In August, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) team returned to work with TCI and our partners at ASELSI in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. It is always a joy having a team of OT and PT students and faculty from my alma mater. The week was filled with a variety of experiences and learning opportunities for the students, rehabilitation promoters at ASELSI, and patients and families. I hope you enjoy the picture journey of a week with UTMB.
Note: Some of these pictures are my own, others came from Carolyn, Laurie, Erin, Shes,and the students that shared their pictures with us. Thank you!
Showing off their diplomas and scrubs. They were given the option to change before the pic.
Midwife Training. Dr. Carolyn Utsey, above and below, returned for a second training of the midwives from the communities surrounding Chichicastenango. Many of the women put on pants for the first time. All commented on how much they learned. Even the male translator was grateful for the new knowledge.
The midwives practicing new exercises to use with the woman they work with.
Transportation. Everyone had the opportunity to experience the various modes of transportation in Guatemala, some similar and some different than what they’re used to in the U.S.
The shuttle that took the team to and from the city. There is always room for one more, or, as the Guatemala saying goes where 2 fit 3 fit. Tuk tuks, local taxis.Some people ride like this when there is no room on the bus, but not today. A walk into town included a stop at the historic arch for a picture. A “flete” ride to a house visit in the community.
Working with the CAF Staff. The team had the opportunity to not only work with, but also take time to get to know the therapy team (CAF Staff) at ASELSI and learn from one another.
Hearing the history of an adult patient before coming up with a treatment plan.Snack time with the ASELSI and UTMB team. Working with the teachers and students in Jesus’ Little Lambs school at ASELSI.
Construction. Erin shared with our team her experience in building adaptive equipment. The team built 25 different things for the patients in the therapy program at ASELSI.
A busy and fun time of building and learning.This PVC pipe stander is made with locally available supplies and can easily convert to a walker when he’s ready to walk. This little guy seems happy with his bucket stander. This family wrapped their equipment up for the journey home.
Trainings. In addition to the midwife training, we held a training for rehabilitation promoters at a local church and taught people already working with us how to use the iStride device. This device helps people that have weakness on one side of the body regain a better walking pattern, balance, and strength. The students also learned about disability issues in Guatemala from CONADI, a government advocacy group.
An ice breaker for our first training of future rehabilitation promoters in partnership with ASELSI, Principe de Paz, and Vision de Gracia, fishing for questions to learn more about one another. Can you make a sandwich if you can’t see? If you’ve never eaten one and don’t know what it is? One of the students said she’d come back and help this young lady if we taught her how. Jose, Rehabilitation Promoter, and Noe, PT Director CAF at ASELSI, showing off their new iStride devices. They are ready to try it out with their patients. CONADI came to share with the students about what they’re doing to advocate and fight for the rights of people with disabilities in Guatemala.
Other activities and pics. The students also experienced a variety of cultural activities to help them understand the culture and the implications for therapy provision.
This is how many families come into town each week for market, but with more people and things in the truck. One of our therapy mom’s showing us, in her home, how she makes tortillas. A scavenger hunt in the market to get a better understanding of how much things cost.Can’t miss out on the choco bananos!At the co-op in San Juan, learning how local threads are made from the cotton. These threads are woven to make scarfs, blankets, and more. This is what it is like to celebrate your birthday Guatemala style. You can’t experience Guatemala without some good coffee!Thanks for the fun T-shirts and a great week !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
