THE Special Needs Awareness Programmes (SNAP) team is a group committed to spreading awareness about the special-needs community to all in Jamaica. They seek to achieve this through various events which offer opportunities for people to learn and interact with persons with exceptionalities through entertainment media, as well as professional events.

According to the group’s founder Toni-Ann Tucker, “Very often special-needs awareness projects are predominantly attended by persons who are members of the special needs community or are their family members, so you are preaching to the converted. That is what we want to change.”

According to a news release, the group has partnered with Dr Terri-Karelle Reid and Miss Jamaica World 2014 Laurie-Ann Chin, as well as Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA).

“There is no point in reinventing the wheel,” Tucker insisted. “We are aware that there are other persons and groups with a similar passion, so we believe in partnership. That way we are all much closer to our shared goal of awareness.”

For April, which is recognised as Autism Awareness Month, SNAP has planned the first sensory movie viewing to Jamaica, which is stated for 3:30 pm on April 10 at Palace Cineplex. The release said the new movie Home will be shown. The release urged people to send an email to snapteamja@gmail.com for reservations, as no tickets will be available on the day.

There is also a seminar, titled ‘Autism: Adjusting the Framework’ planned for April 22 at The Hub at 5A Hillcrest Avenue. United States-based autism coach Deborah Santiago is expected to be the speaker.

And on May 2, in conjunction with Child’s Month according to the release, the group is organising a fun day for children with autism who are excelling, and the families that support them.