Wednesday May 24, 2017

We had another day packed with activities. Today, we continued to further explore Guatemalan culture and the overall atmosphere of the country. Our day began with a visit to FUNDABIEN, an organization that provides services to adults and children in the community that live with developmental disabilities. We got to see the facility as well as the departments of speech pathology, special education, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Everyone as FUNDABIEN was welcoming and enjoyed sharing their organization with us. We found the experience quite incredible because we were able to compare and contrast this facility with similar places in the United States. The organization has multiple locations across the country, and they are mainly funded by telethons and various local fundraisers. FUNDABIEN is also labeled as a public organization; however, the federal government has not provided any funding for many years. We were frustrated with this because with federal funding, this organization could provide more services to serve their clients. With more funds they could provide psychological services, repair necessary therapeutic tools, and acquire much needed technological advancements. 

Another highlight of our day was hearing Joel tell his story of an accident that led to both arms requiring a transradial amputation. He was such an uplifting and optimistic person, and we were amazed that he was able to see the positives when there was so much negativity. He faces discrimination in everyday life but approaches each day with strength and grace. I'm glad we experienced his positive attitude before we toured La Democracia Private Hospital. The hospital was interesting compared to a public hospital within the same town or even a private hospital in the United States. There were very few people able to afford the private care, and the facility, while considered complete, lacked much of the technology and equipment we would consider a necessary part of medical care.

We spent the last part of our day at a women's rights organization in Xela named AMUTED. They have multiple small groups that advocate for all women's rights in Guatemala especially the rights of indigenous women and those who have experienced domestic violence. Another aspect AMUTED focuses on is the preservation of the language, clothing, and spirituality of the indigenous Mayan culture. The women are able to participate in activities such as cooking, baking, sewing, and weaving. They use these activities as occupational therapy because it allows the women to process the traumas they have experienced through the means of engaging skills and means to create their own income. AMUTED and similar programs allow women the opportunity to feel safe, independent, and empowered. All of our experiences from today will help us continue to grow as future occupational therapist and call us to be more attune to the cultural differences and injustices in our world.