A newly formed partnership between The Blue Dragonfly Foundation and The Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre ushers in an era of empowerment at The Mount Tabor Retreat in the heart of Antigua’s rainforest.
As part of its commitment to this project, the Halo Foundation presented The Blue Dragonfly Foundation with a cheque for $10,000. This contribution will be used to purchase a vital piece of assistive technology equipment, an Interactive White Board, helping to drive the program forward and ensure its continued success and impact.
The Interactive White Board is a large, touch-sensitive screen that turns digital content into an engaging, multi-sensory experience. Its features can be customized to support diverse learning needs, helping students with disabilities access information, stay engaged, and express themselves through tools like text-to-speech, enlarged visuals, alternative input methods and handwriting-to-text conversion, promoting inclusion and better performance for those with learning disabilities, visual/hearing impairments, and fine motor challenges.
The Mount Tabor Retreat, with its breathtaking panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere, promises to be a life-changing environment for those who often experience heightened anxiety due to sensory processing challenges. Building on this transformative setting, The Blue Dragonfly Foundation has announced the development of an on-site restaurant and hydroponic farm at the retreat, designed to offer farm-to-table dining while providing autistic teens and young adults with hands-on training and valuable work experience. This initiative aims to open doors to employment opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible to many individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
In addition to the restaurant and farm, the retreat will feature an on-site classroom and a dedicated sensory room. These spaces will be essential for delivering sensory therapies and specialized learning programs, with a focus on fostering communication skills for those who are non-verbal or face challenges in effective communication. By providing tailored resources and support, The Blue Dragonfly Foundation is empowering participants to reach their fullest potential in a nurturing, inclusive environment.
The Halo Foundation stands firmly behind The Blue Dragonfly Foundation’s commitment to fostering empowerment, acceptance, and holistic wellbeing. This project marks an important milestone for Antigua and Barbuda, setting a high standard for inclusive care and innovation.
“We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” stated Lady Williams, President and Founder of The Halo Foundation. “The Blue Dragonfly Foundation’s vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to inclusion, compassion, and transformative change. We are thrilled to see this initiative unfold in such an inspiring natural setting, and we commend all partners for their dedication and forward-thinking approach.”
