1/11/15 Gregorian —– 5/3/2007 Ethiopian

Back to the wonderful Nehemiah Autism Center! This morning we held a parent training. To our delight, twenty parents and family members attended.  We incorporated a visual schedule as we did for the teacher training day to show what we worked on. And as we did that day, as each activity was completed, as a group we, in unison, exclaimed, “alekah.” For introductions, the parents shared something they loved about their child (i.e., “My child is as handsome as me,” “My child is affectionate and loving”) which made a deep impact on our day at Nehemiah. Social stories, which we (credit to Dr. Edmondes) had renamed Stories for Effective Communication (SEC) and communication passports were introduced. The parents were eager to create the SECs and communication passports for their children. They expressed their appreciation and how their child would benefit from these. GO TEAM TC!

One unforgettable moment was when we entered one of the classrooms and saw the calendars, name tags, and visual schedules we introduced at the teacher training. Teddy described that they had started using them in the classrooms right after they returned from Christmas break! SUCCESS!

Calendars, Nametags, and Visual Schedules!

After the training we were off t0 Yekatit 12 Hospital for our third day (half day to be exact) of Cleft Palate Training. We made it just in time for the therapy sessions. We split up into groups of 3-4 therapists-in-training. We saw roughly 15 patients. Different therapy techniques that were learned in class were applied. Each group created goals and homework for each client that would be seen the next day. It was a very productive and educational experience!

Back at the hotel, with no break, we had a mini lecture to make up for the first half of the Cleft Palate Training day we missed. Dr. Crowley made sure all the TC students take the quiz that was missed due to attending the parent training at Nehemiah Autism Center. LEVATOR VELI PALATIIIINI~~~ aka the muscle we will never ever forget.

Stay tuned for the remaining days we have left here in Ethiopia!

Love,

Özge (Ozzie) and Amika

TICCA & GGEAM <3