GTBank Orange Ribbon Initiative is Transforming and Supporting Children With Special Needs

Top Nigerian bloggers and journalists on Monday morning of June 29, 2015, attended GTBank's 5th Annual Autism Conference on "Bridging Gaps and Transforming Lives" at the head office on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria  Island, Lagos. Since 2009, GTBank Orange Ribbon Initiative advocacy program has been supporting children with developmental disabilities or special needs in Nigeria, especially Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The program has been in partnership with ASD specialists from the Blazing Trails International Center Lewisville, Texas, USA since 2011. 

Dr. Sonya M. Armstrong, Dr. Anna Lamikanra and Oyinade Adegite of GTBank.

Dr. Anna Lamikanra speaking. 

Mra. Dotun Akande speaking.

Dr Ruth Brand Flu speaking on the challenges of traditional taboos, superstitious myths and psychological perspectives of treating autism among different ethnic cultures in Africa and America.

Dr. Adeola O. Fayemi and Dr. Marcus Tillery.

“Bridging Gaps & Transforming Lives”

There is no single answer or one-size fits all treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Learning new techniques and other truths however, can help families cope with the emotional and physical challenges and allow communities to better serve and understand children and young adults with disabilities, as they attempt to communicate and lead normal lives.
We welcome the chance to work with people in creating a climate of understanding and a network of educators and experts to further provide assistance in this awareness endeavor.

Mrs. Dotun Akande and Dr. Anna Lamikanra,
 
Dr. Lawrence Sutton,

Denise Hetherington, Dr Ruth Brand Flu, Dr. Sonya M. Armstrong, Mrs. Dotun Akande, Dr. Anna Lamikanra and Oyinade Adegite.

Dr. Marcus Tillery and Mrs. Dotun Akande.

Oyinade Adegite of GTBank with top celebrity blogger Mojisola Delano.

Two GTBank executives.

Top bloggers included Mojisola Delano, Orikinla Osinachi and others.
GTBank also invited the following celebrated consultants and specialists from Nigeria and United States of America..
Dr. Anna Lamikanra,
Executive Director, Blazing Trails International Center (BTIC) Autism Symposium Co-Developer. She is also the Evergreen Professor at Wuhan Polytechnic University. This is her fifth Orange Ribbon Initiative
Symposium for GT Bank. With many years experience as a researcher, tenured professor, community advocate and training innovator, Dr. “Lam” works to carve-out opportunities for people with disabilities. She has published many articles on educational reform.
Dr. Lam is interested in vocational education, training para-professionaland developing socializing programs for youth in transition and individualswith Autism Spectrum Disorder. She developed the curriculum for online certificate programs and a customer service training program for individuals with disabilities.
Recently, Dr. Lamikanra presented at the World Psychiatry Association on the Orange Ribbon Initiative and
the status of ASD research in Nigeria. Dr. Lamikanra earned the Ph. D from Iowa State University in Technology & Social Change and Global Education Policy. She is married to Dr. Olusola Lamikanra and they have a son, Olayinka.
Ade Otubanjo
TSLD, MA, CCC-SLP
A Nigerian-born licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Ade has received many awards and honors for his exceptional service to young people with special needs.
Dr. Sonya M. Armstrong
Professor & Chair, Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, West Virginia State University.
Darren Daniels
Darren Daniels is the Managing Director of Infuse Strategy Group, LLC (ISG), a Dallas, TX based consulting firm.
Ericka Daniels
Ericka Daniels is Director of Occupational Therapy for Infuse Strategy Group, LLC.
Aliya Gordon-Redwine
Aliya Gordon-Redwine is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a certified emergency medical technician (EMT).
Suzanne Wright
Suzanne Wright, is a third year doctoral student in the Audiology program at the University of North Texas (UNT).
Dr. Marcus Tillery
Princeton University School of Divinity and The Mission for Social Justice The Riverside Church, New York.
Denise Hetherington
Denise Hetherington recently retired from working as a Speech Pathologist for the Chicago Public Schools.
Dr. Lawrence Sutton
A catechist, writer, curriculum author, autism program developer, board chair-National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry NafIM.
Dr Ruth Brand Flu
MBBS, MRCPych, Dipl MBA
A Certified Global Mental Health Leader with 25 yrs clinical experience a psychiatrist.
Dr. Adeola O. Fayemi
Manager of Diversity and Inclusion Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
Dr. Yewande Oshodi
MBBS, MPH, FMCPsych
A qualified Medical Doctor with further Specialist training as a Psychiatrist. She also holds a Masters in Public Health. 
Mrs. Dotun Akande
Founder and Proprietress of the Patrick Speech and Languages Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
Dr. Charles S. Umeh
Dr. Charles S. Umeh is a lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos. He is also an Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
Idi-Araba, Lagos. He has earlier worked as Clinical Psychologist at Catholic Consulting and Education Centre, Benin City where he majored in psychological assessment.
Mrs Jessica Ellen Stamper
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a graduate of the Early Intervention Program with Autism Specialization from the University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri
FMCPsych
Ayoung and dynamic Consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCPsych) with over 10 years experience as a practicing Physician.

See complete profiles on http://csr.gtbank.com/orange-ribbon/autism-event-2015/






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