Tuesday...another day of lessons about a different perspective with many familiar aspects. We started the morning at Ciudad Libertad Escolar, also known as Colombia, Batista's old military base and focal point of drug trafficking in pre-revolutionary Cuba. Now, it's a complex of academic buildings including the Dora Alonso school for children with autism. The principal, Dra. Laudel Cruz Camejo, and psychologist, Elsa Escalona Basulto, told us of the 46 children ages 2-18 at the school. Twelve teachers, twelve aides and twelve specialists (therapists) provide training geared toward the transition and integration of children into regular education as much as possible. Two transitional teachers follow children into mainstream placements to promote success. Sixty students have transitioned through this process.
Repeatedly, we heard the importance of early intervention and parent training, but after the talking, the best part was seeing real kids in real classrooms. I was reminded of the universality of ID and autism. I could have sat down and continued any lesson (they use ABA as a template, although defied for each child and aversives and corporal punishment are prohibited). It was heartwarming and reassuringly familiar.
After lunch with a great salsa trio, we headed to BenjamÃn Moreno, where Dra. Aida Hernandez explained their residential and day programs. Their philosophy focuses on integration and family training and participation, recurrent themes during our visits. In this country with so many needs, families are integral to care. And so are art and dancing. We were moved and delighted by performers who imitated the Sapphires, or Los Safiros, and then rocked the place with dancing that showed true Cuban spirit. It made me want to dance!
We ended the day at the market in Old Habana, buying objects of art and literature. Another full day.
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