The Variety Future Program helps special needs and disadvantaged children in a number of ways. Funds are provided for equipment that can be used by more than one child, such as computers and educational equipment. Children with cerebral palsy and other conditions often find writing to be a near impossible task. A computer can help transform their classroom experience, academic performance and their overall communication skills.
IN ADDITION, FUNDS ARE ALSO PROVIDED TO HELP SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN AND (SUCH AS THOSE WITH AUTISM) COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT. CHILDREN WITH AUTISM TEND TO HAVE MORE SUCCESS PROCESSING INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED IN A VISUAL RATHER THAN VERBAL FORMAT AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THEIR WORLD.
The Variety Future Program occasionally offers educational scholarships to foster talent in sports, drama, music, academia and self-development for children who are sick or disadvantaged. Variety Barbados uses this program to work with other organisations offering special camps, sporting events, cultural institutions and much more. This program opens up a new world to our special children which expands their imagination and creates positive, life-long memories. It provides the opportunity for the entire family to explore and share at their own pace. As the needs of the special child often times take much of the resources of the family, Variety believes including the entire family, not just the special child, is essential.