Kayla Taylor: DISABLED & DETERMINED
KAYLA TAYLOR is living with a disability, but that has not deterred her as she now holds a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from The University of the West Indies (UWI).
Taylor contracted meningitis at birth and has been deaf in one ear since. The issue further worsened when she lost 10 per cent of her hearing in the other ear. Notwithstanding this, she excelled in academics and plans to go further when the chance arises.
The passionate 23-year-old recounts her time at the UWI as being a good one as there were measures in place for students with disabilities. “It was an overall positive experience because the psychology department is not big. Things were more personal. Lecturers knew you as most times, you would have the same ones from first year, so they would be acquainted with your strengths and weaknesses,”Taylor said.
She further explained that the Office of Student Services and Development (OSSD) at the university caters to students with disabilities through the Office of Special Student Services (OSSS). “The OSSD made special arrangements and sent letters to my lecturers informing them of my disability and asking permission for me to record classes. I could also sit exams at the OSSS and complete them in a timely manner. Things were more personal, more helpful, and the lecturers were accommodating,” she said.
Taylor is proud of her accomplishments and is now thinking of her next step. “When I got the email that my degree had been awarded, there was great, sweet relief, like a load had been lifted, but it only lasted a few months because I started to question, ‘What’s next’? I am always thinking of the future.”
The graduate is currently working at a financial institution and making plans to start studying for her master’s degree in a few years. She also has ambitions of pursuing studies at the PhD level. She also hopes to work with children with autism and other disabilities. “A lot of people thought that I was a volunteer when I would go to the OSSS, and the reason they would give is that I don’t look like I am disabled. Disability isn’t a look, so I want to change people’s perspective on disabilities. There are others [types], not only the physically disabled,” she said.
Taylor’s encouragement to other disabled youth that are attending or planning to attend university is: “You have made it this far, so don’t think that you are not as good as everybody else. So do your best because you have earned your place,” Taylor said.
She reminds others that a disabled person is just like any other person and should be treated as such. “I am still Kayla who likes to read, go to the movies and Harry Potter, just like any other person who likes the same things,” she told The Gleaner.