Barbados Today

The Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre opened its doors on Wednesday to showcase the outstanding work of its students and staff.

“Many persons in Barbados are not even aware that this centre exists, so I just want the general public to know about the different units we have here, the daycare unit, workshop unit and educational unit,” Social Work Intern Shanice Blades told Barbados TODAY.

The Jemmotts Lane, St Michael facility, formerly known as the Children Development Centre, caters to physically and mentally challenged students who benefit from a full range of services provided by the team of paediatricians, psychologists, therapists and social workers.

Day Care Unit Acting Supervisor Leicelle Clarke told Barbados TODAY that early stimulation was a vital step to optimizing development. “Some children will not be able to fit in to a regular nursery whether it be because they suffer from seizures or microcephaly or some other disability.

“This unit caters to these children and we take care of them. We engage them in creative activities, whether that be through singing, dance or craft. We assist in their communication skills.”

Head of the Educational Unit Amelia Samuel disclosed that the students were also exposed to a variety of teaching aids and tools to develop their fine motor skills.

These include functional academic, computer assisted learning activities, self-help and daily living skills, singing, music, dance, swimming and physical education.