Tough times have done little to dissuade Cayman’s business community that investing in education is good business for all involved. Even when the investment is in an often ignored and underfunded group like our autistic youth, a handful of local businesses are inspired enough to ensure that every resource is given to the development of this small and challenged group of students.

Caymanian business conglomerate DMS has recently shown such dedication to the autistic community by joining forces with another eponymously Caymanian company. Dart Realty and individual donor Taron Jackman have collectively earmarked KYD $5,500.00 towards an innovative program designed to help the autistic youth.

The ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) class, the first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, was started in September 2012 as an autism intervention program. This program was developed to meet the unique needs of a group of elementary-aged students on the autism spectrum, engaging them in a variety of educational and therapeutic activities that collectively serve to promote individual achievements.

There are currently six students, aged five to eight enrolled in the pilot program at the Lighthouse School. Students have been exposed to various educational & animal-assisted therapeutic programs that have collectively contributed to improving their social and cognitive skills.

DMS Senior Vice President Karen Kersey is quick to voice her support: “The prevalence of autism continues to grow. Our research, knowledge and options for educating the autistic must grow in tandem. We all learn in different ways. To find ways to learn and connect just makes sense. We are humbled to be doing what we can to support this important initiative.”

Taron Jackman (Partner, Deloitte & Touche) agrees: “When autism is isolated, diagnosed and measures are taken to provide the needed and regulated combination of structure, stimuli and education, these kids grow into happy, healthy, gifted and important members of society. Their brilliance knows no boundaries.”

“Dart has always been committed to fostering education and youth programs and we recognise the crucial role that the Lighthouse School plays in our community,” added Ken Hydes, VP Place Management & Experiences, Dart Realty. “Having supported local autism awareness campaigns, we appreciate the need for additional resources and we are pleased to be able to sponsor this innovative program.”

DMS Organization Ltd. (DMS) is a business conglomerate engaged in the financial services, real estate and media industries. Some of DMS’ affiliate companies include; DMS Broadcasting, Saxon Pensions, SaxonMG Insurance, DMS Offshore Investment Services and DMS Bank & Trust Ltd. We ensure excellence and achieve market leadership in all areas of our diversified businesses by focusing onour people, our customers, best practice and governance, financial performance, operating excellence.