NEARLY 400 caregivers of students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities or emotional and behavioural problems have benefited from a specialised training seminar hosted by Digicel Foundation between July 19 and 24.

The training seminar was hosted by the Digicel Foundation in partnership with Irish Autism Action, which seeks to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by autism.

The training was designed and developed following a visit to Jamaica by Irish Autism Action in 2013 to a number of Digicel Foundation partners across Jamaica.

A needs assessment conducted identified two key areas for support — training for parents and siblings of a family member with special needs; and training for developed individuals who work with persons with special needs.

Over the course of the training seminar, participants benefited from a wide range of interactive sessions on behaviour management, facilitating language and communication, promoting independence in daily living, self-care and wellness for parents of children with special needs and supporting siblings of children with special needs.

Judine Hunter, programme manager for special needs at the foundation, said the foundation decided to host the event as they are committed to working with families and supporting children with special needs.

“Families play an essential role in the lives of children with special needs. The ability of parents and siblings to deal with a child with special needs is paramount to ensuring they are treated with dignity and helping them reach their full potential. The Digicel Foundation is committed to empowering families in this regard so children with special needs can be the best they can be and benefit from having families who understand and have the capacity to support them,” Hunter said.

Shannon Eidman, community outreach co-ordinator at Irish Autism Action, encourages caregivers of children who have learning disabilities at the seminar.