Kareem Vassell is a blind student who recently graduated from The University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and banking and finance. He shared his inspiring story of how he overcame the challenges of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of his parents.
How His Parents Supported Him
Vassell was born premature and lost his sight shortly after birth. His parents, Vivenne and Neville Vassell, focused on his education and helped him achieve his academic goals. They acted as his readers and scribes during online classes and exams, as he could not access the digital materials with his screen reader.
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They also stayed up late with him to prepare for his tests, even though they did not understand the concepts and theories he was studying. They used creative ways to describe the symbols and graphs to him, such as comparing them to familiar objects.
Vassell said his parents were instrumental in his success and he dedicated his degree to them. “This degree is for all three of us. Me, him and him mother,” his father said.
What He Plans to Do Next
Vassell is not only a proud graduate, but also a trailblazer. He is one of the few blind students who pursued a degree that involves a lot of maths, which is often considered a difficult subject for visually impaired people.
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He said he wants to work in the financial sector and inspire more blind persons to go into different fields that require mathematical skills. He also hopes for more technology to assist them in their learning and career development.
In an interview with THE STAR, Vassell stated, “I would really want more blind persons to go into different fields – like with the degrees that involve a lot of maths. A lot of them are getting good with the technology that’s already there, but I think more blind persons can thrive with it if they put more technology in place.”
How He Motivates Others
Vassell’s story is an example of how determination, hard work and support can overcome any obstacle. He said he faced many challenges and stress during his studies, but he never gave up. He encouraged other students with disabilities to pursue their dreams and find the resources they need.
“There’s no reason not to do it. You gotta give it a try. You always gotta keep going. Always find where the resources are. There’s a way to get anything done regardless of the situation or the disability or impairment,” Vassell said. “Just figure out the path and keep walking.”
Organisations that assist/ help blind persons in jamaica
https://jamaicasocietyfortheblind.org/
https://jamaicasocietyfortheblind.org/about-us
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