Therapy Abroad Augmentative and alternative Communication in Belize
About Me:
Hello!
My name is Martha and I am a senior at Portland State University studying Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in psychology. Through Therapy Abroad, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Belize and provide speech therapy services for clients and their families. During the four week program, I used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to assist individuals with speech disorders. I planned activities for Tykes Camp that targeted language goals for clients. On the weekends, I explored the country's sites such as the Mayan Ruins, the Butterfly Museum and Black Rock Lodge.
Hello!
My name is Martha and I am a senior at Portland State University studying Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in psychology. Through Therapy Abroad, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Belize and provide speech therapy services for clients and their families. During the four week program, I used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to assist individuals with speech disorders. I planned activities for Tykes Camp that targeted language goals for clients. On the weekends, I explored the country's sites such as the Mayan Ruins, the Butterfly Museum and Black Rock Lodge.
Therapy Abroad Resources
Check out the links above to find out more about Therapy Abroad programs!
Week 1
One of the busiest weeks on this trip consisted of becoming familiar with AAC through training and lectures every day in preparation for screenings and therapy in Belmopan.
We also explored San Ignacio in the evenings. This is where I discovered how much the community here values love for one another. I noticed how welcoming and open the people are. It was also one of the most colorful places I have ever been to! Beautiful view at dinner!
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San Ignacio Market
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Belmopan Clinic
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We had our first evaluations and screenings at the National Resource Center for Inclusiveness Education (NaRCIE) church.
We finished up report writing for previous clients and prepared for our next clinic in San Ignacio. |
week 2
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In San Ignacio we worked with clients ages 3-12 and provided treatment. We gave resources for clients and their families to practice at home. We visited the Green Iguana Project and fit the Butterfly Museum into our busy schedule. Later that week, we transferred to Burrell Boom and prepared for Tykes Camp by creating lesson plans for our clients and purchasing therapy materials. |
Week 3 - tykes Camp in Belize City
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We set up stations at the NaRCIE office in Belize City. Being next to a playground gave more opportunities for children to practice speech!
It was a joy to work with clients one on one through fine and gross motor, story time, snack time, and pretend play activities. |
Check out the video above to see how we have helped give clients a form of communication!
You can also find about more about Tykes Camp and the importance of AAC.
You can also find about more about Tykes Camp and the importance of AAC.
week 4
We transferred to Placencia Beach for a more relaxed environment to write reports on our clients.
On our last few days, we headed to the NaRCIE Stann Creek location to teach parents and teachers in the community how to use AAC boards.
On our last few days, we headed to the NaRCIE Stann Creek location to teach parents and teachers in the community how to use AAC boards.
We also visited the Belize Zoo and saw the country's national animal! |
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reflection
In Belize, there are no Speech Pathologists, only two Audiologists. Many of the Belizean people do not know what speech therapy is and so many cases are left undiagnosed where clients never receive treatment. My connection to this work has grown because of how many families do not have access to therapy for their children. I am hoping to bring awareness to the shortage of services offered for children with speech disorders in developing countries. Even though I have only worked with a few clients, I hope that providing services to them improves their communication with their family. I want to allow them to feel connected to those around them.
I did not know what I was going to experience my first time out of the country. I had no idea what types of experiences I would face or the people that I would be with. I took a leap of faith in this program because I knew that it was supporting children in Belize and I would gain knowledge to support my education. Walking on this unknown path has led me to grow emotionally. I have allowed myself to be okay with making mistakes during speech therapy. I refrain from being too hard on myself when I do make those mistakes. I have become a more patient individual and can adapt a lot easier during those difficulties. This trip has taught me to search for opportunities that make me uncomfortable because that is the only way I will learn and grow from them.
I did not know what I was going to experience my first time out of the country. I had no idea what types of experiences I would face or the people that I would be with. I took a leap of faith in this program because I knew that it was supporting children in Belize and I would gain knowledge to support my education. Walking on this unknown path has led me to grow emotionally. I have allowed myself to be okay with making mistakes during speech therapy. I refrain from being too hard on myself when I do make those mistakes. I have become a more patient individual and can adapt a lot easier during those difficulties. This trip has taught me to search for opportunities that make me uncomfortable because that is the only way I will learn and grow from them.