Disability Classrooms in Haiti

Our Mission:

Over the past 2 years I have served with International Therapy Outreach Teams by training teachers to work with children with disabilities.  There are currently 10 classrooms in the Port au Prince area that we have set up.  A team of therapists (PTs and OTs), a wheelchair mechanic and a teacher (me) spends 2 or 3 days in each classroom.  We evaluate the children for needed mobility equipment or equimeent needed in the classroom to help them participate.  We also train the teacher to teach these children using singing, movement and a lot of play.  These concepts go against the current Haitian culture which says children with disabilities and their families are cursed.  We are working within churches to create these classrooms so the families will come to know our loving God.  In addition to having an education provided for the children with disabilities, the family receives acceptance in the church and the community.  Many families have begun attending church and now have a new hope in life becasue of God's love for them.

What you can do:

We have been working in some of the poorest areas in Haiti.  Some of the children can't attend our classes everyday becasue they only own one dress or one outfit.  They have to stay home on the days their clothes are being washed.  Until joining our classrooms many of the children did not eat everyday.  They often went 2 or 3 days without a meal.  Not everyone is called to get on a plane and go to Haiti.  I never thought that was something I would do.  God had different plans for me.  You can help by supporting my upcoming trip.  All donations are tax deductible.  You will receive a tax receipt for donations $10 and more.