The BVI Services recently hosted a tea party for members of its adult day programme for persons with disabilities.

Director of Disabilities Services Miss Crystal Estridge said the event is part of her division’s community awareness initiative. She said activities at the BVI Services which falls under the Disabilities Services at the Social Development Department, are usually closed off for the summer during the July to August period.

Miss Estridge said the staff decided to have an event this year so that participants in the programme can experience some integration into the society.

 “We want them to have some experiences like the rest of us do that maybe they would not normally get to have,” Miss Estridge said. She added, “Our special education teacher recommended that we have a tea party this year, as a type of new initiative. They get to socialise with one another. They get to do a nice little activity that they have not previously gotten to do and get to dress up and just have a good time”.

Meanwhile, Special Education Teacher in the Disabilities Service, Mrs. Gillian Niles-John said the event was held indoors to create an ambience for the participants who are differently abled to experience a different environment.

“We focused on the attire because we wanted them to dress up like they are actually going out so that they can understand that there are different things in life that they can do and enjoy,” Mrs. Niles-John said. “We also tried to make it as appropriate as possible with the teacups and the pastry table,” she added.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development through its subsidiary the Disabilities Services Division remains committed to serving the needs of special needs persons in the Virgin Islands.