This morning I went to see Camino Nuevo, the only private school that serves special education in Cuzco. Mercedes, one of the directors, showed me around each room and told me how each class functions. Very similar to TEACCH. They also have a room dedicated to functional communication using PECS and other symbols, which is very cool. I was thrilled to hear they have a sex education curriculum and CBI for students, as this is something hard to navigate even in the States. Overall, I am so impressed with Camino Nuevo and their efforts towards maximizing the capacity of Cuzco to serve.
This afternoon, Marianela had set up an appointment with the director of special education for the city of Cuzco. He sat behind his ministry desk, very important in his suit, but welcomed my efforts dearly. He asked for us to continue reaching out, and what's more, asked us to hold training sessions for all of special educators in Cuzco and many in the Sacred Valley as well. We discussed April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, and made some loose plans for collaboration. Overall, it was a meeting full of yes's and please's!Tonight, I met with Clorinda who runs a project for special education in 3 rural provinces in the district of Cuzco. We met with Marianela and sipped coffee and chatted for a long while. One of her greatest strengths is that she is also a lawyer! Once I found this out, I started to ask her about some laws I have heard of that may provide financial assistance to families of kids with disabilities (like SSI). She was not only aware of those laws, but has agreed Marianela to seek assistance for Vivian and Shakira! She is looking not only for financial support, but for sustainable work that can be done in the house that may be more lucrative than washing clothes. We're hoping for raising guinea pigs! So great. We've also agreed to collaborate more about April 2nd, and see how her project can be a part!
In the 3 rural provinces that Clorinda works in, there are only 3 children diagnosed with autism. She said there are many, many more not diagnosed, but probably some whose autism is masked by another disability as well. In the US, where 1 in every 110 is diagnosed, it is hard to believe on 3 in so much area have been diagnosed. Hmph.
Stopped by a bar near my hostel last night for the 60's cover band night. Loved it. A little Clapton, a little Beatles, it was time well spent.
Looking forward to tomorrow:
- Home visit to Arturo
- Follow up meeting with Abrazos
- Transcribing interviews and notes
still praying! glad things are moving along.
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