Announcements
Assistive Technology Off to Jamaica!
We are very excited to share that our Rifton Stander has been shipped to Jamaica, thanks to the generosity of Dennis Shipping! Dennis Shipping ships all over the Caribbean and some parts of Central America, with a diverse staff from almost every Caribbean Island. The company graciously waved shipping fees to get our Rifton to…
Read MoreSmile A While Foundation Helping to Bridge the Gap to Understand and Support the Whole Child
At Smile A While, we believe every child with special needs in the Caribbean can have a bright future when given the support they need. As an organization, we know the importance in having consistent access to therapy services in order to improve quality of life. Currently, in Jamaica there are 10 occupational therapists…
Read MoreSmile A While Foundation Joins Global Giving Platform to Support Special Needs Youth in Jamaica
We are thrilled to announce that Smile A While Foundation is now on the Global Giving platform! This partnership opens a new chapter in our mission to enhance the quality of life for special needs youth in Jamaica. As we step onto this global stage, we invite you to join us in making a lasting…
Read MoreIn Dire Need for Support: Autism a Costly Diagnosis, Full of Hurdles for Jamaican Families
Jamaica’s lack of support for autism diagnoses leaves families, communities and children with a rough path moving forward Autism is a costly diagnosis for a child in Jamaica. A recent article by Lisa Hanna, a Member of Parliament for St Ann South Eastern, People’s National Party spokesperson on foreign affairs and foreign trade, and a…
Read MoreLetter of Medical Necessity 101
There are many wonderful developments in our modern world that enhance the quality of life for special needs youth. Access to these tools can be a huge barrier for many children, which is of course the basis of our programming! Insurance can help many families access some of these enhancements, and many are unaware that…
Read MoreThe Importance of Supportive Standing for Children with Mobility Disabilities
Thank you to Rifton for Giving the Gift of Supportive Standing to Smile A While Foundation What is Supportive Standing? For individuals with a physical disability, the ability to stand may not be possible without an assistive device. Supported-standing is defined as using a device to maintain an aligned, upright, weight-bearing position. These assistive devices…
Read MoreBuilding Brighter Futures, Together.
In the world of nonprofits, success is often the result of collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision. As we enter the end-of-year season, our organization is reflecting on the incredible partners who have stood by us, believed in our mission, and supported us this past year. Let’s take a look at our invaluable partners and…
Read MoreECHO Autism Role Call
Get to Know the ECHO Autism Team Expanding Access to Care ECHO Autism is a virtual learning network of providers offering real-time access to autism and behavioral experts. In Spring 2024, Smile A While Foundation will be rolling out ECHO Autism Jamaica to expand access to therapy resources for special needs children and families. The…
Read MoreNew Partnership with ECHO Autism To Move Knowledge, Not People
Smile A While’s new program as part of ECHO Autism will connect knowledge to children and families in Jamaica for better care. Moving Knowledge, Not People Earlier this year, our Founder and Executive Director, Joanne Oates, connected with ECHO Autism Project with a dream of bringing better care to children with autism in Jamaica. We…
Read MoreITTS Program Paves Way for Increased ‘Autism-Friendly’ Approach in Jamaica
Hear from (4) professional therapists who attended a virtual conference, ‘Autism: Beyond Limits‘ through our Interdisciplinary Team Training Series (ITTS) program. The importance of continuing education In our world, information and technology is constantly changing. This makes the need for continuing education essential for occupational therapists to maintain clinical excellence and update their skills, knowledge…
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