By Michelle Loubon

Copyright trinidadexpress

“Embrace your differences. You have a part to play on the campus.”

So said Shamla Maharaj, founder of AbNormal Progress, as she delivered the feature address at the welcoming ceremony for students living with disabilities and other medical conditions.

The event took place recently at the Teaching and Learning Complex, St Augustine Campus, The University of the West Indies (UWI). The academic institution welcomed 27 new students, whom the battery of speakers dubbed “valued members of the UWI community.”

Maharaj, who was born with cerebral palsy, also described her UWI experience as “traumatic”.

Despite the challenges of navigating tertiary education, she graduated with a BSc in Agribusiness Management, MSc Marketing and Agribusiness (Business and Marketing Analysis Specialisation) and is currently pursuing her MPhil/PhD in Agricultural Economics with a specialisation in Marketing.

Being differently abled did not deter Maharaj from becoming a freelance host/producer of TTT’S NOW Morning Show segment Unique Not Different, which features Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who are thriving in society. She had a voice on the Advisory Council Board to the National Strategic Plan for Child Development. She also had the distinction of being an international keynote speaker, having represented Trinidad and Tobago at UNESCO’s 8th World Youth Forum in Paris, France.

Among those present at the welcoming ceremony were Campus Registrar Dawn Marie De Four-Roberts, director of the Division of Student Services and Development Dr Deidre Charles, manager of Student Life and Development Department (SLDD) Dr Jacqueline Huggins and Jerrell Elder.

Though absent, The UWI St Augustine Campus principal Prof Rose Marie Belle Antoine congratulated the students and urged them to make the most of their university studies. She also knew they had surmounted challenges but they were already on a trajectory of success. She also challenged everyone to find avenues and solutions to empower differently abled students and people.

Dr Four-Roberts encouraged the students to write to her if they had any issues.

They were joined by other successful differently abled students including Salome Jordan. Also present were student champions including Daniel Sebro, Charlotte Pooran and Nishelle Rennie.

They will be specially looked after by the Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD) which is keen on developing the ideal UWI graduate boasting critical and creative thinking skills, effective communicator with good interpersonal skills and innovative and entrepreneurial.

Both Charles and Huggins said differently abled students have a right to equity, dignity and the chance to succeed on their own terms.

They also spoke about liaising with employers to assist national, regional and international students after graduation. Charles encouraged them to vie for leadership positions, including the students’ guild.

Huggins encouraged the students to make use of the library.

Morphing into a Midnight Robber, Huggins said: “I am different. I am not afraid to admit it. I embrace it. I don’t play with my students. My proudest moment is when I see them cross the stage for graduation.”

Wheelchair user Maharaj said: “In the beginning, we (differently abled) had no access to education. My dad always said he did not have an education. But I must have an education. I started at Princess Elizabeth Centre. Then I attended secondary school. They would ask my parents if I could sit outside. My parents were there every step of the way. There began my journey into university.”

“Everything has been a learning process. Your undergraduate year is going to be the hardest year of your life. At UWI, I had to climb three flights of stairs. My peers would take me up. It seemed impossible. I would talk to Jackie. She was like my mentor.”

On the way forward, she also said: “It (UWI) would be fun. You would gain knowledge. You would enjoy this part of your life. Education is it. The universe has better for us. But at times, it seems as though we have to go through hell.”

During the question-and-answer segment, she also said: “Meeting the right people is important. You deserve better. Be the best person you can be.”

In a phone interview, Princess Elizabeth Centre orthopaedic surgeon Dr David Toby said: “I am very proud of Shamla. It’s always a struggle in our society. Because they (differently abled children) are not easily accepted. I am proud she did it.”

Toby, who is co-chairman of the Esimaje Foundation, (Dr Oti) added: “I want to encourage her colleagues and children who are in the institute to strive to do well. It’s an everlasting struggle. We hail her achievements. She must have come from a tender age. It’s a lot of guidance. We have a school there. We encourage them. I want to encourage the students who are pursuing tertiary education to work hard. Do your best. You have worked hard to get there. Continue to persevere. You will succeed against all odds.”

He also said they have made some strides with cerebral palsy treatment. Toby also said there was the need for more education and sensitisation towards differently abled people.

Safety tips

As they settle in for the new semester, Sgt Oba Peru of Campus Security Services shared some safety tips. He also made use of video presentation and reminded them alcohol and marijuana on the campus were prohibited. Obscene language could result in a fine or imprisonment. He also told them to be careful about whom they associate with or where they go. However, they could avail themselves of the shuttle service, request escorts and patrols and utilise emergency numbers.

Another special segment was the honouring of stakeholders, UWI alumni and volunteers who work with the differently abled children.

Among them were:

• Salome Jordan

• Amanda Best-Noel

• Nadia Thomas-Alleyne

• Michelle Samaroo

• Abigail Lakhan

• Asha Mahabir

• Mini Tambie

• Sgt Oba Peru

• Noel Corbett