The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services has announced the establishment of the Department of Special Needs Services (DSENS).
This is a pivotal entity dedicated to advancing and enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs across the Islands. Recognizing the commendable efforts of past providers, the department said it aims to build upon the foundation they laid and further elevate the standards of special education in the region.
For its inaugural year, the department said it will be strategically focused on building service capacity and has assembled a highly skilled and passionate team committed to making a lasting impact.
The core team includes:
Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs – Director;
Lashaunda Dickenson Skippings – Coordinator of Assessments;
Christina Joseph – Behavioural Analyst;
Jamiliyah Jordan – Speech/Language Pathologist;
Paulette Simmons – Special Needs Teacher (SNAP);
Sheniqua Morgan – Assistant Special Needs Teacher (SNAP).
Within the next few weeks, the department aims to fill the posts of occupational therapist and six additional special needs teachers.
The ministry pointed out that the department’s overarching goal is to establish a Special Needs Center, a hub of support, resources, and expertise for individuals with special needs, noting that as part of the government’s commitment to providing exceptional services, the ministry said it is happy to announce the continued operation of the Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) center, which currently serves as the placement for the country’s children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental challenges.
An official launch will be conducted on February 27th where more details will be provided.
