Thursday, February 20, 2014


Here's our story, click the link below to check us out at FundMyTravel:     


We are a group of students from the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY, that share a common background as Spanish-speakers working towards becoming bilingual speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This upcoming May and June, we are participating in a trip to Guatemala where we will volunteer speech-language services (assessments and treatment) at a non-profit private school called Brillo de Sol. We will also deliver professional development presentations to local SLPs and university instructors. This program is the first of its kind in our department, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with schools and organizations in Guatemala.

Brillo de Sol was specifically founded to serve disabled children. There are only a few schools of this sort in Guatemala, because the country does not benefit from legislation that provides individuals with disabilities the right to adequate services in public schools. Most of the students attending this school are of Mayan origin, and have failed in the public school system. Brillo de Sol is one of few places that provides these students the education and vocational skills needed for employment when they graduate. Without the support of this school, many Guatemalans with disabilities are more prone to homelessness, substance abuse, and exclusion from economic opportunities.

With the guidance of our professor Dr. Doug Petersen, PhD, CCC-SLP, and our clinical supervisor Ms. Christiane Dechert, M.A., CCC-SLP, we will establish contacts and explore possibilities for several international collaborative projects. We will also assist in the instruction of international professionals and university instructors on the administration of narrative language assessment and intervention. This will allow us to collaborate with local universities to discuss cross-cultural and cross-curricular issues that impact populations in Guatemala and abroad.

By supporting our campaign, you will enable us to gain critical experiences interacting with other professionals and providing services in a second language (Spanish). You will help us to provide training, resources, and necessary services to many individuals spanning various communities in Guatemala. You will also provide much needed sponsorships for individuals who would otherwise not be able to attend school.

·         Donors who contribute $50 will receive a handmade postcard from a Brillo de Sol student.

·         Donors who contribute $100 or more will receive a Brillo de Sol T-shirt.

·         Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, and will gain you access to our blog which will be updated with pictures and journal entries along the way!

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