Inspiration + Ideas

Access to quality education is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. In Jamaica, the push for inclusivity in schools has seen significant progress, particularly with the inclusion of Occupational Therapy (OT) services. These services are essential in helping children with various challenges—whether physical, cognitive, or sensory—thrive in the educational…

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless sacrifices. For mothers of children with special needs, this journey can be particularly demanding. From navigating complex medical systems to advocating for their children’s rights, special needs moms face unique struggles that often go unseen. As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s essential to shine a light…

April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month April celebrates Occupational Therapy Month to honor our vital profession and the meaningful differences it makes in the lives of special needs children. Occupational Therapy (OT) is like a superhero for children with special needs, helping them accomplish everyday tasks they struggle with. By finding fun ways to accomplish…

What are primitive reflexes? Primitive reflexes are the reflex actions that arise from the Central Nervous System (CNS). Primitive reflexes are typically present in childhood, but not present in healthy or neurological intact adults. Primitive reflexes are movement patterns that are involuntarily elicited in newborns to enhance chances of survival. During normal development, these reflexes…

Special Needs Children Need Therapy to Thrive Occupational therapy (OT) plays a significant role in supporting children with special needs. Its impact on these children can be profound and multifaceted, addressing various aspects of their development. Here are several ways occupational therapy can positively impact special needs children including; sensory processing, fine and gross motor…

A new school year is underway, your child(ren) are beginning to settle into their new routine, classroom, teacher, friends, and while all of these components to school are important, your child(ren)’s ability to learn is at the top.  In May 2002, there were approximately 16,950 Occupational Therapists (OT) working in K-12 schools in the United…

Highlighting the importance of keeping better data on special needs children in Jamaica.   The Jamaican Population Census of 2001 noted that there were 162,800 persons who self-identified as having a disability in Jamaica. Children under 14 make 21% of that population (Unicef, 2018) and yet information about how these children are impacted, and whether…

Therapeutic rooms provide spaces for self-exploration, regulation and positive change for individuals with developmental disabilities. What is a sensory room? A sensory room is a therapeutic space that can provide support for a variety of special needs including vision difficulties, language difficulties, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances and any student who needs a safe, quiet room…