Championing the 'differently abled'

THE relative absence of education, infrastructure and opportunities for the disabled has led two selfless individuals to champion the cause of the “differently abled” among us. UWI Lecturer Dr Innette Cambridge and Head of the University’s Health Service Unit Dr Neil Singh are determined to improve the lot of the disabled, and will participate in a Think-Tank towards this mission. “I myself and a specially-appointed committee made an application to receive funding and support for a conference focused on the full integration of persons with disabilities into society,” said Cambridge. The University of Bristol (London) graduate has been educating UWI students since 1990 and was the driving force behind the establishment of core courses in Social Policy.

“As social workers, we have a responsibility to improve the quality of life for the members of our society. The think-tank is just one of the ways we can work toward this goal,” Cambridge said. Scheduled for May 18 to 20 at the JFK Auditorium, St Augustine campus, the think-tank will focus on “Disability, Integration and Development — The Way Forward in Education.” It will be hosted by the university’s Social Work Unit. Cambridge has also proposed two new courses which will educate students on social and medical issues pertaining to persons with disabilities. “Although the courses are only in the planning stage I thought that this think-tank would be a perfect complement to these, helping us think through issues,” added Cambridge. “The original intention was to focus on employment, but the committee came to the decision that focusing on employment would not be adequate if we did not consider education. The fact is that education determines the type and quality of job a person acquires and is able to hold. This applies even to those who experience social exclusion such as the differently-abled, hence for the integration of such persons, education is key.”

Cambridge lauded the efforts of the State and made reference to draft policy and recommendations from the committee, which have been submitted to the Disability Affairs Unit of the office of the Prime Minister. “We really need to do some serious thinking in order to ensure the integration of the differently abled. We naturally placed emphasis on tertiary level education, however, this can only take place if the lower levels are looked at,” she said. According to Cambridge, the goal of the think-tank is to sensitise people to the needs and experiences of the disabled. For those who are aware of the challenges faced by these persons she said that it would serve to give direction to their thoughts and ideas. “It would take the process from one of thought and intention, to one in which we determine what is to be done to improve the lives of the differently abled. It comes with a plan of action,” declared Cambridge. She pointed out numerous inadequacies in the education system, which hinder the development of students with disabilities. “In our society, people really do care for people with disabilities but we care in silence. There is compassion and sympathy but not enough tangible support. We care and care and care but that’s all, we need to start innovating and improving the manner in which we care,” said a serene Cambridge.

The passion which Cambridge holds for the disabled was not spawned through personal experience or that of a family member, but she spoke of the experience of a disabled student at the university. “I remember teaching a brilliant young woman who was forced to walk on crutches. She was unable to move from building to building and, after some time she had to drop out. She had exceptionally good grades but because of the set-up of the physical structure, she was denied a tertiary education. It is really unfair that because someone can’t move, they can’t develop their mind.” The struggle of the disabled within the education system goes beyond the social. Dr Neil Singh has the primary responsibility of ensuring the medical care of each of the 12,000 students on the St Augustine campus, including those with disabilities. “We are in the process of establishing a Disability Unit on the campus. The office is to be a liaison between student and faculty and between student and administration.”

Singh highlighted the need for “reasonable accommodation which entails the provision of adequate housing, psychological counselling, remedial course work and whatever facility students may require. The charter of human rights allows for this.” “We are not seeking preferential treatment for these students, however, the hearing impaired should be allowed to sit at the front of classes, given Braille calculators and extra time for exams. The students who use wheelchairs should have escorts.” Singh pointed out one major obstacle to the effective operation of the proposed Disability Unit: “Some students are afraid to reveal their disabilities for fear of victimisation or discrimination. For example, there may be many students who may be dyslexic, as a result they may speak well but can’t spell. They may have great computational skills and should be marked accordingly, however, if they aren’t registered they would be marked according to prevailing standards.”

“I am also seeking to have adequate doorways and elevators built. I had to break down a wall in my office just to accommodate students with disabilities. We will integrate all staff including lecturers, security officers and other personnel into the accommodation process.” Singh said, “I always had a great interest, but when Government decided to offer three scholarships to students with disabilities it became a priority to facilitate the disabled because it makes no sense to let them into the system and not offer them the facilities needed to get through.” “These students are not sick but are differently abled. They don’t simply require medical attention but need social guidance and support.” There are currently six students with disabilities registered at the UWI Health Service Unit, but Singh believes that there are more.