at length about the work of the department which contributes to the inclusivity of the university environment. She stated, “As we move forward, the Student Life and Development Department will continue to support and celebrate our students and staff with disabilities as The UWI continues to promote disability inclusion as an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, peace and security.” This inclusive approach is a testament to The UWI's alignment with the principles of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

 Moreover, Ms. Kristy Smith from the Financial Advisory Services Department highlighted the comprehensive services provided by DSSD, which include career guidance, counselling, financial assistance, and access to diverse university programmes. Students were also encouraged to utilize these resources to achieve academic success and become agents of positive change within The UWI community.

 The event was attended by distinguished guests such as Professor Indar Ramnarine, Deputy Principal of The UWI, Director and staff of The UWI Security Services, Staff of DSSD Departments, Student Financial Advisory Services Directors, Members of the Guild, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Mr. Critchlow Lord, the Community Outreach Officer of the ODPM, also joined the event, highlighting information on Disaster Preparedness and persons with disabilities students.

 The Orientation for Students with Disabilities stands as a resounding testament to The UWI's dedication to inclusivity and support for all its students, resonating with the global observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

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About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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