By Tieanna Jordan
Teacher, cricketer and disability advocate Ackila Smith created history at this year’s Miss Emancipation Pageant, held on August 14 at the National Cultural Centre, when she proudly represented her community as the first person with a disability to participate in the pageant.
In a recent interview with this newspaper, the 24-year-old said it had always been her dream to participate in a pageant to give representation to the disabled community. Ackila, who is currently pursuing her studies at the Cyril Potter College of Education, is visually impaired and also has a deformed right hand. She has what she describes as “web-fingers.” Her disability is what builds that drive within her to be a voice for others like herself.
“I’ve always wanted to take part in a pageant, just to be a role model to young girls with disabilities and so I took that step to boost that confidence with them,” she explained.
After submitting her application to the pageant committee, she expressed how delighted she was to learn that she met all the requirements for the pageant. The worry of being treated differently because of her disability was washed away. Ackila was elated at the inclusiveness she felt throughout her journey in the Miss Emancipation pageant.
One of the main outcomes from her participation in the pageant was the creation of her own business. Each contestant was tasked with creating a STEM business, or a business incorporating STEM.
Ackila’s business, Uniqueness Recreational Centre, springs from her passion for teaching. She explained that her business will provide educational, recreational and life-skill programmes for children and youths with disabilities. Her aim is to further help people with disabilities to develop entrepreneurial skills, boosting their confidence in the process.
The young teacher passionately expressed that as a person with a disability it is important for her to continuously remind others in the disabled community to embody strength, independence and confidence and to never let anyone take that away from them.
She advises people with disabilities to always keep their heads up, despite whatever challenges they are faced with. She also stressed on the importance of networking with other people with disabilities and organisations that represent these people.
She mentioned that one organisation she has been working along with is the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disability. She is also a member of the West Indies female blind cricket team. Ackila said that it was the positive support system around her that brought her to where she is today.
The disability advocate hopes to take the stage again in future pageants. She happily shared, “Despite not walking away with the crown, I walked away with my personal win and that is representing the disabled community and children and adults like myself who don’t have that confidence or drive or don’t think that they can do it.”
Her message to people with disabilities is: “You are beautiful, you are enough and you can do whatever you want to do. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You have capabilities with your disabilities.”
Individuals and sponsors willing to join her venture Uniqueness Recreational Centre can contact her on 592-602-6233 or via Facebook @Ackila Smith.
