Blog / News
TEAMworks Guatemala - Day 6 - Wednesday, May 18, 2016
- May 19, 2016
Ciudad Anini-A home away from home!
It was bright and sunny at Anini today, as we arrived safely and on time thanks to our trusty driver, Tío Juan! TEAM was excited to see the updates since the last trip including an updated paint job and improved positioning with some of the kiddos from last year. After a quick tour, we broke up into two groups and got started. We were so thankful to have Leo and Diana translating for us today!
Ashley kept Craig organized with "Craig's List" of wheelchair modifications, and he was able to make adjustments in two of the houses with the most dependent kids. The nannies were so helpful when asked which chairs needed adjustments. They came through, telling us exact chairs and children needing repositioning. Amber and Alyssa helped to knock out many of the wheelchairs as well as fit shoes and braces for many of the children there. They also were excited to meet Israel, a good friend of TEAMworks.
While Ashley, Alyssa, Amber, and Craig were working away, Paige, Sophie, Cassie, and Katie started working with a group of older boys. We played catch, cards, and zoomball with the boys to work on turn taking, gaining attention, and using gestures. Katie and Cassie were able to treat Mario who they were told was aggressive and whose hands were typically constrained throughout the day due to his hitting
and biting. After working with him for just a few minutes they realized he was able to show them exactly what he wanted in order to get the appropriate sensory input. They showed the nannies some
calming strategies and suggested one of the higher functioning boys in the same house help Mario receive the input he needs. Paige and Sophie were able to observe lunchtime with some of the boys.
They showed the nannies some compensatory strategies that would make feeding safer for the boys. The nannies were extremely receptive to their suggestions!
Paige, Sophie, Cassie, Katie, and Diana worked with several older girls on functional tasks such as creating suncatchers, making bracelets, and coloring. Paige and Sophie worked with a girl who had behavioral concerns; they were able to successfully work on requesting items with minimal behaviors. We also saw an older woman who was secluded from the group due to safety concerns and aggressive behavior to herself and others. She was extremely aggressive and agitated, but we were able able to give sensory strategies to the nanny for calming purposes.
After lunch we were able to give away shoes to Carlos, Jesus, and Juan Pamo, compliments of Charity. They were all so excited to be fitted for their new shoes, and were definitely stylin'. Anini holds a very special place in the hearts of so many who have visited through TEAMworks, and we are so excited for the opportunity to spend a second day at Anini tomorrow.
