With many humbled thanks again for all of the generous
donations we have been able to implement a therapy program for the school which
includes many tools for success. I just wanted to give a quick synopsis and
outline for those who donated so that you can understand the manner in which
your generosity is multiplying!
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A sensory integration kit has been put together
for each grade. The use of each tools and the specifics for each child have
each been outlined and are a part of the kit.
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Included are sensory seeking tools: rice/bean
bowls, weighted cushions, play dough, fidget items, etc.
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The vestibular cushion has found a communal home
and is used by many of the children. This is one of my favorite tools, and it
is being used every moment throughout the day. The teachers have been raving
about the success from it!
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The sensory swing has been hung from the metal
beam in the main area. Cannot wait to break this in as there are a few children
who will benefit immensely.
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Reward baskets (A brief background on this: the
Guatemalan school system includes a teaching style which works through repetitive
notebooks. As someone who has studied neurology, I can greatly appreciate the
importance of repetition; however, as an OT who has also studied attention
deficits I know that blocked and timed repetition is difficult. We are instead
implementing the strategy that each child be given an appropriate “amount” to accomplish
(such as 5 exercises) rather than “work on this for 45 minutes.” This allows
for them to understand and work toward a goal with tangible expectations and
consequences. Accomplishment of a task will allow time with something in the reward
basket. Prior the school did not have a system set up for clear instruction of
expectations, with rewards for appropriate and successful completion or
consequences for poor conduct or incompletion.)
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Handwriting tools: many of the children were
receiving hand-over-hand guidance for all exercises but have proven successful
with tracing and near-point copying. Spacing tools have fabricated :)
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Positioning tools: Many of the desks are far too
large for the children. Rule #1 of intervention planning in OT always starts
with proper positioning. Before expecting the children to listen appropriately,
they need to be positioning with their feet flat on the floor, hips and knees
at 90 degrees and back against the chair. Several foot stools are being
fabricated by the local “handyman” of Chimal to allow for this. He also helped
me hang the swing and has been a huge help!
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Behavior boards: These have been created but
require consistent use to work properly. After adjusting each child’s
individual needs (such as accounting for sensory integration deficits), this
board will allow a concrete measurement of the child’s success throughout the
day. Rewards and consequences are more easily understood with this visual
report card. Children are so much more successful with visual and tangible
tools during this concrete stage of their development.
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Sequencing and breaks: A schedule to account for
gross movement, followed by sensory integration and then sustained work is
being implemented. This, along with gross motor “rest” breaks, will allow for
better task attention.
As mentioned earlier, along with these overall changes, each
child has also been given an individualized care plan which outlines his/her
specific needs and interventions and tools to address these needs. So exciting!
Thank you again for your outpouring of generosity and love!! The entire school
and orphanage are incredibly thankful and ecstatic about the changes and
additions, and none of this could have been possible without much support,
collaboration and help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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