| Groups bring learning experts to TCI for youth consultations |
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| Thursday, 27 January 2011 11:39 | |||
 Thanks to support from the Sands Resort and the Rotary Club, the One World Foundation sponsored a visit from two learning difficulties experts who have been holding consultations at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales. Speech therapist Debbie Venditti and occupational therapist Dr Claire Richardson have spent two weeks working with youngsters suffering a range of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning difficulties and Down syndrome. And the self-funding trip, supported by Sands Resort and Rotary Clubs in TCI and New York, has been hailed a “huge success” by InterHealth Canada consultant pediatrician Dr Helen Leonard. “The One World Foundation is a fantastic charity that, among many other things, offer support for disabled children all over the world,” she said. “It has a group of experts who volunteer their services and we have been really fortunate to have Debbie and Claire with us.” Hearing from experts in their fields, both parents and children have benefited hugely from their experience and skills, Leonard said. “These sort of services have been limited in the TCI, and we see this as the start of better things to come,” she said. “InterHealth Canada is working closely with the Ministry of Health to further develop these services and to ensure long term progression and sustainability.” Toronto-based Venditti said she has been encouraged by the positive attitude of parents. “It’s been a really fulfilling trip,” she explained, “and I have been very impressed by the facilities here at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.” She added that she was impressed by the way parents and guardians have embraced the activities and exercises demonstrated and with their determination to continue to work with their children at home. One youngster who has benefited from the visit is two-year-old Tania Alutten. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for Tennia to work with two leading specialists and she has made great progress,” said Tania’s mum Lathia. “Their methods and ways are really inspiring and can see the difference it’s making.” Meanwhile, Richardson, who practices in New York, revealed that she and Venditti hope to return to the TCI in the near future. “We have seen youngsters come from all over the country, and that shows that both the need and commitment is there. What’s important now is that the work we have started continues. “I know both Dr. Leonard and the government are working hard to improve facilities and services for disabled children, and we would be delighted to return to help again in the future.”
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