Teacher Exchange

October 15, 2008 was a day of growth and opportunity for service providers from China, India and Wichita, Kansas. Teachers from China and India observed outpatient therapies provided at Heartspring Pediatric Services. Lion, Lily, and Hope from Stars and Rain, along with their interpreter, Camilla, and Preeti and Jayati from Open Door School, spent the day watching occupational, physical, and speech therapists work with children of varying degrees of skill level and disabilities.

During the observations the teachers were able to see direct therapy in action. They watched as therapists used games, toys and equipment to increase skill levels in children. As they watched, our guests were amazed by the number of children we see in the outpatient clinic. In their respective countries, children with disabilities may not receive these types of services. They were enamored by what children with disabilities at young ages were able to do. They attributed each child’s success to our country, our therapists and our families for providing these services to any child with a disability, at any age.

Additionally, Pediatric Services staff learned about what services were available for children in China and India. Our guests shared their countries belief systems about children with special needs. In the United States children with disabilities are seen as future citizens and contributors to the community. With this mind set, we are able to assist children with skills they will need to be independent. In other countries this is not the case. Children with disabilities may not be able to go to school or get the therapies the families feel are necessary for development.

It was interesting to hear from providers from other countries tell stories of triumph and trial, just as there are here in the United States. Heartspring admires these teachers for the work they do with children. They are able to work with less, to produce many of the same results. Our guests were very interested in seeing different strategies and tools we use to teach and we were happy to send some items home with them.

All staff at Heartspring were appreciative of the time and opportunity to share throughout the day. Even though we are from different countries, we still work with the same kinds of kids, for the same common goals.