Beaches Resorts staff receive autism-awareness training

Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean family all-inclusive brand, recently hosted a series of autism seminars at its three properties, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Beaches Ocho Rios – A Spa Golf & Waterpark Resort and Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, in an effort to sensitise its staff members on catering to young guests who are on the spectrum. 

The ‘Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children’ seminars were conducted by representatives from Sesame Street, a long-standing partner of the resort chain. In addition to members of staff, the seminars were attended by teachers from schools adopted by the Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International’s official charity.

“Our aim is not just to equip our staff members with the tools to care for guests with autism, but also to have them go back to their own communities and educate local people about autism,” said Joel Ryan, group entertainment manager at Beaches Resorts.

“As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts was delighted to support ‘The Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children’ seminars, which taught staff members how to create inclusive activities and events and to make adjustments, where necessary, to ensure all children have a positive Beaches experience.”
The Sesame Street autism sensitisation approach brings awareness to the unique qualities and also similarities that all children possess and helps build empathy, respect and understanding among children.

Perlita Trail, principal of Boscobel Primary School, which is adopted by the Sandals Foundation, said: “My teachers were very excited at the prospect of receiving autism sensitisation training. We commend Beaches Resorts, the Sandals Foundation and Sesame Street for this awesome initiative. It is something we welcome and we will no doubt share the knowledge gleaned with as many other teachers as possible.”