Today was our last service day at ABI. We started the day by finishing up our care plans and dividing up therapy tools and toys for the residents. We also brought a suitcase full of shoes for all of the residents and only had 3 pairs leftover. The residents were ecstatic to get new shoes. Each time they saw us they would point to their new shoes with the biggest grin on their face. The caregivers and ABI therapists received more care plans and recommendations from us to keep the residents engaged in activities throughout their days. The care plans were very detailed and included pictures with a step by step description of activities, goals, and therapy techniques in Spanish. We ended the day with a celebration with some of the residents and the staff. Two groups of residents performed a dance for us during this celebration. The therapists and students were also presented with certificates and small gifts as a gracious thank you from the ABI staff. At the closing of the ceremony, our service learning group presented ABI with donations of therapy tools, toys, and adapted equipment for the residents. Both staff and residents of ABI were overjoyed with all of our contributions from today and throughout the week. We were also greatly appreciative of the learning experience of working alongside the staff of ABI and we can't thank them enough for allowing us in their facility to contribute to the well-being of their residents. Taylor (Student)
Today was another great day at Missionaries of the Highway. We finished up with our wheelchair clinic, and we were able to provide 30 kids with therapy today with help from some of the students and practitioners who previously went to Daryl's place. We had two sessions of Sensory Integration and two sessions of Rehabilitation going on simultaneously all day. We were able to leave one very full suitcase of donated sensory and therapeutic equipment that the therapists were (amicably) fighting over. They were so appreciative of all of the equipment,wheelchairs, and walkers that we provided to them (thanks to many of you who are reading this!). One child who has Cerebral Palsy and always relied on having someone to help him walk around, received new independence today as he received a walker that was perfect for his needs. We have heard over and over this week from parents what an incredible gift that we have been able to give them. The Guatemalan therapists took many notes during the therapy sessions and were very appreciative of all of the knowledge that we were able to give them. Many of the therapists received hugs, kisses, and endless gratitude from the children, Guatemalan therapists and parents. It has been an incredible week of learning about OT, of learning about Guatemalan culture and of growing as students and practitioners. We are so grateful to the staff of Missionaries for such an incredible experience this week. Below is a picture of myself with Flor, one of the Occupational Therapist's from Missionaries of the Highway (one thing that is different about Guatemalan culture is that most people do not smile for pictures). Valerie (Practitioner)
Two groups were fortunate enough to experience home visits today. Each group had two students, a practitioner, and a translator. Having seen pictures of different types of homes in Guatemala, we realized that it does not paint the entire picture of most of the families in Guatemala. Today was an eye opening adventure that solidified the meaning of dirt poor. Arriving at the home of these families, we were extremely grateful that they allowed us to come in and spend hours working with their child. They welcomed us by sweeping their dirt floors and setting out their nicest chairs for us to sit in. A family caring for their child with disabilities may carry them for hours, sacrificing a day of work, to bring their child into therapy. We spent time repairing wheelchairs, providing suggestions to make the home more accessible, and giving examples of different therapy techniques. After each therapy session, the family was extremely grateful and offered gifts for the time we spent with them and the work we did. In each home we were surprised at how we were able to use such little resources to make such an incredible impact on the lives of these families. Aside from wheelchair repairs and therapy techniques we spent time teaching preventative skills for caregivers and family members to assure best care and over all well being for the children with disabilities and their families. The opportunity to visit individuals' homes is an incredible honor and an important part of therapy. Home visits allow for us to see what families do in their home and learn about their daily routines. Home visits provide a therapist with an entire picture of an individual and their desires for meaningful occupations. Overall, we were grateful for the opportunity to experience the cultural aspect of the family home and the integral part that the home plays in ones overall well-being. Ashley (Student)
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