Community Intellectual Disability Team hosts Exceptional Summer event

Monday 8 August 2022: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Community Intellectual Disability Team (CIDT) will be hosting its Exceptional Summer BBQ Celebration at the end of August.

“This is the second social event we’ve created this year specifically for our intellectual disability community and their families,” said Chris Cunningham, manager of CIDT. “To mark the first anniversary of our team, we held A Fete of Exceptionalities in June at the Warwick Parish Council Field. That was so well received that we decided to create another social event.”

Exceptional Summer BBQ Celebration will take place on Saturday 27 August at Clearwater Beach from 11am-2pm.

“The main objectives of these events are to provide our clients with safe space for meaningful interaction with the general community and their peers,” said Morrisa Rogers, clinical director of the Intellectual Disability Programme. “It’s our hope that other event organisers will, through our example, understand how to make inclusion possible for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Diversity and inclusion have far reaching positive effects on all members of our community.”

 

 

 

 

8 August 2022 Home Page, News

Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute celebrates Fête of Exceptionalities

Saturday 4 June 2022: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) today celebrated the first anniversary of the formation of its Community and Intellectual Disability Team (CIDT) with a Fête of Exceptionalities.

The community event saw people with intellectual disabilities, their friends and family, the CIDT, and MWI senior leaders join for a day of fun activities at the Warwick Parish Council Field.

“The CIDT works to provide appropriate and client-centred services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with comorbid and co-occurring health needs living in Bermuda,” said Clinical Manager of CIDT Christopher Cunningham.

“The success of the first year of this department has brought about necessary referrals for day programmes, client moves to residential group homes for respite or permanent stays, employment opportunities and weekly therapy sessions focused on various topics to support the daily lives of clients,” said Preston Swan, BHB Acting Chief Operating Officer and VP Clinical Operations (MWI).

“Additionally, the team has been able to assist in emergency cases for other individuals needing substantial support, all while developing ties with multiple agencies on the island,” he added.

“The main objectives of our Fête of Exceptionalities are to provide our clients the opportunity to celebrate themselves in a public setting and engage in meaningful social engagement with their peers and the wider community,” said Morrisa Rogers, BHB Clinical Director of Intellectual Disabilities. “Attendees had the opportunity to seek information from our resource tent about the CIDT and other organisations that provide services to this community.”

It was free and featured lots of soca music, games, popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy, and the gombeys were a big hit.

“We hope the event provided insight for future community events on how to make inclusion possible for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities,” said Mr Cunningham.  “Inclusion is necessary and important, especially if we want to continue reducing the stigmas around mental health and intellectual disability.”

“We would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsor who share in the success of today’s event,” said Ronnelle James, Clinical Assistant of the CIDT. “They are: Special Olympics, K. Margaret Carter Centre, New Dimensions Day Programmes, John Barritt & Sons Ltd, The Hiles Family (Kris and Christianna), The Client Empowerment Council and Tomorrow’s Voices. We also thank Warwick Parish Council and The Royal Bermuda Regiment.”

 

4 June 2022 Home Page, News