MORE than 40 student teachers, along with educators who are already in the classroom, have benefited from a one-week speech pathology workshop staged by a Diaspora-based non-profit organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

The Unlocking Voices Educator Initiative is a programme of Speech and Scholars Project Incorporated, designed to improve the skills of special education teachers so they can better support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The workshop, which ran from October 12-16 at the Shortwood Teachers’ College, was intended to provide speech language services for more children with ASD in Jamaica, with a focus on those in underserved communities.

“Communication challenges are common among autistic children, and the ministry has been working to ensure that more students have access to the support they need. So when we were approached by Speech and Scholars, it was not a difficult decision to partner with them,” said permanent secretary in the education ministry Dr Kasan Troupe.

“This kind of public-private partnership is one of the key elements of the transformation of the education system in Jamaica, and we applaud the Speech and Scholars team for the work they have been doing to support the overall effort,” added Troupe.

In keeping with one of the ministry’s transformation pillars, the one-week workshop focused primarily on early childhood education professionals.

In addition to the Mico University College, participants came from several institutions, including the Randolph Lopez School of Hope, the Windsor School of Special Education, and the Danny Williams School for the Deaf.

They received training in basic speech and language pathology theory and therapy techniques. Instruction was delivered by three licensed speech language pathologists (SLPs) from the United States.

“The growing number of children with autism is outpacing the resources available to provide the kind of support they need, so we know the need is great. There are not enough certified SLPs in Jamaica, and while the Government has been working to improve the available services, it is still far below what is required.

“Support for an autistic child is complex and should be comprehensive. Through this workshop we are adding to the bank of skills that special educators need to manage autistic children in the classroom,” explained Speech and Scholars Project founder and executive director Sydian Brissett Hammond.

Workshop training focused on language modelling, visual supports, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies, and classroom-based interventions that strengthen both expressive and receptive language development.

While this initiative focused on upskilling teachers, Brissett Hammond noted that her organisation has long-term plans to execute different initiatives focused on parent support and providing resources for the education system in the wider Caribbean.

“Our mission is to serve families and communities that are underserved and to equip caregivers, parents, and professionals with effective training, educational resources, and ongoing support. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of children diagnosed with autism across the region.

“Having lived through the anxiety and challenges that come with being the parent of an autistic child, I know all too well how difficult it can be. My family was however very fortunate to be in a country where resources were available and access was easy. Sadly, many Jamaican families do not have that, and so we were inspired to do our part to help fill that gap,” Brissett Hammond shared.

At last Friday’s closing ceremony, Brissett Hammond announced a donation of 50 AAC devices to the Hanover Street-based Early Stimulation Programme in Kingston, which caters to students from zero to six years old who have developmental disabilities.

The devices include tablets, touch-to-speak buttons, and Rubix cubes designed specifically to aid in the teaching of neurodivergent children.

In addition to the education ministry, the Speech and Scholars Project initiative received strong support from a number of partners, including the CHASE Fund, Digicel Foundation, Barita Foundation, RICAN Events, Tranzcare, Alfrasure, and Danrak Productions.