Professors Honoured for Revolutionary Special Needs Education Programme
by Renae Stampp, Cayman Marl Road (CMR)
Dr. Eustache Placide and Dr. Annette Murphy
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (24 April 2025) – (CMR) Two professors from the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) have been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Community Impact Award at the Enterprise Cayman Business Design Competition for their groundbreaking initiative, EmpowerAbility Solutions.
Dr. Eustache Placide and Dr. Annette Murphy developed the innovative program that leverages artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and assistive technology to create meaningful career pathways for students with special needs.
“This award is a win not just for us, but for every student who's ever been told they don't belong,” said the professors in their acceptance speech. “We're using innovation to unlock potential, one learner at a time.”
EmpowerAbility Solutions partners with schools and community institutions to provide customized training through immersive VR job simulations and AI-powered adaptive learning platforms. These technologies enable students to practice workplace scenarios in controlled environments, allowing them to learn at their optimal pace.
Despite their faculty positions at UCCI, the professors established EmpowerAbility Solutions as an independent venture. The program offers specialized assistive technology tools tailored to various disabilities, along with support for integrating curriculum and guidance on implementation.
The initiative has set ambitious targets to reduce the disability employment gap by 50% within five years across the Cayman Islands, with plans to expand throughout the Caribbean once the model proves successful locally.
The founders are actively seeking collaborations with government agencies, educational institutions, technology companies, and private sector organizations. Interested parties can contribute through funding, technology partnerships, employment opportunities, or mentorship programs.
Read the full article here.
