UWI embracing all

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus is well on its way to becoming an inclusive campus.

Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau, revealed this during the launch of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Association for Persons with Disabilities (UWICAPD), which was held on campus recently.

“An inclusive academic community helps to build an enlightened and progressive society for all,” she said, explaining that the launch of UWICAPD brought the campus one step closer to her initiative of creating an all-inclusive campus.

She revealed that for some time now, the university has been working to provide special accommodations to students with disabilities, whether they were physical, medical or learning disabilities and noted that they were currently working to address the needs of persons with dyslexia, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), persons who were bipolar or persons who were experiencing any other learning challenges.

Professor Barriteau announced that since 2010, the institution has been observing the United Nations’ Day for persons with disabilities and noted that she wished it was known by more people, the special provisions that were made for persons with disabilities at the campus. She expressed that perhaps that lack of knowledge has kept away potential students from applying to the institution.

The principal went on to say that with the launch of the programme, the campus is publicly stating that it is an institution that is disability-friendly and academically inclusive.

“We embrace all voices and perspectives. We safeguard diversity and sexual orientation. We promote equity in education, and discriminate against no one,” she said.

Barriteau also reminded that three years ago, the Campus’ Academic Board adopted a Student Disability Policy, which reinforces the intent as the policy states that the institution “is committed to the non-discriminatory treatment of all students, including those with disabilities”. She noted that the “non-discrimination” in this quote also related to receiving adequate access to all academic and non-academic programmes offered by the campus as well as access to the various resources, services and amenities. In addition, the principal highlighted that there will no toleration of discrimination or mistreatment of students with disabilities and noted that there will be severe consequences for such actions.