Blog
Sensory Spaces Play Key Role in Self Regulation
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…
ITTS 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…
Custom 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…
Ways 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…
Education Creates Accessibility, Opportunity for Occupational Therapy in Jamaica
In a constantly changing world, education is key to providing quality care and therapy. Smile a While Foundation is happy to announce the first professionals benefiting with training scholarships through our Interdisciplinary Team Training Series (ITTS). Everyday, information and technology is changing. This makes the need for continuing education essential for occupational therapists to…
Self Determination: Boost Your Child’s Success With Simple Choices
Self determination can be easy to incorporate for a child of any ability. Read this article for more info on what self determination is and how you can start providing it to your child. The ability to make a choice can act as a life-changing catalyst for children’s development. Studies show the more children…
Helping Your Child Grasp the Possibilities in Front of Them
As babies develop and learn how to move their bodies, big muscles develop first and allow little ones to begin moving and cruising. Tiny muscles, such as those in the hands, take longer to develop and can be harder to attach to milestones for parents. Grasp patterns are the coordinated movements the hand uses…
Therapeutic Benefits to Sensory Play
Sensory play offers the perfect setting for kids to explore and learn through play. Sensory play focuses on activities that engage your child’s senses, helping them develop language skills and motor skills. It also helps with cognitive growth, fosters social interactions and encourages experimentation. Sensory play helps the brain develop nerve connections and encourages growth…
DIY Sensory Play: 5 Great Ideas for Homemade, Hands-on Play
During sensory play children use their senses to incorporate smell, touch, sound, vision, and movement. Play that has a multisensory experience is known to have a positive correlation with brain development in children. Bonus, since these are DIY activities they can each be customized to meet the preferences of your child. Starting at birth, children…
Nicola & Badrick
Nicola and her son Badrick live in St. Ann, Jamaica. Badrick was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, also known as West syndrome. This condition causes a series of seizures and spasms that last only a few seconds but can happen one right after the other. Badrick also has developmental delays and cerebral palsy. He can’t walk.…
