This project prepares children, adolescents and young people with special needs to face the challenges of living in a society that is still developing to be totally inclusive. With the orientation and support of our foundation and their parents they will be able to go to school, learn skills for employment, be included in their family, community and the Dominican society as a individual with the same needs as any other person plus some extra. The outcome depends on the level of their disability.
In the DR children with a disability are only being identified at an early age when having an obvious disability. But of 100 children with a disability, more than half will only become apparent over time. Most being diagnosed when not performing in school. This is 6 to 8 years too late. In Rehabilitation Centers parents are not being continuously instructed on how to stimulate their children at home. Adolescents with disabilities, unable to go to school, roam the streets or just sit a home.
While working with children's vaccination centers we try to make sure under fives will be developmentally tested and identified in order to start with early intervention. We than visit them at home and orient parents on how to stimulate their optimal development giving them specific tasks during weekly visits with the objective of school inclusion. For the adolescents and young people with disabilities we organize classes to prepare them for future inclusion in society and work environment.
Persons with disabilities will be included in society at all levels and in all situations as far as their condition will allow. If not able to go to school, they will find some gainful employment and some might even form their own family. Those profoundly mentally disabled will get the love and care necessary for a peaceful existence, preferably at their own homes.
