This project will increase the quality of life for special needs children living in Jamaica by increasing access to consistent therapy and access to resources available for special needs families in Jamaica.
Special needs individuals in Jamaica are often the most marginalized population, vulnerable to a range of challenges from poor health, low educational attainment, limited employment opportunities and poverty. At the heart of the issues lies the country's inability to serve special needs starting from a young age. About 30% of children in Jamaica have special needs, according to The Mico University College, yet "only 313 of Jamaica's 23,000 teacher cohort are trained in special education.''
By providing therapy services to special needs children in areas where access is not widely available, we are improving the quality of life for special needs children and parents on the island. Because of our programs, special needs children will have access to therapy services that will have a positive compounding effect. This allows kids to be kids through play and social-emotional connections, strengthens families and communities and suppresses stigmas associated with disabled children.
Our goal is to make it increasingly possible that every child with special needs in the Caribbean has a bright future with consistent access to support they need. To achieve this, one goal is that Jamaica-based therapists report improved skills to serve the needs of their youth. A second goal is that we increase the number of trained therapists living in Jamaica, thereby increasing access to much needed services. A third goal is that more special needs youth are enabled to attend school.
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