Welcome to the About OASIS section.
Empowering children with disabilities through language, inclusion, and global collaboration
Welcome to the About OASIS section, where you’ll discover how our nonprofit initiative empowers children in Dominican Republic and beyond through free speech therapy, inclusive support, and global collaboration. Learn what drives us, who we serve, and why your involvement matters.
Commitment
What is OASIS Project?
The OASIS Project (Opportunities for Access to Inclusion and Support), is a nonprofit initiative that brings together professional therapists, university students, and global allies to provide free speech and language therapy to children with disabilities in vulnerable communities across Dominican Republic and other countries.
We believe that every child—regardless of location or resources—deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect, and grow. Through culturally sensitive interventions and transformative volunteer engagement, we’re creating pathways for inclusion, education, and lasting change.
Our story and purpose
Founded by Dr. Miguelina Zapata, a bilingual speech-language pathologist and professor at Howard University, the OASIS Project began with a simple mission: to empower Dominican children through language. What started as a seasonal outreach initiative quickly grew into a high-impact, collaborative program that now serves hundreds of children each year.
Our purpose is twofold:
- Provide access to speech and language services where they’re most needed.
- Mentor future professionals through real-world, cross-cultural clinical experience.
This dual focus allows us to uplift communities while shaping the next generation of inclusive, culturally responsive leaders in education and health.
Values that guide the OASIS Project
Our work is grounded in a set of values that shape every decision, every intervention, and every interaction:
We serve children from underserved communities with compassion and dignity.
We build bridges between families, educators, and professionals.
We adapt to each community’s unique identity and traditions.
We measure success not by numbers, but by the voices we help strengthen.
Every volunteer joins with intention and leaves transformed.
Inclusion through language: why it matters
Communication is more than speaking—it’s belonging. Children with untreated speech or language difficulties often struggle socially and academically. In many parts of the Dominican Republic, especially in Santo Domingo, Dajabón, and surrounding regions, access to specialized services is limited or nonexistent.
That’s where OASIS steps in—with professional support, parental engagement, and a heart for inclusion. We work hand-in-hand with local communities to ensure children don’t just find their voice—they use it with confidence.
A Global collaboration
with real local impact
Our impact is made possible through a wide network of collaborators, including NGOs, universities, sponsors, and volunteers from around the world. Importantly, the dedication and growth of students participating in OASIS play a key role, allowing them to gain hands-on experience while making speech therapy accessible to vulnerable communities.
Past partners like MACS Therapy, Bilingual Therapy, Saltivo, Preventive LTH and the Liga de Softball Dajabonera in New York have helped us expand our reach and provide consistent, sustainable services.
OASIS is more than a program. It’s a movement powered by global vision, local love, and the commitment of students who help turn every session into a transformative experience.
Meet the director –
Dr. Miguelina Zapata
A bilingual speech-language pathologist and expert in childhood language development, Dr. Miguelina Zapata is the founder and director of the OASIS Project. With years of experience mentoring students and supporting multilingual families, she brings passion, precision, and purpose to the heart of OASIS.
Currently a professor at Howard University, Dr. Zapata leads the program with academic excellence and a deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment.
