On October 25, 2025, Natasha Athara Lewis, a dedicated educator and advocate for disability inclusion, marked a historic milestone as she received her postgraduate diploma in education with distinction from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine. Wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy, Lewis described the moment as a triumph of resilience, representation, and personal achievement. Her journey, marked by perseverance and advocacy, has inspired countless individuals across Trinidad and Tobago.
Lewis, a mature student and teacher at Malick Secondary School, has spent her life transforming challenges into opportunities. Born in St. James, Port of Spain, she began her education at the Princess Elizabeth Special School for the physically handicapped, where she learned the value of perseverance. Supported by her family, church community, and what she calls her ‘village,’ Lewis overcame numerous obstacles, including surgeries, physiotherapy, and speech therapy, to achieve greater independence.
Her educational path continued at St. James Secondary School, followed by professional certifications in dressmaking and design. Despite facing daily challenges, such as climbing 40 steps on crutches at the John S Donaldson Technical Institute, Lewis persisted, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, she began her teaching career, blending her passion for education with her advocacy for inclusion.
Lewis’s journey is also marked by her entrepreneurial spirit. In 1992, she founded Athara’s Designs, a fashion brand that transforms discarded materials into wearable art. She views her creations as a metaphor for the potential of individuals with disabilities, often overlooked but capable of extraordinary contributions. Although her business is currently on hold due to her teaching commitments, her designs continue to inspire.
At UWI, Lewis found a supportive and inclusive environment, which she credits for her success in completing her postgraduate diploma. She also faced new challenges during her teaching practicum, navigating inaccessible classrooms with the help of administrators and peers. These experiences, she noted, not only shaped her but also educated others about the importance of true inclusion.
Beyond the classroom, Lewis has partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to lead sensitization campaigns on accessibility and disability rights. She credits her former educators, Miss Myers and Maria D Thomas, for instilling in her the belief that teaching is a mission of empowerment and equity.
Lewis’s unshakable faith and resilience have been her anchors throughout her journey. She emphasizes that inclusion is not charity but justice, urging society to recognize the diverse talents and creativity of differently-abled individuals. Her advice to parents of children with disabilities is to love, support, and envision a bright future for them.
In her closing remarks, Lewis expressed gratitude to her family, friends, mentors, and UWI for their unwavering support, stating, ‘This accomplishment is not mine alone – it belongs to all of us.’