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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Nassau, Bahamas - Seahorse Institute announces its activities for Autism Awareness Month in April 2015. Minister of Social Services and Community Development, The Hon. Melanie Griffin, Member of Parliament for Yamacraw was on hand to celebrate the success of Seahorse Institute’s programs for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome and other developmental delays. Baha Mar’s BELIEVE Foundation representatives showed their support of the C.A.R.E. Academy and the success of the program along with Ashanti Rolle, a former student of Seahorse Institute, who graduated from Baha Mar’s Leadership Development Institute and recently was hired by Rosewood at Baha Mar as a Uniform Coordinator.
Parents of students at Seahorse Institute were also on hand to share how much their children have benefited from Seahorse Institute.
Seahorse Institute offers a continuum of care across the lifespan for those with Autism and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families. Their programs include:
1) Hope Program - the only research-based intervention in the Bahamas for children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or related disability between the ages of 2 and 21 years old
2) Let’s Talk Program – an intensive and highly interactive early intervention designed for children ages 2 to 6 who are either language delayed and need a boost in speech and/or language skills
3) Spirit Program - an academic based research intervention program for children ages 7 to 15 who cannot maintain the demands of a mainstream curriculum
4) Step Program - a community based training for adolescents and adults ages 16 and older providing skills of inclusion, individual self-care and productivity
5) C.A.R.E. Academy - Seahorse Institute’s newest program the Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) Academy offers free monthly trainings, resources and workshops to the public.
C.A.R.E. Academy’s most recent workshop took place on Wednesday, March 18 at 6pm for parents of children with anxiety. Topics have included communication disorders, dental hygiene and nutrition for the family. The next presentation will be held on April 23rd and will train teachers and parents to effectively work with children that are struggling in the class room.
Seahorse Institute is a registered Bahamian charity and depends on tuitions and donations to provide education for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome and significant developmental delays, Seahorse Institute continues to raise money in the community. This weekend, their latest fundraiser, an Annual Rummage Sale will take place at St. Paul’s Chapel in Lyford Cay on March 20 and March 21 from 9am to 5pm daily. Items for sale include building and office supplies, cellular phone accessories, wedding dresses, clothing, housewares and big ticket items like furniture.
The month of April is Autism Awareness Month. Seahorse plans activities such as an Autism Awareness Campaign in the community and will launch a documentary produced by JKL Media and The DS3 Group focused on the special needs individuals within the Bahamian community and Seahorse Institute’s efforts to aid the cause.
Minister of Social Services and Development, The Hon. Melanie Griffin has led a number of recent initiatives to benefit those with Autism and other Disabilities including the passage of the Disabilities Act and newly formed Disabilities Commission; a recent multi-day Symposium to train parents and care givers for adults with disabilities and the upcoming development of a facility and community based services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Minister Griffin thanked Dr. Major for creating Seahorse Institute as a renowned center to provide services for children and adults with disabilities. She stated that the Government of The Bahamas looks forward to collaborating with Seahorse Institute in providing services for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In fact Seahorse Institute is the only program in the Bahamas that provides world renowned research based intervention programs that re-wire the brain and help each individual to reach their maximum potential.
Baha Mar’s BELIEVE Foundation has a long standing commitment promote independence and productivity for Bahamians with IDD through funding and volunteer efforts including renovation of the new Seahorse Institute Facility, creation of the LDI/Best Buddies, the first ever Bahamian integrated work readiness program and participating in the world wide “Light it up Blue” Autism awareness campaign. This April Baha Mar will once again light up its building blue.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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