Nov. 17, 2008 – Here to Understand and Give Support – Virgin Islands (HUGS –VI) is a family support group for those with special needs. The organization will have a meeting from 6-8 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Curriculum Center's conference room, in Tutu. All parents and caregivers are invited.
There will be two guest speakers. Josette Pascal-George, from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation at the USVI Department of Human Services, will explain what her program provides for the territory's special-needs children as they transition to independence. She will emphasize that parents need to start thinking and planning about their child's transition to adulthood as early as when the child is initially diagnosed. Parents should not wait until the child is 13-14 years old or in high school.
Jill Singer, assistant director at the State Office for Special Education for the U.S. Virgin Islands, will speak and lead a discussion on the Transition Task Force that her office has recently started.
Parents of special needs children from birth age to adults are encouraged to attend.
Refreshments and childcare will be provided. For more information, call HUGS at 690-2540.