Announcements
Smile 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…
Read MoreCustom Splints Offer Individual Care to Jamaican Kids in 2023
Have you heard? We’re launching a splinting clinic! Every special needs child in the Caribbean should lead a fulfilling life. Our mission is to provide therapy services to disabled children in areas where access to such support is not widely available. We are excited to be partnering with Elaine Allen-Bradley who is currently managing a…
Read MoreWays You Can Make the Holidays Brighter
Shine your light for special needs children in the Caribbean this holiday season Hello quarter four 2022, all of us at Smile A While Foundation are gearing up for the holiday season, but our support community plays an intricate role in our plan to support and service children and families in 2023. If you are…
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