On August 12th and 13th, the iSpeak Autism Society collaborated with Sea the Vision in hosting a two-day symposium on special needs conditions. The symposium explored autism, dyslexia, social and emotional disorders, learning disabilities and development delays.
The sessions were conducted by various experts in the field of special needs education, namely: Dr Karen Walker, who specialises in special education and lectures at the Northwestern University; Ms. Janet O’Malley, speech and language pathologist; Ms. Lin Schultz who specialises in reading and educational leadership and Mrs. Marisa Baker whose specialty is in education resource and behavioral intervention.
The two days saw over 30 members from various departments and organizations in attendance. These included fire fighters, police officers, welfare officers, teachers and after school providers. All those in attendance were grateful for the knowledge received, and expressed how much they had learnt.
On behalf of the society, Ms. Annishka White, Founder of iSpeak Society, expressed gratitude to those individuals who attended, especially the teachers who volunteered their time to join during the Summer vacation break. She also extended thanks to several departments, including: the Department of Education, the Department of Youth and Culture, Social Welfare, the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Anguilla Fire and Rescue and the after-school service provider, (Branches of Learning).
Ms. White recognised the involvement of parents who attended the parental session at Cuisinart Resort and Spa and those who also attended the public discussion. She went on to thank the sponsors, Sea the Vision, and all facilitators. Further, she thanked the Anguilla Community College and Cuisinart Resort and Spa for their generous support in making the symposium a success and she expressed thanks to iSpeak executive members.
She noted, as Herbert Spenser puts it:
“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
