IN support of the care and development of families in the autism community, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with Autism Speaks, The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, and The Color of Autism Foundation, to host a series of trainings under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Caregiver Skills Training (CST) programme.

In collaboration with The Mico University College, which will evaluate the educational component of the programme, 10 master trainers have been engaged to educate parents and caregivers of children with autism and other developmental support needs at Sandals Resorts Ocho Rios, and the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital.

The programme, which started on Monday, ends today, with six families also participating in the sessions.

The CST programme is a globally recognised initiative informed by evidence, expert feedback, and worldwide field testing to create a pathway for a more informed approach to care.

By helping parents and caregivers develop key skills for improved behaviour, interactions, communication, and problem-solving skills, the programme fosters an enhancement in the quality of life.

As part of its mandate to empower Caribbean families through education and access to care, the Sandals Foundation has joined the three-year partnership to train and certify 10 master trainers annually.

These master trainers will then lead capacity-building sessions for trained and supervised non-specialists, social service workers, nurses, early childhood educational facilitators, teachers, and experienced caregivers — creating a sustainable, community-led training pipeline across Jamaica.

“The significance of parent training lies in empowering parents with the essential tools to effectively support their child’s journey,” says Camille Proctor, executive director at the Color of Autism Foundation.

“The programme aims to address the significant challenges in supporting children with developmental delays and disorders, particularly in underserved communities here in Jamaica. It will empower parents and caregivers to support their children through early, routine-based interventions while building a network of trained caregivers, fostering an inclusive and supportive community,” added Proctor.

In the meantime, Dr Pamela Dixon, senior director, Clinical Services and Inclusion at Autism Speaks, highlighted the beauty of the CST programme in is its adaptability to low-resource settings.

“It can be integrated into existing services to support caregivers in defining specific goals needed for the training course best suited for each family. It includes self-directed e-learning with eight hours of self-paced courses, utilising low bandwidth, making it accessible even on mobile devices,” said Dr Dixon.

Since 2016, more than 35 CST sites have been implemented worldwide, certifying more than 250 master trainers, with language translations under way to include 10 additional languages.

The Sandals Foundation and Sandals Resorts have committed to cash and in-kind support of US$162,000 covering the costs of online training, technical support, trainee stipends, printed training materials, on-the-ground transportation, airfare, accommodation, and in-person capacity building sessions throughout the entire three-year programme.

Meanwhile Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, underscored that, “This programme is critical in ensuring the expansion of qualified individuals who are able to educate others on providing quality care to children with developmental needs. Together we can ensure that no child is left behind.”

For Alicia Williams, foundation manager of the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, “The initiative speaks to our mission of uplifting communities through social welfare, education, health, sports and culture. Supporting families and caregivers of children with autism is an important step in breaking barriers and ensuring every child has the chance to grow, learn and thrive.”

Parent Corrette Foster-Ladrey (left) listens to tips to engage her 5-year-old son from Adama Blagrove, founder and owner of Montego Bay Autism Centre. Blagrove is one of 10 master trainers being trained at the Caregiver Skills Training programme organised by Sandals Foundation and partners. 

Partners in the Caregiver Skills Training programme: (from left) Dr Pamela Dixon, senior director, clinical services and inclusion at Autism Speak; Heidi Clarke, executive director, Sandals Foundation; Camille Proctor, executive director, The Color of Autism Foundation; Alicia Williams, foundation manager, Bob Marley and Rita Marley Foundation; and Dr Michelle Meredith, head of the Department of Special Education at The Mico University College