Speech Pathology in Micronesia
We were alarmed to learn that there are over 600 cases of children with special needs in the Pohnpei public schools. This caseload is greater than the number of resource specialists hired in the entire island. This number includes the deaf and autistic students who have communication challenges. The Department of Education requested for MAHI International to find a professional to help meet the needs of these students. In November, speech-language pathologist Kristine Caraig came to Pohnpei to meet the needs of these children and to provide workshops identifying the development areas in the Special Education Department specifically in the are of speech and language communication. MAHI International's volunteer Ruthie Holmes works with Joyse at the Department of Education. They collaborate closely with Ms. Caraig in aligning student activities with measurable goals and objectives.
