Making a Difference?!

As noted, the focus of this trip was to gather data on the impact of the CITTI project to date. We returned with a wealth of information in the form of interview data, focus group recordings, case studies, pictures and more - all of which will take the team a while to sort, organize, analyze and summarize. As a pretty objective, first time participant however, I feel very confident in predicting that the bottom line of the evaluation process will include a statement that "Yes, the CITTI Project has made a significant difference." I heard clearly from children and adults with disabilities, family members, professionals and community members of new social, educational and work opportunities; further innovation in the development of specific tools; and an enthusiasm for the potential for assistive technology.

Above all, however, I heard about and experienced a shift in human values - of how families and communities value their members with disabilities and those members' sense of self-worth and ability - how they value themselves. It's a shift from resignation and perhaps even shame towards pride, accomplishment and as yet unknown possiblities. CITTI activities promote new ways of viewing disability, which from all observations, were adopted and built on by those in the involved communities. It's the young man proudly sharing that he now works in the fields with others, the mother sharing her dreams and expectations for her child, and the father transporting his son to school on his shoulders. I believe it to be the most basic and important difference of all, and unlimited potential can be its result.

As we continue to analyze the data we will uncover much valuable information on the 'whats', the 'hows' and the 'what worked bests' that will help us and potential collaborators and supporters plan for the future as CITTI moves forward. In the meantime, for me the measure of making a difference is the bottom line for our efforts. There is no doubt that the CITTI project has made a big difference to date and there is the potential for much more on the horizon. I am grateful for the experience and enthusiastic for the future.

The Value of Our Work

This year’s journey to Ecuador focused on the value of our work together. The CITTI Project team conducted an evaluation to learn how we have done to build capacity in the use of adaptations in the communities where we have done collaborations. We learned about the number of adaptations, the ways people have shared their new skills, the values of the resources to families, and much more.





Here, the CITTI Project interviews teachers to gather information that helps us to improve the work we do. Interviews were also held with therapists, parents, siblings, and adults with disabilities.








CITTI Project team members conducted focus groups with the disability related organizations that have participated in our information exchanges and workshops since 2006.

Over the course of 10 days the CITTI Project gathered quantitative and qualitative information. What this data will tell us will be invaluable ... our successes, our challenges, and to direction of our future.

(The CITTI Project gathers with the families of Huambalo.)

Visual Guide Hits Ecuador

While in Ecuador, the first volume "Visual Guide of Adaptations for People with Disabilities: In the Home" was unveiled to the communities we have collaborated with. To say it was well received is quite an understatement.

We especially thank our sponsors who made it possible to provide this valuable resource, Irene S. Scully Family Foundation, Ruth and Marco Goodman Donor Advised Fund, and Maureen Dorsey, DVM.

Santiago, a collaborator and cover star of the Visual Guide, poses with his copy.






The people of Asoplejicat - Independent Living Center in Ambato say that before the Visual Guide, the CITTI Project provided the models but not the steps to make them. The Guide fills this need.

Diego studies his copy of the Guide from the community center in the Andean town of Huambalo.








Teachers and therapists of the Special Education Institute in Ambato show off their copies of the Visual Guide.








We look forward to collaborating on the next two volumes of the Visual Guide, educational materials and communication.