Ecuador – July 2018
A team consisting of one music therapist, two special education therapists, two occupational therapists, one physical therapist, one speech and language pathologist/behaviorist, a photographer/assistant occupational therapist, and three translators traveled to Latacunga, Ecuador to For His Children — a home for 18 orphans with special needs ranging in age from 1 year to 23 years with a variety of intellectual and orthopedic impairments.
The BRIGHT team spent the week assessing each individual, developing care plans and goals, and providing training to the the care providers and therapists on staff at the home. Basic care plans were posted so that future teams visiting and working with the children would have ideas on how to interact with each individual in a personal way to help him/her reach their goals. Additionally, activities were provided throughout the week by team members to model activities and provide fresh ideas.
The BRIGHT team donated musical instruments and various resources and equipment from each specialty. The team spent one afternoon providing an in-service for all staff members on important information from each specialty. Staying in the same building as the orphanage provided the team the opportunity to spend a lot more time with the children and care providers and build good bonds.
