Four students with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) begin their journey with Baha Mar’s transformative Leadership Development Institute, as the first Best Buddies in The Bahamas.
|
NASSAU, The Bahamas -
Today, teachers and volunteers from Baha Mar’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI)
began
a two-day training seminar to welcome four students with intellectual
and developmental disabilities (IDD) into the training and recruitment
program. The students will also participate in the training
seminar to prepare them for the classes scheduled to begin on July 21st.
The
students will join LDI through Best Buddies, an international volunteer
program that will be implemented at Baha Mar and will be the first of
its
kind in The Bahamas. Best Buddies, a program founded at Georgetown
University in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, partners with
organizations throughout the United States and in 50 countries around
the world to assist with training and creating integrated
social and employment opportunities for people with intellectual
disabilities such as Autism or Down syndrome. Through the program,
people with IDDs are paired with ‘Buddies’ that provide guidance and
support, establishing meaningful friendships and enabling
them to lead more active and independent lives.
Candidates
for the upcoming LDI class were identified and selected with assistance
from local IDD advocates including Dr. Michelle Major, Director
of the Seahorse Institute, a non-profit organization that provides
treatment for people with Autism and other developmental delays, and
Mario Carey, President of R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas, an autism support group.
Each IDD student will be paired with a student Buddy
for the duration of the 16-week class session. If they successfully
complete the program, they will also receive a job offer at Baha Mar.
The
integration of Best Buddies with LDI has received strong support from
local advocate groups as well as the parents and guardians of the
students.
According
to Denise Godreau, Baha Mar Chief Marketing Officer and parent of a
child with IDD, the integration of the Best Buddies program with the
Leadership Development Institute is a natural expression of Baha Mar’s
inclusive culture.
“Baha
Mar is committed to having a transformative impact on our guests,
employees and the country. Best Buddies extends the economic impact of
Baha
Mar to people with disabilities to enable them to become more
integrated into mainstream society,” said Godreau.
“Everyone can be part of the Baha Mar Dream Team if they have a heart for hospitality.”
