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Speech language pathologist volunteers in Turks and CaicosBy Dominik Kureklaymen could follow, Venditti said. Our goal was to OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFgive one or two suggestions that might impact their lives. Its much different than here where we are able In 20 years of practice into then provide weekly therapy.Oakville, speech language patholo-Venditti said the islands have a lack in services and gist Deborah Venditti says shesthis was the first time professionals went there for never worked so hard as when shesuch work.recently volunteered her services inThere are absolutely no services there for children the Turks and Caicos Islands.with special needs, she said. If a parent can afford it, The long-time Oakville residentthey will fly their child from Turks and Caicos over to recently spent time in the CentralMiami. Those would be the only professionals that American British territory, on aanyone has ever seen.volunteer basis, providing assess-There is also a higher incidence of special needs ments to children with learningchildren in Turks and Caicos compared to North disabilities and giving suggestionsAmerica, she saidto their parents.One of the things Dr. Leonard was trying to do We worked harder than Ivewith our visit was to show: Look, there is a need. ever worked in my entire life, sheThese two professionals impacted their lives. Shes said. We did a whirlwind 35 assess-hoping the government will find some money to have ments in two weeks. It was a verysomeone go down there as a paid position.ambitions project, however weVenditti said there may be a return trip to the accomplished an unbelievableislands for a progress assessment of the children she amount. It was very much a suc-and Richardson have seen.cess.SUBMITTED PHOTOOne World FoundationLEARNING:Oakville speech language pathologist Deborah Venditti recently went to Turks and approached Venditti to be part of aCaicos Islands, volunteering to help assess children with learning disabilities.two-week long visit this pastJanuary. The program was spear-I never worked so hardthere.was by way of Dr. Leonardsheaded by InterHealth Canadasin my life, Venditti said. ItShe said most of the par-suggestion that these chil-consultant pediatrician Dr. Helenwas incredibly rewardingents she saw didnt evendren were brought toLeonard, who is serving in thebecause of the way we wereknow the role of a speechVenditti and Richardson.tropical islands, where such servic-received. People were solanguage pathologist andWe tried to give sugges-es simply do not exist.excited about us beingoccupational therapist. Ittions that their parents orEuropean Engineering CombinedLeonard got the wheels spin-WithTraditionalWorkmanshipning, but it was a multi-party effortto get the project moving. OneWorld Foundation paid for traveland meals for Venditti and hercounterpart in the project, a NewYork-based occupational therapistDr. Claire Richardson. The SandsBuilding on theResort in Providenciales, where theBrightest Ideas Around Glassmedical centre that the pair workedout of is located, provided themIMPRESSIONS905.849.0266with free board. The local govern-ment also paid for the families of We have been providing exceptional, full-day, the children to be brought from theearly education programs for decades. surrounding islands toCome experience our child-friendly, student-centred environment.Providenciales for the assessments.Venditti and her partner workedJUNIOR KINDERGARTEN AND MONTESSORI TO GRADE 12together on team assessments for inking of a Renovation?35 children. During the first weekwww.hsc.on.ca | 905-389-1367 | 299 Fennell Ave. West, HamiltonStart with the hearth of the homethey examined a group of 35 chil-dren and revisited them in the sec-Discover the Wonderful World of Playmobil Toysond week.They met with the children dur-ing the day and met with a develop-mental pediatrician to review thecases in the evenings.March Break Madness!ththSpeak up!March 14 to 19You can comment Come & join us for aon any story inCastle Building Contest!We have a fi replace to fi t any budget.The winner will receive atoday's OakvilleSPEAK TO THE EXPERTS.$50 store gift voucherBeaver at MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTSwww.cobblestonembers.ca 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE oakvillebeaver.com6430 Kennedy Road, Unit D Mississauga (905) 696-7529ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-206611 Friday, March 4, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com