NATHAN EBANKS FOUNDATION

2012 Special Needs Conference & Expo

Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston, Jamaica

April 11-14, 2012

Theme: "Building the Road to Independence for Children with Disabilities"

6th Annual Special Needs Conference and Expo

April 11-14, 2012

Registration is almost open for our 2012 Annual Needs Conference & Expo, scheduled for April 11-14, 2012. Get ready to book your space soon.

Conference Background

Independence is the ability to function in a given area without depending upon another's help. For children with physical, emotional and other disabilities and special needs, the journey to independence is much harder, and for most unachievable without the right encouragement, support and an enabling environment. Consequently, contributions these can can ultimately can make to enhance themselves and their communities are lost as they become socially isolated.

This year, as Jamaica celebrates its golden anniversary of independence, the Nathan Ebanks Foundation will on April 11-14, 2012 mount its 6^th Annual Special Needs Conference. Under the theme “Building the Road to Independence for Children [and adults] with Disabilities”, the event will take place at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Downtown Kingston.  Learn more

Watch MOVE Videos now, link on the links below.

Cameron's story

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 2011 Conference “Raising Achievements, Closing the Gaps” , April 2011

Highlights

 Participants listening attentively to the presentation

Partnerships

Title Sponsor ~ RBC Royal Bank (Jamaica) Limited  

L-R Ms Roxann Linton, Vice President, Personal Banking, RBC, Mrs. Millicent Battick, Branch Manager, RBC Tropical Plaza, Mrs. Christine Staple-Ebanks, Founder & Executive Director, NEF

RBC presence at the Conference as a booth holder, sharing information on their programmes was greatly appreciated by the delegates.

 Gold Sponsor ~ Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL)

L-R Christine Staple-Ebanks, NEF & Charmaine Lawson, SVL

Silver Sponsor ~ Jamaica Biscuit Company Ltd.

Bronze Sponsors



Media Partners

POWER 106

RJR Radio

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NEF Forms Strategic Alliance with the Jamaican American Connection (JAC) of Greater New Haven, Connecticut- USA

In October 2011, the Nathan Ebanks Foundation formed a strategic alliance with the Jamaican American Connecticut of Greater New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

NEF/JAC Connection

NEF Founder & Exexutive Director, Christine Staple-Ebanks was invited by JAC to deliver the keynote address at the organization's First Annual Trailblazers Scholarship Banquet in Connecticut, October 29, 2011.

  L-r: Christine Staple-Ebanks, NEF and Karaine Smith-Holness, JAC member and Banquet Coordinator, Connecticut USA

Christine Staple-Ebanks, NEF delivering the Keynote Address at JAC's First Annual Trailblazer Scholarship Banquet, Greater New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Literacy  Book Drive

Through the  partnership with JAC, and in support of our Improvement in Literacy initiative, 4 barrels consisting of hundreds of books have been shipped to Jamaica. These books are  being distributed to twelve (12) secondary schools island wide, one primary level school and the Jamaica Library Service. 

The Barrels  contain a wide variety of books including a complete set of Britannica Encyclopaedia, novels, literature books, magazines and academic text books.

JAC also donated a new pair of football boots and socks for a child who was in need, and one suitcase of new baby clothing. These have been distributed to local persons in need and Glen Hope Children’s Home: Nursery Division.

There are many great things ins tore for the Nathan Ebanks Foundation in 2012. Our focus for the next two years will continue to be on public education – awareness,  sensitization, early detection,  intervention, and capacity strengthening. Our main platforms will be (1) Inclusion of children with disabilities in educational settings, (2) Excellence in Education: Igniting a movement to transform education in Jamaica for the 21st century, and (3) Child and adolescent mental health.

Specifically, for 2012, our programmes will include:

• An annual conference
• Training and continuing education professional development workshops/courses
• Disability awareness programmes
• Excellence in education & Education leadership awareness programmes
• Parent workshops & Support
• Respite care services (New)
• Counselling & select diagnostic services (New)
• NEF Store including Adaptive aids & equipment
• Education Partnerships: Books, educations

We look forward to a great year, of working alongside you as we continue to work together to build our nation and to improve the quality of education and life for all our children.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual Conference/Training Event, April 2012

What is MOVE?

Respite Care Training        Feb/Mar 2012

Teaching Children with Disabilities Workshop,      October 2012

Practical Parent Workshop, May/June 2012

Please keep checking back this webiste for details and updates on training and other initiatives.

Community Calendar of Upcoming Events

 Child Mental Health week      May 1-7, 2012

National Education Week, May 6-11, 2012

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