Founded by a volunteer physical therapist from the United States in 2006, “Pedi-Habilidad” (Able Children) is a pediatric rehabilitation program in the Amazon rainforest region of Ecuador, South America. Children from 0-12 years of age with disabilities resulting from diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delay, hydrocephaly, congenital defects, and Down syndrome are evaluated and attend outpatient physical therapy sessions at no cost at Hospital Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra in Tena, Ecuador. The volunteer physical therapist works together with hospital pediatricians to establish a diagnosis, and provide family education and treatment to infants and children with developmental disabilities, fostering their integration into school and society. In addition to rehabilitation services, the program provides durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, leg braces, crutches and therapy equipment to the children participating in the program at no cost to families. The program staff also directs clinical instruction for Ecuadorian Physical Therapy student internships.
“Pedi-Habilidad” is the only established rehabilitation program in the province that offers families hope and assistance in managing their child’s disability. Tena, the capital of the Napo Province (population 79,139), is located in the Amazon region of Ecuador east of the Andes Mountains. Due to socio-economic factors and poor road conditions in the region, families have little access to health care centers, and many cannot afford health insurance. Included in the population are local residents of Spanish descent as well as Native American (Quechuan) communities, the majority of whose women do not seek prenatal care and give birth in the home, placing their children at a higher risk for developmental disabilities.
Since its’ inauguration, the “Pedi-Habilidad” initiative has attended over 200 children, providing rehabilitation services on a regular basis for a total of over 1500 therapy sessions. Pediatric Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapist volunteers from the US and Canada are sought to support efforts in the rehabilitation clinic and the community to meet the growing program population, assist with clinical instruction and research. Opportunities for supervised student PT internships are available as well. A basic knowledge of Spanish language is preferred, however not required. A one-to-three month minimum time commitment is requested for which housing is available. For longer-term commitments, volunteer stipends and travel expenses will be provided.
