Wednesday, August 09, 2006
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.
