SENS Department Completes Series of Multidisciplinary Assessments Across the Turks and Caicos Island

PRESS RELEASE 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 9^th December 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) successfully completed a series of comprehensive assessments in partnership with BTConcepts and One World as part of the Special Needs Month celebrations in November.

These assessments provided vital insights into the developmental and educational needs of students across the islands.

BTConcepts delivered specialized neuropsychological assessments, while One World provided multidisciplinary evaluations with a focus on speech, behavioral, and occupational therapy recommendations. A total of 55 students were assessed during this initiative, ensuring that students with special needs receive the tailored support necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, who manages the registry and coordinates all assessment initiatives, emphasized the importance of parental involvement: “This initiative reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child with special needs has access to high-quality assessments, regardless of location. The insights gained from these evaluations are essential for developing individualized intervention plans that meet each student’s unique needs. I am proud of the collaborative efforts that made this possible and remain committed to building a comprehensive and responsive system for the children we serve.”

The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, also shared her thoughts on the initiative’s success: “The completion of this assessment series is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and equity in education. These evaluations provide a strong foundation for supporting our students with special needs, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. I applaud the Department of Special Education Needs Services, BTConcepts, and the One World Foundation for their dedication and hard work, and I am particularly encouraged by the reach of this initiative to students across all our islands. This is a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to prioritize the needs of every child.”

The teams from BTConcepts and One World traveled extensively throughout the islands, ensuring that students in even the most remote communities were reached. Their work highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the diverse needs of children with disabilities.

In reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of SENS department stated: “This collaborative effort underscores our mission to provide equitable access to quality assessments and interventions for students with special needs. The expertise of BTConcepts and the One World Foundation’s team of clinicians has been invaluable in equipping us with the necessary tools to support our children effectively. We are grateful to our partners for their dedication and to the communities for their warm hospitality as we worked to make this vision a reality.”

The Department of Special Education Needs Services remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to register their children with the department to ensure access to vital services and resources.