The UWI Hosts Special Orientation For Students With Disabilities
« Embrace your difference » was the message from the Manager of the Student Life and Development Department of the University of the West Indies, Dr. Jacqueline Huggins, as she addressed students with disabilities and medical conditions during their orientation on Thursday.
« I want you to embrace your difference. I know I’m different and I don’t apologise for it. I embrace it. So students, I’m not sure what type of experience you had in your secondary school. Here will be different. »
Dr. Huggins assured students with disabilities and medical conditions that the university will do everything in its power to make their experience at campus a great one.
« So for our students, I want to say you made a good choice coming to UWI. We know about diversity. We acknowledge inclusion. And as you prepare for this journey, it wouldn’t be very easy, but the Student Life and Development Department will make it as easy as possible. »
Director of the Division of Student Services and Development, Dr. Deirdre Charles, also urged the students not to limit themselves.
« I have not seen students as part of student leadership and the guild in terms of leadership. So we open to you and say to you, please get engaged, go up for student leadership. You could be part of a club. You could be the president of the guild. I’d love to see that, the treasurer of the guild. »
UWI graduate Shamla Maharaj admitted that her university experience had its challenges, describing her undergrad as « traumatising. » Despite this, she encouraged students to embrace the journey.
« Sometimes we think we want. I came in here, I wanted to do geography, and I’m glad I did not do geography because where I am right now is where I’m supposed to be. So don’t feel disappointed if something goes wrong and it steers you in a next direction. »
Sending her greetings virtually was Campus Principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, who is encouraging the wider campus community to embrace students with disabilities.
« I want to ask you to listen, learn, and reflect. Think about whether our campus spaces are truly accessible, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Are we really doing our part to foster an environment where everyone can fully participate? Let us do our best to ensure that we create and maintain fully inclusive spaces. »
The year 2025 marks the 11th year since the UWI St. Augustine Campus has been hosting this special orientation for students with disabilities and medical conditions.
