A groundbreaking initiative is taking shape in the heart of Antigua’s rainforest as The Blue Dragonfly Foundation partners with the Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre to create transformative opportunities for individuals with disabilities at The Mount Tabor Retreat. The project has received significant backing from The Halo Foundation, which contributed $10,000 to acquire an Interactive White Board—a sophisticated assistive technology device that represents a technological leap forward for specialized education in the region.
This state-of-the-art interactive display transforms digital content into immersive, multi-sensory experiences specifically engineered to support diverse learning requirements. The system’s adaptable features include text-to-speech functionality, visual magnification tools, alternative input methodologies, and handwriting-to-text conversion capabilities. These innovations directly address challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and fine motor skill difficulties, creating unprecedented pathways for engagement and self-expression.
Nestled within a serene rainforest environment offering breathtaking panoramic views, The Mount Tabor Retreat provides an intentionally designed sanctuary that reduces sensory overload and anxiety—particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory processing challenges. Beyond the educational facilities, the foundation is developing an innovative farm-to-table restaurant that will provide vocational training and hands-on work experience for autistic teens and young adults.
The comprehensive facility will include specialized learning spaces featuring the newly acquired interactive technology, dedicated sensory rooms for therapeutic interventions, and programs specifically designed to enhance communication skills for non-verbal individuals or those facing communication barriers.
Lady Williams, President and Founder of The Halo Foundation, emphasized the project’s significance: ‘We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Blue Dragonfly Foundation’s vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to inclusion, compassion, and transformative change.’
This collaborative effort establishes a new benchmark for inclusive care and innovative support services in Antigua and Barbuda, creating a nurturing environment where participants can develop skills, build confidence, and achieve personal growth through tailored resources and comprehensive support systems.