Wednesday, July 26, 2006
What a Wonderful Information Exchange!
Posted by Lori Haldeman - Ace Reporter
Tuesday we visited a rehab center in Quero called Fundacion Una Luz en tu Vida, or a Light in your Life Foundation. Paola Ortiz talked to the group about the services offered: SLP, PT, Computer Training, and a Special Education room. They currently do not have specific OT services. They would like to see OT services provided in the future. They see approximately 25 children a week serving children with many disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia, Microcephaly, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Articulation Disorders and they have one student with West Syndrome. Out of the 25-30 students that come for therapy services, 6-7 attend public school. Most of the children come from the Quero area with a few from Ambato. The age ranges are 8 months to 18 years.
This visit was different in that the staff asked many many questions of all the CITTI Project group members about specific strategies for children they see. Many of our folks were able to do some hands on with the therapists and share a variety of strategies. The staff very much wanted treatment information for the kiddos they see. It was a great experience of conversation and sharing of information. I believe that Bridgett has arranged for some staff to come with us to Huambalo for additional information exchange!! How wonderful!
The second Rehabilitation Center we visited was the Centro de Rehabilitacion San Miguel in Salceslo. This was the CITTI Project's second visit. They have 150 children and about 30 adults that visit the clinic. Additionally, they have a special education school that has approximately 26 kids split into two groups. The group was able to observe a PT session were both were work related injuries. One of the patients had tendonitits in her bicep and the other back injuries from carrying heavy goods daily. They both received electrical stimulation and heat therapies. Other services offered are OT, SLP, and in the future are working toward hippotherapy and hydrotherapy. The categories of disability served are mostly Mental Retardation, some Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Microcephaly. The funds for the rehab center are provided by the Catholic Church and the teacher pay is so minimal it might be considered volunteering. We were able to see student work samples and they desire to have an exchange of information regarding assistive technology in the future!! More exciting possibilities and opportunities to look forward to.
Before heading back to Casa Kopling, our wonderful hotel in Ambato, we stopped for ice cream. There were many flavors to choose from. Berrie creams, fruit creams, avocado, chocolate, vanilla, peach, and many many more. I believe Chaucy even had seconds!!
The group went to dinner at a pizza joint. There were a variety of pizzas ordered there as well. It is very interesting to be in Ecuador and eat not only at a French restaurant but a Pizza place!! I can't wait for the Ecuadorian food!!
