On Monday 8 November 2021, the Sunrise Adult Training Centre (SATC) will celebrate 35 years of serving the Cayman Islands with its integrated services and programmes for adults with a broad range of special needs. The Centre recently came under the remit of the Cayman Islands Government’s Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development.
By providing vocational training, therapeutic services, case management services and a recreational day programme, the Centre aims to enable all of its clients to become empowered, productive and fully included members of the community.
Currently, the Centre supports 35 clients in its day programme, and 23 clients who work in paid employment in the community (see below for a range of testimonials from employers). There are 22 members of staff.
Although current Covid-19 protocols have postponed traditional celebrations and festivities for the Centre’s anniversary, the clients, staff, families and wider community anticipate these at a later date.
The Hon. Minister André Ebanks extended his congratulations to the Centre:
“Since its founding 35 years ago, Sunrise Adult Training Centre has played a significant role in the Cayman Islands, both in its delivery of services to clients and its advocacy on their behalf. Its Director Ms. Kimberly Voaden leads the Centre with enthusiasm, wisdom and great compassion, and its staff are to be commended for their work and dedication.
“The Centre equips its clients with hugely important life skills to enable their functioning in wider society, in line with the recognition that such participation is vital for every human being. Likewise the Centre provides the delivery of therapy services and vocational training in aid of the same objective.
“At the same time, demand for Sunrise’s services currently exceeds its ability to accommodate all of its potential clients. Investment in the Centre’s physical facilities is an urgent need and priority of this Government.”
Sunrise Adult Training Centre Director Kimberly Voaden, who has served as Director since 2017, provided the context of Sunrise’s services and the role it plays in the Cayman Islands:
“I am honored to serve as a Director and formerly as Programme Director during a portion of Sunrise’s three and a half decades.
“People with disabilities – one billion worldwide – are one of the most excluded groups in society. Even without the strain of the Covid-19 pandemic, these people are less likely to access healthcare, education, employment and active community participation.
“An integrated approach is required. Sunrise is committed to working in a holistic, client-centred manner and collaboratively with all possible partners, to ensure that its clients live fulfilling, flourishing lives and are fully included in our community.”
Voaden noted that in the past 35 years, there has been a transformation of attitudes towards people with special needs and disabilities. She said this has elevated the crucial importance of policies and practices to support and include them in our community, the economy and society. Swiftly changing technologies also aid in the range of possibilities for them to contribute, and likewise enabling them to strive for their full potential as individuals.
“Without a doubt, the purpose and functions of Sunrise Adult Training Centre are vital and mutually beneficial not only for our clients and their families, but also for the Cayman Islands as a whole to have opportunities to embrace and engage with these members of our community,” she said.
Commenting on the future of Sunrise Adult Training Centre, Voaden noted:
“Going forward, we will continue to work with our clients to enable their full inclusion. We will work to embed the Sunrise ethos of empowerment, employment and independence even more deeply within the Cayman Islands community.
“To deliver on this ambition, and to properly serve a long list of clients who are currently on a wait list — or will join when they finish at the Lighthouse School — Sunrise requires a bespoke building. Moreover, the building will need to be located more centrally, as the current premises in West Bay significantly hinders participation of clients from the eastern districts.
“We also eagerly anticipate building more partnerships with potential employers, with civic organisations, and connections with the broader community.”
Voaden concluded by saying that disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, peace and security. She said, “The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; it is an investment in a common future, for Cayman, and to the betterment of us all.”
A selection of employer testimonials:
Dr. Catherine Day
Clinical Director
Aspire Therapeutic Services
“We have had a number of Sunrise clients on internships and always find them a valuable member of our team. As a service that specialises in neurodiversity we appreciate having employees who are differently-abled, who educate and inform us and our service users daily about inclusion and acceptance. Our Sunrise interns challenge us to ‘walk the walk’ not just ‘talk the talk’ and teach us to hone our skills in accommodating, communicating, perspective-taking and so much more. The benefits are two-way; every team should offer this opportunity!”
Michelle Green
Owner & Manager
Growing Beauty Nursery
“Over the years Sunrise Adult Training Centre staff have been very supportive. We enjoy having someone from Sunrise working with us, he is hard working, friendly and helpful to our customers. At times it can be challenging to understand their needs, but overall it teaches us all staff to exercise patience and sometimes causes us step aside and take a deep breath to regroup. Bottom line though, “They bring Joy to our Hearts” We think that persons with additional needs are wonderful people who should be given the same opportunity as we did.”
Fareed
Manager
Café Amazon
“Café Amazon is pleased to partner with Sunrise Adult Training Centre to provide employment opportunities for people with special needs. We have had nothing but excellent staff join our organization from Sunrise.”
Jonathan Nunez
Owner/Operator
Tomfoodery Kitchen & Bar
“We were introduced to Sunrise Adult Training Centre after already hiring one of their clients. The relationship we have with that staff member who utilises their services has been nothing but positive. Their attention to their clients and willingness to invest time to ensure that they succeed in the workplace is humbling. Additionally, our own approach to managing has benefited by the example that the Sunrise representatives set. We’ve learned as managers from their actions and patience when guiding their clients and helping them to succeed without hampering their ability to achieve independently. We’ve seen a growth in that staff member that has been faster and more earnest than a number of our other employees that do not require Sunrise’s services. We wholeheartedly support Sunrise and are eager to entertain further placements.”
Health Services Authority
The Cayman Islands Health Service Authority (HSA) has had a longstanding, successful partnership with Sunrise Adult Training Centre over the past 30 years. Their clients who have joined the HSA team have been caring, dedicated employees, making great contributions to the organisation. We look forward continuing our partnership with the Vocational Programme for the years to come.
KidsAbility
“We have been extremely fortunate to have a Sunrise client on our team since 2015. He is a punctual employee that pays attention to detail and always aims to please. He arrives for every shift with a positive attitude and friendly demeanor.
The support we received from Sunrise Adult Training Centre has lead to the great success in his employment at KidsAbility. Ms Suzzette was able to provide key guidance and support when the client first started and the Sunrise Team have always been a phone call or email away should we have any queries or need support.
Over the years we have always appreciated the support Sunrise provides us as the employer to ensure we receive the logistical documents for employment (example – police clearance, health insurance letters etc.) KidsAbility is a strong believer in inclusive workplaces and we are happy to have partnered with SRC over the past 6 years and we look forward to continued partnership in the years to come.”
Camana Bay Cinema
“Camana Bay Cinema and guests are very appreciative of the candidates we have employed through the Sunrise Adult Training Centre. These individuals have become some of the most enthusiastic and hard-working members of our team. Sunrise Adult Training Centre is a valuable resource to our community and we are committed to a continued partnership for years to come.”
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