Saturday, August 26, 2006
What we learned...
Contributed by Heather Burns and CITTI project members
Now that the trip, the project, the dream is finished for this year. I think each of us know that brought us to Ecuador, but none of us knew what we would bring back. Apart from souvenirs, pictures, fun stories, and cherished memories, each one of us brought back new or deeper friendships. For me, along with the previously mentioned, I have taken with me new and deeper understandings. Understandings of cultures, beliefs, values, definitions, languages, and the many ways to show love. On one of the last days of the trip, I sent around a small notebook of blank pages. I simply titled the top, "What I learned in Ecuador." Each member of the CITTI project took their moment to reflect and place one or two of their own lessons learned. The list I returned with is moving and funny and just makes me love and respect my fellow group members on a whole new level.
What I learned in Ecuador by: CITTI Project Member 2006
No matter where in the world you are, the sun still feels good on your face
All people smile
Bunny ears in pictures is funny to all
Love is universal
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Every child in the family takes care of their siblings
Community is everything
Inclusion is a value
The children are all BEAUTIFUL!!!
Family is everything & always comes first
Lunches are a family/community even and are filling
Everyone pitches in to help
What family means
That language is only a barrier if you want it to be
The language is the way to understand the culture while at another level people are people
One person + one person + families + children + workers = community which is powerful and can move the world
Being gentle and polite is strong ? not weak
That THINGS are not what makes life rich
That generosity can be a cultural norm
That emerging design? can be applied to dwellings as well as actions
That baby steps can be enormous
That you can listen with your eyes
Two pair of socks is a luxury
Roosters have no sense of time in Ecuador!
That there is a place on this earth where life is how I always thought is could be ? filled with unconditional love and acceptance
A chicken has more parts and uses then one ever thought possible
With love and patience everyone wins!
Leaving the United States does not guarantee freedom from Easy Listening music
Bananas are cheap; pancakes are time-consuming; people are priceless; roosters must be destroyed
Remember we don't get to choose where we are born!
Never order the Austrian Crepe Dumpling soup
It's an honor to have an entire pig killed and cooked for you
Vehicles often pass on the left on two lane roads
It's necessary to have small bills
Aguacafe (avocado) ice cream is tasty
The temperature can become quite chilled at the equator
Hugs are free; coffee is extra
Medical care is thorough and inexpensive
Thank you with a smile is understood anywhere
Be observant and help
Determination is a human trait, but how you use it is individual
I am sure there are more lessons out there and more realizations that each of us will come to in future days. Many of these lessons seem like things that you would find on an All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten? poster. I am almost saddened that it took us going to a whole new county and culture to learn things that should be out our front door. Basically, human life and the relationships we form are priceless. There are no regrets, just lessons learned. I was blessed to be picked to go on this trip, and I have been blessed 100 fold for going. I love you all, Ecuador, America, CITTI project, friends, now family.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Leading the Journey Forward
By Bridgett Perry, Director and Founder
Since my return to the US, I have spent several days quietly reminiscing. This trip to Ecuador is neither my first journey nor my last. But my personal experience this summer merits some reflection. I knew that to lead a group, I must provide purpose and direction. I had been clarifying our purpose for years, raising the funds, planning, and implementing. I had my sight on Ecuador since our visit last summer. Surely, I was prepared to set the pace and guide the way. Yet, as I set out on the road, I couldn’t help but notice a signpost that read “Empowerment, this way!” How could I resist? As assistive technology specialists, our creed is to empower others to live up to ones potential, regardless of the barriers. Then it became clear. Where the road led was on a quest for my own empowerment. The ability to live up to my own potential. With 16 people in tow, I pushed forward.
Expanding from a small team to a tribe in one year did not happen without its growing pains. Granted, they are the kind of aches one gets when working out new muscles. A bit sore, but it feels good. Expanding the team this year meant more. More talent, more insights, more perspectives. It also meant extra accommodations, larger restaurants, and a bigger bus. It meant being personally responsible for 16 fellow travelers. It meant staying present and open to the process that 16 people were each forming and shaping. It meant being accountable for the things that were said and the deeds that were done. It meant exhaling at the relief of assembling a remarkable group of people. Not once did I wince!
There is a great deal that goes into the success of a project like this. It goes beyond the logistics and event planning. For the CITTI Project to be successful, I knew from the beginning, it must be community based, culturally appropriate, and ultimately sustainable. It’s one thing to envision the outcome, another to live up to it. I attribute the success of the CITTI Project to these guiding values, but also to those learned along the way. I learned about the meaning of respect as I was greeted by friends made a year ago. Last year, I was seen as a North American who had good intensions, like all the others. But then I came back! With 16 friends! A lifetime of lessons fulfilled me as I looked evenly into the eyes of the parents acknowledging my return.
Ultimately, the empowerment, success, and respect are for all of us to share. They belong to the families who have taught me how to cope with so little, and yet thrive so graciously. They belong to the teachers and therapists who model enormous commitment, compelled by their own personal desire. They belong to the children whose unconditional love was shared without measure. They also belong to those of us who came to share of ourselves, without knowing exactly how deep that would go.
It’s incredible to imagine the affects of Tungurahua on our friends throughout Ecuador: Banos, Quero, Pelileo, Salasaca, and our dear Huambalo. Since we have come home, the volcano has transformed the land and possibly the lives of our “community.” What is it that I can do from so far away? Short of aide, relief, supplies, we continue to find ourselves at a loss when such natural disasters take place. It is especially so when we were just standing there on the soil, among our friends, only a week ago. Our hearts are still there.
I find myself in transition. This past week feels like a metamorphosis. I am in a cocoon, waiting for what will emerge. I am not the same person as when I started this journey. I am incredibly grateful to be empowered and touched by the world around me. I am thankful to the talented team who joined me in this vision and gave their all to this effort. I welcome the ongoing challenges and pleasures of transforming my dreams to reality. The successes of the CITTI Project are just the beginning. And just as a gloating parent, I couldn’t be more proud.
Un fuerte abrazo,
Bridgett
“…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Marianne Williamson
Since my return to the US, I have spent several days quietly reminiscing. This trip to Ecuador is neither my first journey nor my last. But my personal experience this summer merits some reflection. I knew that to lead a group, I must provide purpose and direction. I had been clarifying our purpose for years, raising the funds, planning, and implementing. I had my sight on Ecuador since our visit last summer. Surely, I was prepared to set the pace and guide the way. Yet, as I set out on the road, I couldn’t help but notice a signpost that read “Empowerment, this way!” How could I resist? As assistive technology specialists, our creed is to empower others to live up to ones potential, regardless of the barriers. Then it became clear. Where the road led was on a quest for my own empowerment. The ability to live up to my own potential. With 16 people in tow, I pushed forward.
Expanding from a small team to a tribe in one year did not happen without its growing pains. Granted, they are the kind of aches one gets when working out new muscles. A bit sore, but it feels good. Expanding the team this year meant more. More talent, more insights, more perspectives. It also meant extra accommodations, larger restaurants, and a bigger bus. It meant being personally responsible for 16 fellow travelers. It meant staying present and open to the process that 16 people were each forming and shaping. It meant being accountable for the things that were said and the deeds that were done. It meant exhaling at the relief of assembling a remarkable group of people. Not once did I wince!
There is a great deal that goes into the success of a project like this. It goes beyond the logistics and event planning. For the CITTI Project to be successful, I knew from the beginning, it must be community based, culturally appropriate, and ultimately sustainable. It’s one thing to envision the outcome, another to live up to it. I attribute the success of the CITTI Project to these guiding values, but also to those learned along the way. I learned about the meaning of respect as I was greeted by friends made a year ago. Last year, I was seen as a North American who had good intensions, like all the others. But then I came back! With 16 friends! A lifetime of lessons fulfilled me as I looked evenly into the eyes of the parents acknowledging my return.
Ultimately, the empowerment, success, and respect are for all of us to share. They belong to the families who have taught me how to cope with so little, and yet thrive so graciously. They belong to the teachers and therapists who model enormous commitment, compelled by their own personal desire. They belong to the children whose unconditional love was shared without measure. They also belong to those of us who came to share of ourselves, without knowing exactly how deep that would go.
It’s incredible to imagine the affects of Tungurahua on our friends throughout Ecuador: Banos, Quero, Pelileo, Salasaca, and our dear Huambalo. Since we have come home, the volcano has transformed the land and possibly the lives of our “community.” What is it that I can do from so far away? Short of aide, relief, supplies, we continue to find ourselves at a loss when such natural disasters take place. It is especially so when we were just standing there on the soil, among our friends, only a week ago. Our hearts are still there.
I find myself in transition. This past week feels like a metamorphosis. I am in a cocoon, waiting for what will emerge. I am not the same person as when I started this journey. I am incredibly grateful to be empowered and touched by the world around me. I am thankful to the talented team who joined me in this vision and gave their all to this effort. I welcome the ongoing challenges and pleasures of transforming my dreams to reality. The successes of the CITTI Project are just the beginning. And just as a gloating parent, I couldn’t be more proud.
Un fuerte abrazo,
Bridgett
“…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Marianne Williamson
Sunday, August 13, 2006
A Milepost
Today the Sitemeter software indicated that over 1,000 people have visited this CITTI Project blog. That's quite a few people who have heard of the project and followed our progress.
Cheers
Cheers
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Finishing in Ambato, Huambalo and back to Quito
Contributed by Beth Hoffman
Back in Quito at Papaya.net. Chauncy, the folks here have been asking about you! They must miss you.
Our last day in Ambato was a bit hectic as we visited several copy centers trying to have our book copied with color photos, not an easy task in Ecuador. At last we were successful and made five copies of the book, one for Asoplejicat, Quero, the SPED school in Ambato, Huambalo, Gladys and the original for Bridgett.
We were supposed to meet Bridgett, Chaya and Maggie at 6 in Quito for dinner. Well, we didn´t even leave Ambato until 5. Big surprise, right? The scheduled van didn`t show and we thought we were going to have to take public buses to Quito. It sounded like a hassle due to our luggage. Luckily, a van came through and we had a very bumpy, and at times harrowing, ride home. Our driver seemed intent on passing every vehicle possible. However, Cotopaxi was snow-capped and quite beautiful. We also tried our best to entertain ourselves by making music in the car. If anything, we had reason to laugh at ourselves and each other.
We arrived in Quito only to realize that our hotel rooms had not been reserved. Yikes! Lady luck was still on our side. We ended up at the Sierra Nevada and finally went out to dinner at the Magic Bean with the Citti Project leaders. Our debriefing dinner went well, and the food was quite tasty to boot. We presented our book to the leaders and they seemed quite pleased, especially considering that they weren´t expecting something quite like that.
We parted ways after dinner and many hugs. At Plaza del Quinde, the next block down, an open air opera was in progress so we (Andrea, Sonia, Gladys, Adam and I) went to check it out. It was a nice cap to our evening.
So, that´s all folks. This has been an incredible experience for all of us it seems. I am very fortunate to have met you (all of you) and wish you all well with.
Love to everyone, beth
Back in Quito at Papaya.net. Chauncy, the folks here have been asking about you! They must miss you.
Our last day in Ambato was a bit hectic as we visited several copy centers trying to have our book copied with color photos, not an easy task in Ecuador. At last we were successful and made five copies of the book, one for Asoplejicat, Quero, the SPED school in Ambato, Huambalo, Gladys and the original for Bridgett.
We were supposed to meet Bridgett, Chaya and Maggie at 6 in Quito for dinner. Well, we didn´t even leave Ambato until 5. Big surprise, right? The scheduled van didn`t show and we thought we were going to have to take public buses to Quito. It sounded like a hassle due to our luggage. Luckily, a van came through and we had a very bumpy, and at times harrowing, ride home. Our driver seemed intent on passing every vehicle possible. However, Cotopaxi was snow-capped and quite beautiful. We also tried our best to entertain ourselves by making music in the car. If anything, we had reason to laugh at ourselves and each other.
We arrived in Quito only to realize that our hotel rooms had not been reserved. Yikes! Lady luck was still on our side. We ended up at the Sierra Nevada and finally went out to dinner at the Magic Bean with the Citti Project leaders. Our debriefing dinner went well, and the food was quite tasty to boot. We presented our book to the leaders and they seemed quite pleased, especially considering that they weren´t expecting something quite like that.
We parted ways after dinner and many hugs. At Plaza del Quinde, the next block down, an open air opera was in progress so we (Andrea, Sonia, Gladys, Adam and I) went to check it out. It was a nice cap to our evening.
So, that´s all folks. This has been an incredible experience for all of us it seems. I am very fortunate to have met you (all of you) and wish you all well with.
Love to everyone, beth
Friday, August 11, 2006
News from Beth
Hello everyone,
It´s Beth again with the most recent update for the interns.
Yesterday (Wednesday) we made more models of head wands, hand splints, hand sticks and communication boards for the SPED school. Osima bought supplies to make repairs at Asoplejicat and worked there yesterday and today replacing windows, replacing switches and fixing the doors. Go Osima! Adam, who caught whatever Gladys was sick with, helped too despite feeling miserable. Go Adam!
Today we wrote a proposal to assist Norma, the lovely 22 year old from Huambalo who has brain cancer. We´ll give the proposal to the CITTI Project leaders tomorrow when we have our debriefing meeting.
We´ve also been putting together a master book with instructions for each of the models we´ve created. The materials and procedures for each model are being translated and we printed photos of the various steps to accompany the written directions. The completed book will be copied and distributed to the various organizations we have assisted. It feels good, and necessary to include the book of instructions, as this will help ensure our work here is sustainable.
Tomorrow the plan is for us to eat lunch with our host families at noon and then return to Quito. We´re scheduled to meet Bridgett, Chaya and Maggie at 6 for dinner. We´re banking on being late, or simply arriving on Ecuadorian time.
That´s it for now. Although, we did hear that there are new restrictions for flight travel into the US thanks to that most recent bomb scare yesterday. Wish us easy traveling.
Be well, beth
It´s Beth again with the most recent update for the interns.
Yesterday (Wednesday) we made more models of head wands, hand splints, hand sticks and communication boards for the SPED school. Osima bought supplies to make repairs at Asoplejicat and worked there yesterday and today replacing windows, replacing switches and fixing the doors. Go Osima! Adam, who caught whatever Gladys was sick with, helped too despite feeling miserable. Go Adam!
Today we wrote a proposal to assist Norma, the lovely 22 year old from Huambalo who has brain cancer. We´ll give the proposal to the CITTI Project leaders tomorrow when we have our debriefing meeting.
We´ve also been putting together a master book with instructions for each of the models we´ve created. The materials and procedures for each model are being translated and we printed photos of the various steps to accompany the written directions. The completed book will be copied and distributed to the various organizations we have assisted. It feels good, and necessary to include the book of instructions, as this will help ensure our work here is sustainable.
Tomorrow the plan is for us to eat lunch with our host families at noon and then return to Quito. We´re scheduled to meet Bridgett, Chaya and Maggie at 6 for dinner. We´re banking on being late, or simply arriving on Ecuadorian time.
That´s it for now. Although, we did hear that there are new restrictions for flight travel into the US thanks to that most recent bomb scare yesterday. Wish us easy traveling.
Be well, beth
News from Osima
Contributed by Osima
Hi I am taking a mid day break at the internet cafe -called The Cafe....
I finally got back to the independent living center and found out that I measured one window centimeters in one direction and inches in the other SO the glass was too short... Oh well Adam went with me and helped take the broken window out and I put the other 2 windows in, reinforced the doors with plywood and put a switch on those live wires hanging by the door..
Gladys and I will return this afternoon with a piece of glass the right size and put it in. I think I´m done (except for the window I´m replacing at my host family´s house.)
Tomorrow after lunch we go back to Quito, have dinner with Maggie, Chaya and Bridgett, and then I get up at 3:45 to come home.
I just read about the new restrictions about No liquids in carryons.
Yesterday as I was wandering around the town with Andrea and Gladys and I found the wide hoe-dad tools Dennis and I wanted. I bought two. (You can see them in the pictures on the blog) Now my checked baggage is really heavy....
Hi I am taking a mid day break at the internet cafe -called The Cafe....
I finally got back to the independent living center and found out that I measured one window centimeters in one direction and inches in the other SO the glass was too short... Oh well Adam went with me and helped take the broken window out and I put the other 2 windows in, reinforced the doors with plywood and put a switch on those live wires hanging by the door..
Gladys and I will return this afternoon with a piece of glass the right size and put it in. I think I´m done (except for the window I´m replacing at my host family´s house.)
Tomorrow after lunch we go back to Quito, have dinner with Maggie, Chaya and Bridgett, and then I get up at 3:45 to come home.
I just read about the new restrictions about No liquids in carryons.
Yesterday as I was wandering around the town with Andrea and Gladys and I found the wide hoe-dad tools Dennis and I wanted. I bought two. (You can see them in the pictures on the blog) Now my checked baggage is really heavy....
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Osima says The Ramp is DONE!!
The Word from Osima:
The ramp is done and the rail is done. Monica will tighten the bolts and have the kids sand it . I have the pictures and will get Gayl to forward them to you when I get home
Glad to hear everyone is safe and home
HUGS to all
Osima
The ramp is done and the rail is done. Monica will tighten the bolts and have the kids sand it . I have the pictures and will get Gayl to forward them to you when I get home
Glad to hear everyone is safe and home
HUGS to all
Osima
A Recap of our Activities
Contributed by Beth Hoffman
We`re in Ambato having a slow morning. Don`t worry though, we`ve been working.
Here`s a brief recap of our activities the past few days.
Sunday we split up into two groups and bought supplies to begin making models of head wands, hand splints, mouth sticks and hand wands. There was a bit of trial and error for us but we actually made several models and were even proud of ourselves. Monday was a full day for us. We first went to Asoplejicat (the computer and copy center). Most of the main folks were not there but we were able to meet with two men and an intern. We showed them the models and talked about adapting in different ways depending on the needs of the individuals. Later, a few more people came and we guided two of the men as they made hand splints. It felt good to assist them while they gained the experience of making the necessary models.
After breaking for lunch, we went to the independent living center and observed several people making dog bones out of raw hide. We saw that a few people needed taller chairs or shorter tables because their positions were not ideal. It also seemed they had to work harder at cutting the raw hide because the knives looked dull. We were told they sharpen them about eight times a day. We also looked for ways to streamline the work by separating the tasks. Although we had some ideas, the principal people in charge were absent and it wasn`t our place to make those changes. We will, however, relay the ideas to Adam and Gladys.
Tuesday we visited Quero. We met with the therapists (the same lovely folk who were there before and also a speech therapist). Again, we made models of head wands, hand wands, hand splints and communication boards. Just as at Asoplejicat, we worked side by side with the Quero employees. We had intended to buy foam to place in wheelchairs but didn`t since none of the kids were present. Also, Andrea and Osima`s host mom Laura was kind enough to sew together fabric to make a sensory tunnel of sorts. We`ll give this to Dayan to take back to Quero.
Also on Tuesday, Osima returned to Huambalo with Adam and Alejandro (Gladys`s son). They finished the railing and told us the cement ramp is as complete as they`re able to make it. They took photos of Adam sitting in a wheelchair trying to make his way up the ramp. It was a long day for them and we`re very proud of their accomplishments.
Today we`ll make more models for the SPED school in Ambato. We won`t visit the school again since everyone is on vacation. Tomorrow we intend to return to Huambalo. I know that Andrea wants to visit Norma.
As our time here in Ecuador winds down, we feel satisfied with what we have accomplished. We know that, given the circumstances this week, we`re doing all that we can. Still, we all have the feeling of wanting to accomplish much more. I`m sure many of you can relate to that feeling.
We`ve all enjoyed staying with our host families. As I mentioned previously, Osima and Andrea are living together (per Osima`s request to stay with someone who could translate). Sonia and I are staying a few blocks away with Gladys and Adam (in addition to Washo, Glady`s husband, Alejandro, and occasionally Pico, Alejandro`s cousin). It`s like living with the large family I never had. Gladys is simply amazing. She`s been rather sick (though she`s finally getting well), yet she still cooks every meal and helps to coordinate our tasks. In addition, she`s very accommodating and friendly. The ideal mom away from home.
We`ll return to Quito Friday afternoon to debrief with Bridgett, Chaya and Maggie over dinner. Saturday we intend to go to Otavalo before hopping on our plane (Andrea and me) that night.
We`re in Ambato having a slow morning. Don`t worry though, we`ve been working.
Here`s a brief recap of our activities the past few days.
Sunday we split up into two groups and bought supplies to begin making models of head wands, hand splints, mouth sticks and hand wands. There was a bit of trial and error for us but we actually made several models and were even proud of ourselves. Monday was a full day for us. We first went to Asoplejicat (the computer and copy center). Most of the main folks were not there but we were able to meet with two men and an intern. We showed them the models and talked about adapting in different ways depending on the needs of the individuals. Later, a few more people came and we guided two of the men as they made hand splints. It felt good to assist them while they gained the experience of making the necessary models.
After breaking for lunch, we went to the independent living center and observed several people making dog bones out of raw hide. We saw that a few people needed taller chairs or shorter tables because their positions were not ideal. It also seemed they had to work harder at cutting the raw hide because the knives looked dull. We were told they sharpen them about eight times a day. We also looked for ways to streamline the work by separating the tasks. Although we had some ideas, the principal people in charge were absent and it wasn`t our place to make those changes. We will, however, relay the ideas to Adam and Gladys.
Tuesday we visited Quero. We met with the therapists (the same lovely folk who were there before and also a speech therapist). Again, we made models of head wands, hand wands, hand splints and communication boards. Just as at Asoplejicat, we worked side by side with the Quero employees. We had intended to buy foam to place in wheelchairs but didn`t since none of the kids were present. Also, Andrea and Osima`s host mom Laura was kind enough to sew together fabric to make a sensory tunnel of sorts. We`ll give this to Dayan to take back to Quero.
Also on Tuesday, Osima returned to Huambalo with Adam and Alejandro (Gladys`s son). They finished the railing and told us the cement ramp is as complete as they`re able to make it. They took photos of Adam sitting in a wheelchair trying to make his way up the ramp. It was a long day for them and we`re very proud of their accomplishments.
Today we`ll make more models for the SPED school in Ambato. We won`t visit the school again since everyone is on vacation. Tomorrow we intend to return to Huambalo. I know that Andrea wants to visit Norma.
As our time here in Ecuador winds down, we feel satisfied with what we have accomplished. We know that, given the circumstances this week, we`re doing all that we can. Still, we all have the feeling of wanting to accomplish much more. I`m sure many of you can relate to that feeling.
We`ve all enjoyed staying with our host families. As I mentioned previously, Osima and Andrea are living together (per Osima`s request to stay with someone who could translate). Sonia and I are staying a few blocks away with Gladys and Adam (in addition to Washo, Glady`s husband, Alejandro, and occasionally Pico, Alejandro`s cousin). It`s like living with the large family I never had. Gladys is simply amazing. She`s been rather sick (though she`s finally getting well), yet she still cooks every meal and helps to coordinate our tasks. In addition, she`s very accommodating and friendly. The ideal mom away from home.
We`ll return to Quito Friday afternoon to debrief with Bridgett, Chaya and Maggie over dinner. Saturday we intend to go to Otavalo before hopping on our plane (Andrea and me) that night.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
CITTI Project lives on!
Contributed by Sonia Thacher
Greetings from an internet cafe in Ambato, down the street from several barbecue joints which offer the cuy that Dennis so wanted to try. (Osima's going for it sometime this week...)
We four interns have had a producive couple of days. After getting into Ambato late Saturday night, we spent most of Sunday shopping for and making materials. On the menu: head wands, hand splints, hand sticks, and mouth sticks for Asoplejicat, and communication cards/boards/whatevers for Querro. Beth and I showed impressive restraint by walking away from a virtually ready-made mouth stick (plastic knitting needle--my god, it was perfect!) on the grounds that it was too expensive, at $3.25 a pop, to be replicated easily. Instead, we went the meat-skewers and silicon route, with a nice soft toothbrush handle to bite on. Andrea and Osima went right to work, and we had three good models (one of each thing, minus the handstick) ready before dinner; Beth documented everything and wrote up a how-to booklet, while I hit up the papeleria for pictures, plastic, tape, and glue.
Today, we went to Asoplejicat to show them our models and teach them how to replicate. Dion, the PT from Querro, joined us, and was a great help. Unfortunately, Mercedes (the goddess of the organization who showed us around last time) is in the hospital with something I don't understand when it`s said to me in Spanish: she'll be all right, but she's currently indisposed. Several other folks were there, though, and our models were very well received. We set up a workspace and made more materials, side by side with the folks from Asoplejicat; as clients dropped by, many pulled up alongside us and joined in as well. It was a great chance to really share ideas and adaptations: they had many suggestions and alterations they wanted to make. Since the only thing I can do around leather goods and rubber cement is make my fingers stick together, I spent most of that time checking out the accesibility features on their computers: rather than reconfigure each one for maximum accessibility, I typed up and printed out (in Spanish, thanks to Adam) instructions and information about what each feature could do for various users. My rationale: sticky keys blow when you don't really need them.
After lunch (mmm, fresh blackberry juice!), we headed to the sheltered workshop, aka the chew toy factory. One gentleman from the computer center had requested that we look at the work being done there in terms of increasing accessibility; he believes that individuals without the fine motor control necessary to complete the whole task of making the dog toys might still be very interested in doing a part. We did a task analysis with mixed results: most of the steps simply CAN'T be made less motorically complex without major financial outlays (paper-cutter strong enough to slice rawhide, anyone?), and the ones that can be done by someone without a lot of manual dexterity happen for about 2 seconds in the middle of the process. Options, which we will present, include completely changing the current start-to-finish model into an assembly line and delegating one person with less control to pack the chew toys at the end of the process. The challenge for us was to set aside our training in "full inclusion--everyone participates" long enough to ask the hard questions about whether our suggestions would help the business function AS A BUSINESS, not a day program: I know how to make it so everyone can get involved, but I can't guarantee that it streamlines the process. And at two cents a chew toy, there's no room to play around.
We also made some observations about positioning and the height of the tables, and politely but firmly let one gentleman know that, no, we weren't actually there with the express purpose of buying him a new wheelchair. Personally, I left feeling a bit sad at how little I was actually able to help: sometimes, there just aren't the answers people hope you can give them. I consoled myself with the knowledge that Osima was able to make a tangible contribution: looking at the doors for accessibility and fixing a light so you could turn it on and off without first reattaching loose wires. The center is in the poorest, most crime-ridden sectorof Ambato, and fixing a broken window is also on the list so that they can safely house any equipment they might acquire in the future: in this case, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH accessibility.
Tommorrow, 3 of us are heading to Querro while Osima wraps up Huambalo, with help from Adam. And from there...stay tuned! (It is, after all, an emergentdesign...)
Greetings from an internet cafe in Ambato, down the street from several barbecue joints which offer the cuy that Dennis so wanted to try. (Osima's going for it sometime this week...)
We four interns have had a producive couple of days. After getting into Ambato late Saturday night, we spent most of Sunday shopping for and making materials. On the menu: head wands, hand splints, hand sticks, and mouth sticks for Asoplejicat, and communication cards/boards/whatevers for Querro. Beth and I showed impressive restraint by walking away from a virtually ready-made mouth stick (plastic knitting needle--my god, it was perfect!) on the grounds that it was too expensive, at $3.25 a pop, to be replicated easily. Instead, we went the meat-skewers and silicon route, with a nice soft toothbrush handle to bite on. Andrea and Osima went right to work, and we had three good models (one of each thing, minus the handstick) ready before dinner; Beth documented everything and wrote up a how-to booklet, while I hit up the papeleria for pictures, plastic, tape, and glue.
Today, we went to Asoplejicat to show them our models and teach them how to replicate. Dion, the PT from Querro, joined us, and was a great help. Unfortunately, Mercedes (the goddess of the organization who showed us around last time) is in the hospital with something I don't understand when it`s said to me in Spanish: she'll be all right, but she's currently indisposed. Several other folks were there, though, and our models were very well received. We set up a workspace and made more materials, side by side with the folks from Asoplejicat; as clients dropped by, many pulled up alongside us and joined in as well. It was a great chance to really share ideas and adaptations: they had many suggestions and alterations they wanted to make. Since the only thing I can do around leather goods and rubber cement is make my fingers stick together, I spent most of that time checking out the accesibility features on their computers: rather than reconfigure each one for maximum accessibility, I typed up and printed out (in Spanish, thanks to Adam) instructions and information about what each feature could do for various users. My rationale: sticky keys blow when you don't really need them.
After lunch (mmm, fresh blackberry juice!), we headed to the sheltered workshop, aka the chew toy factory. One gentleman from the computer center had requested that we look at the work being done there in terms of increasing accessibility; he believes that individuals without the fine motor control necessary to complete the whole task of making the dog toys might still be very interested in doing a part. We did a task analysis with mixed results: most of the steps simply CAN'T be made less motorically complex without major financial outlays (paper-cutter strong enough to slice rawhide, anyone?), and the ones that can be done by someone without a lot of manual dexterity happen for about 2 seconds in the middle of the process. Options, which we will present, include completely changing the current start-to-finish model into an assembly line and delegating one person with less control to pack the chew toys at the end of the process. The challenge for us was to set aside our training in "full inclusion--everyone participates" long enough to ask the hard questions about whether our suggestions would help the business function AS A BUSINESS, not a day program: I know how to make it so everyone can get involved, but I can't guarantee that it streamlines the process. And at two cents a chew toy, there's no room to play around.
We also made some observations about positioning and the height of the tables, and politely but firmly let one gentleman know that, no, we weren't actually there with the express purpose of buying him a new wheelchair. Personally, I left feeling a bit sad at how little I was actually able to help: sometimes, there just aren't the answers people hope you can give them. I consoled myself with the knowledge that Osima was able to make a tangible contribution: looking at the doors for accessibility and fixing a light so you could turn it on and off without first reattaching loose wires. The center is in the poorest, most crime-ridden sectorof Ambato, and fixing a broken window is also on the list so that they can safely house any equipment they might acquire in the future: in this case, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH accessibility.
Tommorrow, 3 of us are heading to Querro while Osima wraps up Huambalo, with help from Adam. And from there...stay tuned! (It is, after all, an emergentdesign...)
