Mexico Trip for Assistive Technology Class
Dr. Foley's Assistive Technology class and others from the COMD program go to Mexico, near Ensenada every summer to an orphanage for children with disabilities called Gabriel's House. This year the group stayed for 10 days but the trip can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. Students work and play with the children there, trying to elicit some language in order to asses their current skills. Students spend time getting to know the children, helping them out of their wheel chairs, helping them with feeding, and introduce new concepts. The introduction of devices such as AAC devices give them a way to communicate when they cannot speak. Chad Bingham, and Vicki Simonsmeier were also part of the trip this year. Students found it to be a great experience that allowed them exposure to some different disabilities in a totally different environment. They even picked up a little Spanish as well!
See photos of the trip: [download pictures]