In their first year, many UWI students face new challenges. Many might not realise that some students have added worries because of visible or invisible disabilities. They face obstacles like inaccessibility and the misconceptions of others.
Amanda Wellington–Peters, Student Services Assistant at the Student Life and Development Department (SLDD) within the Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD), has an affinity for these struggles. Her daughter developed a disability and passed away in recent years. For her, helping students live on their own terms is a personal aspiration.
“I am open to listen to them and to give them the best advice that is possible when they come to access these services,” she says.
New students on a tour of the campus.
Twenty-two new students are currently registered for the academic year with SLDD. Besides those with physical disabilities, some have conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or ADHD. SLDD support includes loans of special aids and devices like laptops, tape recorders, and customised software. Students also receive assistance with classroom and exam accommodations. Depending on the disability, some can take exams separately. Accessible parking spots are available, and Wellington-Peters coordinates a special shuttle service.
The students also foster community with a WhatsApp group. “They aid one another well in transitioning through the time here,” says Wellington-Peters.
For Shania Samaroo, a Criminology and Criminal Justice student, these services made a difference. She has Spinocerebellar Ataxia, which restricts movement and affects her balance. Describing the support she received as outstanding, she outlines using the separate room and having an amanuensis (someone to take dictation) for exams. SLDD advocated for more accessible classroom locations, and Shania used the shuttle and special parking.
Support like this is essential to students who sometimes feel disregarded as they navigate their academic journeys.
Besides academic and physical challenges, students often encounter stigma and stereotyping.
“Even though my disability is strictly physical,” says Shania, “I have met persons who have alluded to and treated me as though I had a cognitive impairment disability.”
She notes that sometimes students with disabilities have to ask for examination accommodations, or they receive information about them at the last minute.
Mrs Wellington-Peters says that some lecturers act as if students are being entitled when they require accommodations.
All this can take its toll. When necessary, SLDD refers students to the DSSD’s Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). They also provide a room for them to relax and study, and they urge them to persevere.
“We really try to encourage them to pursue their education because it's a great accomplishment just reaching this far,” says Wellington-Peters.
She describes the satisfaction of remembering students walking into her office for the first time and seeing them graduate years later.
“I don't think there's anything better.”
Shania will graduate in October 2023. She feels more can be done for UWI students with disabilities to help them assert their independence and achieve their goals. “UWI will benefit if its lecturers, tutors, and staff undergo disability sensitisation workshops.”
Mrs Wellington-Peters hopes that disability services will eventually expand and provide training opportunities for staff.
Shania encourages students to utilise available services and seek help from supportive lecturers and tutors.
She adds, “Be aware that you do encounter ableists and persons who are inconsiderate, and I hope that you find the strength and the courage to not be discouraged by them. You run your own race, and someday soon, there will be the justice that you rightfully deserve!”
