#Nassau, April 4, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie Campbell Tuesday made an appeal for the country’s speech, behavioral and occupational therapy specialists to partner with the government in the treatment of Autism by offering their services “gratis” to REACH Bahamas as a way of giving back to the community.
“I also urge students who are passionate
about helping others to pursue these areas of study, as they are much in demand
in this country,” Minister Campbell added.
Minister Campbell said while there is no cure
for Autism and the causes are unknown, treatment is available through therapy
and behavioral interventions that address the core symptoms of Autism which are
impaired social interaction, challenges with verbal and nonverbal
communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests.
The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development is a “proud partner” of REACH Bahamas, providing an annual subvention. Minister Campbell pledged that his ministry will “continue to do our part in this worthy effort.” REACH Bahamas is the country’s resource and educational source for Autism and other related challenges. A non-profit organization, its aim is to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurological disorder.
Addressing the Annual World Autism Day
Awareness “Light it up Blue” Ceremony hosted by REACH in Rawson Square Tuesday
(April 2), Minister Campbell said speech, behavioral and occupational therapies
are imperative for autistic children to progress.
“While the government offers these services, there is always a need for partnerships in this effort,” Minister Campbell said. “REACH offers these services during its summer camp, however, ongoing treatment is needed.”
Minister Campbell said private agencies offer
help, but that the help is costly.
“As a result, the autistic child does not
receive the imperative interventions necessary.”
Minister Campbell said the Ministry of
Education, through its Special Services Division, offers Placement, Assessment,
and Speech Therapy to Autistic students in New Providence. Additionally,
they provide a three-phase programme: the Willard Patton Primary School caters
to the preschool student; the Garvin Tynes and Palmdale Primary Schools, to
elementary students, and The Stapledon School as well as Anatol Rodgers Pre-vocational
Unit, offer services to older students.
Grand Bahama and Eleuthera are the only other
islands that provide specialized services.
“In some instances, Autistic students attend
both public and private schools. Those students who are in the special
units are mainstreamed for some of the subjects, based on their level of
competence.”
Minister Campbell said while the exact number
of Autistic children within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is unknown, the
Department of Statistics “has assured that this question will be included in
its upcoming 2020 Census.”
“Once the results are tabulated, the government will have in its possession reliable data that will inform and drive policies and programmes that would be of even more assistance to this group. I invite the community to celebrate with REACH, as April is Autism Awareness Month.”
Among the activities planned for the month:
an Easter Egg Hunt; T-Shirt Day (every Friday throughout the month); a
Fun/Run/Walk at Montagu Beach; a Jazz Concert, and a Parent Support Group
Meeting.
“I applaud REACH for the free services and
ongoing training offered throughout the year to parents, teachers, and
caregivers, in addition to the Parent Support group sessions that are held
every fourth Wednesday of each month. Continue to do your best.
“I am cognizant of the barriers as well as
challenges that parents face: embarrassment; difficultly accessing services; an
insensitive community; costly or unavailable services; long waiting lists;
among so many others. Thankfully, organizations such as REACH are slowly
breaking down these barriers. I therefore appeal to the community for
your tangible and intangible support of this valuable non-profit organization.
“In conclusion, Lanita, a writer to Wyzant,
an official tutoring online site, said it beautifully when she stated, “We must
listen to these beautiful children and reach down into their world.
Providing them with special care such as occupational therapy, special diet
considerations, and additional tutoring, enable autistic children to overcome
many of their limitations and pursue a happy, fulfilled life, full of
potential.”
By Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: World Autism Awareness Day Light It Up Blue.
1st Insert: Attending the Light It Up Blue ceremony in Rawson Square, April 2, 2019. From left: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development the Hon. Frankie Campbell; Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; and Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.
2nd Insert: REACH Chairman Dwayne Gibson and REACH Secretary to the Board Paula-Maria Hospedales-Bosland (right) present award to Volunteer Sandra Smith-Johnson.
3rd Insert: REACH Chairman Dwayne Gibson and REACH Secretary to the Board Paula-Maria Hospedales-Bosland (right) present award to Hopedale Centre Owner Arlene Davis.
BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham