Ghana, where ANYTHING can be carried on your head...

Just wanted to mention how remarkable I think it is that the men and women here in Ghana carry so many things on their heads. Many of the women carry things on their heads while even carrying babies and young children on their backs, not to mention they are not just walking to the corner store, but may be walking for miles. They walk for long periods of time on uneven surfaces while carrying all of this weight in the heat, probably without any water. AMAZING....

 YES that is a 32" TV!

Akwaaba HOME

So I'm home, and I must say, I feel torn. I'm happy to be home and everyone was so inviting, yet I still MISS Ghana. Now looking back, I wish I could have stayed an extra couple of days...::sigh:: But now that I'm back, it's the return to the daily grind. Getting ready for my last semester of coursework is definitely something great to come home to, and I can't believe that I've made it this far. I have to admit, I am PROUD of myself. Here are my final thoughts on our Ghana intersession abroad:

I was hoping that the course would have been a little more disability focused, instead of just thinking about accessibility. Perhaps actually spending a day or two volunteering at local organizations that we visited (Veterans' Rehab Hospital or Autism Center). That would have definitely made our visit more purposeful and given us a great deal of experience to bring back home with us. I appreciated the fact that after a while, accessibility was kind of engrained in our minds, everywhere we went we thought about whether or not Ghanaians with disabilities would be able to have adequate access. It was nice to think about life using another's perspective.

I appreciated all of the cultural components to this trip, it was nice to learn so much on traditional medicine, family structures, religion, music and dance. It would have been hard to leave these components out of this course, because Ghana wouldn't be the same without them.

Adequate free time is always nice in a foreign country, just to take a day or two and go venture off on our own to a place of our choice, or maybe back to a place we had already visited. After all, this trip was a little expensive, but we had little freedom and even less leisure time to do what we wanted.

A longer stay perhaps could have compensated for less free time, I couldn't believe that we did not even stay a full two weeks in such an extraordinary country! That's a real bummer!

Afia Beach Hotel was a great place for us to stay, the accomodations were very pleasant, as was the staff there. I was just hoping for more of a "student experience," such as staying at NYU Accra campus. But I do understand the undergraduates were coming in and no one should be inconvenienced, although I did feel for the money that we pay for the short amount of time we stay in Ghana, we should have been at least considered this option.

Finally, about this 10 page paper! I understand this is a course and coursework is required, but I think there should be a choice to either write a paper or complete a journal, or maybe a shorter paper, perhaps 5 pages. I just feel so rushed to complete the coursework and sometimes feel we are not very prepared to write such a paper.

Farewell Ghana, Hello America

Not really looking forward to leaving. Everyone seems so sad to be going home. Not one smile all morning. Our stay should have been longer. Everyone is not happy about leaving Afia Beach and Kingsley. Goodbye carefree living. Perhaps we shall all return one day, soon? hopefully? in the near future?

On the other hand, my family and boyfriend miss me dearly, and I am excited to see them as well. The thought of returning to classes (although I enjoy them from time to time) is exhausting alone.

Well, FAREWELL GHANA, thank you for having us.

Photographs: Students at Morning Star School in Accra, Ghana waving goodbye.

Farewell Dinner at Headlines Hospitality

Tonight we had our farewell dinner and everyone looked BEAUTIFUL. Most of us wore our dresses that Marjorie (our personal seamstress) made us. They were just gorgeous, and she is a very talented woman. She was able to remember at least 30 orders without writing any of them down!

We ate our last meal together and took plenty of pictures. We danced and drank and danced some more, somehow trying to stretch the night, savoring the precious last moments we were spending with each other, wishing the night wouldn't come to an end. What an experience this has been and I'm so lucky to have traveled with an AMAZING group of people. Everyone, although different in many ways, was so accepting and tolerant of one another. We were able hold mature discussions about our trip and life, everyone adding their own personal touch to the conversation. I am truly blessed to have had this opportunity and I only pray that I can have many more like these filled with the same type of people.

Morning Star & New Horizon Special School

There is so much that happened here today. I will keep it nice and short though. We arrived at the Morning Star School and were greeted by the daughter of the founder and welcomed with hugs and smiles! They even had a "Akwaaba! NYU" sign outside of the school:

The children were so pleasant, attentive, and obedient. This is a private school and the parent's of the children pay a fee to enter the school. We visited multiple classrooms where we were greeted the same way, "Hello visitors, how are you?" Just ADORABLE. Their motto is the cutest thing ever, "Morning Star" the head mistress states, "RISE AND SHINE!" the children answer back:

The classrooms range from kindergarden to 8th grade. We visited an array of classrooms, from computers to cooking classes to mathematics and science classes. We talked to many of the students in each classroom to ask them how much they liked the subject they were learning, I don't think anyone answered "no." I can tell they are much better students than I am! We watched them during their PE class in which they have set on an open area next to the most beautiful tree that I seen in Ghana:

We learned just how much energy the woman who built this school put into its foundation. I mean this entire school, started in her living room! Amazing! We were served snacks and soda, and treated with so much hospitality, it was so unexpected! We did ask about how children with disabilities are educated in this school. There is a little girl with some type of disability (was unclear to me) who has a special seat in one of the classrooms and we were told she is a VERY BRIGHT girl, we were happy to hear she was being accommodated. As for other children with disabilities, such as learning disabilities, they are referred for special tutoring, and extra help, I believe outside of the school, which is also a good thing. We didn't want to leave! They even performed for us, and this we enjoyed sooo much, we even danced along side them! Beautiful! 

And before we knew it, we were running late to our next visit, The New Horizon Special School:

This school is dedicated to young adults who have special needs. Most of the students there have Down's Syndrome. I was surprised at how social these adults are and I almost feel as though the United States is behind in this aspect. I feel that many of our schools are so worried about handwriting, computers, reading (these are essential components) but I think they forget that these children also have social needs. We walked into the school for a brief tour before heading out to their gazebo for a dance performance. The students performed some of the traditional Ghanaian dances that we had learned a couple of nights ago from Kingsley, Rosemary, and the other CRAs at NYU. They performed them so well with so much effort and we having fun at the same time. It was really a breath of fresh air. They were laughing and really getting into their roles. It was exciting to see them so excited.

As we were leaving we approached their shop where they have items for sale such as jewelry, and the profit is given to fund the school's resources. I bought two sets of a necklace and earrings. Shopping always puts the icing on the cake for me. I also took a picture with one of the employees who works at the school with the students, and it just goes to show how welcoming Ghanaian people truly are, as she wrapped her arms around my waist and waited for the picture to be taken:

The photos pictured on the right side of my blog were taken at this school, and they were so beautifully presented to us, that they are some of my most cherished pictures from the trip.

Post Office & Interview and Accessibility Assessments

Today we visited Accra's post office. Nothing really special about today, I think this may have been my least favorite trip/activity, mainly because I was just having one of those, "don't feel like doing anything," days. We were assigned the task of conducting an assessment of the post office, other local shops, and the interviewing of a local worker in town. Not much to say, we interviewed a local shop woman who sold fabrics in her shop. We did have an interesting run in with a man who was "boozed," as the shop owner described. This is something I am used to seeing at home but never thought I would see it in Ghana. Coming from where I live, there are liquor stores within a 4 block radius of each other, thus making liquor more and more accessible to those who abuse it. I asked the woman if this was something she sees a lot of. She just stated that it usually happens when there is an increase in temperature, "When it gets hot, people like to drink in order to deal with it." I wasn't totally understanding her point but did not want to pry any further. She stated that people come from other regions during the dry season to Accra to cope with the weather as it gets extremely hot in other regions. As we were waiting for other students to join us a woman who worked at another shop offered us chairs and bench to sit on while we waited. I was so moved by this, she went around other shops borrowing chairs just so that we would not have to stand. It was so thoughtful, that would probably never happen at home.

But on the other hand, we did have a great time at "Reggae Night" on Labode Beach! We met some interesting people, listened to some great music, and watched the beautiful ocean <3

Traditional Medicine in West Africa-Professor Kodjo Senah

The best lecture we have had our entire stay in Ghana I would say...Here are some interesting statistics:

- The average Ghanaian experiences Malaria at least 2x's a year.

- There are 500, 000 HIV/AIDs cases in Ghana.

- Between the years of 2006-2010, 6,000 Ghanaians have died in road accidents.

- Out of every 100,000 births, 750 women will die either during labor or after delivery.

- Number four reason for death in Ghana is road accidents.

- Twenty-four percent of Sickle-Cell disease cases come from polluted water.

Average number of persons per doctor in the following areas in Ghana:
1) Central Region: 15, 325
2) Northern Region: 43,357
3) Greater Accra: 2,860
4) Volta Region: 15,775
5) National Average:8,554
6) WHO Recommended: 5,000
7) # Currenty at Post: 2,211

Professor Senah was very knowledgeable in his lecture and with his information. Just by sitting for his presentation, I could tell he dedicates his life to the health and education of his people. He comes from a village where he had to fight to receive running water. He talked about many of diseases the people in Ghana face today, diseases that haven't occurred in the US in decades, diseases we no longer really know how to treat because they haven't been treated in such a long time. He spoke of traditional medicine and modern medicine and how the people in Ghana may use one or the other, or both for particular needs. He stated, "Only when all else has failed, do the disabled seek a traditional healer." So it is clear that many disabled people seek medical help for their issues before they consult with a traditional healer for herbal medicines and other supplements. He spoke of how important it is to have clean water and how polluted water causes so many diseases to spread so easily. ((I learned about the "life straw" today during a conversation with the public health students from Syracuse, in which a person sips through a straw and the straw itself filters the water, an innovative water purification system).It was very interesting to listen to him speak and he had great pictures in his slideshow presentation. I wish we were able to have a copy of his presentation since it was so well put together. He showed us pictures of the many people affected by certain diseases and what work he has done in villages to help his people.

Here are some pictures of the LifeStraw I mentioned earlier, I think this is FABULOUS idea: and can you believe it only costs about $2.00 USD when sold individually!

Ningo Salt Production

I was not expecting to enjoy this trip as much as I did. Many students were not fully understanding the reason why we were visiting this site, but once we arrived and started our tour, we TOTALLY understood. We couldn't believe how much manual labor went into salt production at this company in Ningo. We discussed safety precautions (OSHA regulations, etc.) inside the factory as well as outside. It was, and I hate to use the same word 50 million times but, AMAZING to see how much effort goes into this process. Men and women are inside these huge salt ponds with buckets and shovels, grouped together in a pair, and shovel salt into their own individual buckets, fill it to the top, one person bends down to help put the bucket on their head, while the other one assists and picks up their own bucket to place on their own head, and then run up a make-shift ramp onto a dirt road to pour the salt contents onto the back of a truck. The truck then carries the salt back to the factory to be cleaned and processed. AMAZING, again. Talk about manual labor! Here are some pictures:

Now I'm unsure of just how a person with a physical disability might be able to do this job, unless they had some type of adaptive equipment, such as a wheelbarrow, conveyor belt, etc. A person with a cognitive disability could certainly take on this job with adequate instruction. This is job is definitely not for everyone, one must be strong, motivated, and have good teamwork skills. As the pair brings their salt to the back of the truck, they are being tallied and paid according to how many buckets they put on the back of the truck. Talk about PAY AS YOU GO...geeze. These men and women have all of my respect.

Definitely recommend this trip for future intersessions as we learned so much from this trip, too much to blog about :)

Autism Treatment Center

One of my favorite trips, and somewhere I would love to return to volunteer for. In fact, we (OT students) are thinking to fundraise for this school and the special school, which is down the road from the Autism Treatment Center. I am also planning to pass this information onto other students who have participated in the intersession.

I have been working with children diagnosed with Autism for the past 2 years and find them completely fascinating. I do not say this because I think of the children as spectacles but simply that they are beautiful children, with unique personalities, and that they add something special to my life. I found it amazing that many of the children have the same tendencies as those that I work with at home. Although they are different and live thousands of miles away in a different country, they are alike, and share much in common. The children walked up to me, wanting to be hugged, touching and feeling, fulfilling their own sensory needs, as well as inviting us to their school.

 I wish we had more time to spend here, as this is my focus for much of my career, what I plan to dedicate a lot of my time to. I can't imagine how people may view these beautiful children as cursed or a punishment. It is sad that people are unaware of the neurological and genetic composition of their disorders, and merely treat them as outsiders/aliens/unwanted persons. I can say that I am grateful that this center has been founded and that there is someplace that these children can go to be educated without facing discrimination. I hope one day the people of Ghana can open more centers/institutions like this one.

This made me think about whether or not people in Ghana understand the potential causes of Autism, well, those that had been mentioned, because it still remains unknown. I feel a research topic coming on?? Who educates people on developmental disabilities, how are they educated, who is educated?

It was disheartening to hear that the school receives little funding for the students. There was one scooter for all of the children in the entire school and a couple of soccer balls. There were paintings on display for sale, the proceeds would benefit the children attending the school directly. I decided to buy two paintings, one for my home, and another to be framed and put on display at the Autism clinic I work for at home.

This place truly opened my eyes and touched my heart. Great trip.

Accra Rehab Center & Military Hospital 37

Visiting the Rehabilitation Center and Military Hospital 37 put disability in Ghana into perspective for it, it was like the defining moment of our trip. It brought out the true reality of having a disability and how one goes about living with one. I also wish that we were able to spend more time at this location. Again these two places could perhaps be where students can volunteer for a day or week.

The rehabilitation center is a great place for individuals to learn a trade, something that could potentially segway into owning their own business, i.e. woodwork, sculptures, dresses, paintings, etc. We met a man with deformed arms and hands who painted some really amazing things, he now teaches at the rehab center, here is one of his paintings, recognize anyone?

We also met a man who made wheelchairs for and competed in the special olympics athletic games. He was so happy to see us and show us his work.

 

We viewed a lot of the shops in which the residents there learn their crafts and work. We were also conscious of whether or not the areas within the center where accessible to the residents. And for the most part, it's sad to say they weren't. The ramps were too high and uneven, we think that perhaps they were used for wheeling machinery and materials into the shops and not for residents in wheelchairs. This center has been open since 1962 (the year both of my parents were born in), and I really felt like they should have progressed SO much more than they have. But I guess it's hard when they are in the situation they are in, with limited funding, and the views that the community has about the people they are helping. It was just an unfortunate situation. I'm so happy that a facility such as this one exists, however am so saddened by the fact that they so are far behind and have much more potential than shown. 

We are also planning to put together a fundraiser for this center as well, thinking about raising money to donate so that they can get their machines fixed, buy new materials, etc. 

We didn't spend much time at the Military Hospital, but I was surprised to see how much equipment they have for their patients. It was a relief to know that they have modernized treatments for individuals with disabilities (i.e. ultrasound machines). We were not allowed to take pictures so there will be none posted. It was a very small rehab, where they had an adult physical disabilities room and a pediatric unit. The children were SOOO adorable. One child we observed had Cerebral Palsy, and was so happy to see us! He smiled and attempted to babble at us...I wanted to take him home with me! We observed his ability to reach and grasp for items while sitting and standing. Karen could not pass up the chance to interact with such a cute child.

Also sighted this cute kitty at the Rehab Center:

Jamestown, University of Ghana, and Mosque in Legon

I was completely taken back by our trip to Jamestown Fishing Village. I was astonished by the way of life of the people in this community. Everyone had a role and responsibility and abided to their obligations. Men wake up early in the morning around 6am to set out on their morning journey to fish, a second set of men may go out and meet the met at their fishing spots to collect the catch and bring it to shore so the initial group of men can continue to fish. When the catch is brought to shore, more people gather the nets and assist in retrieving the catch. Most of the fishermen are village men, while the women are responsible for selling the fish and cooking the family's meals. It's truly remarkable to see how these men, women, and children survive and thrive off of ocean life, operating this fishing system all on their own, and taking pride in doing so.

Many of the men were not thrilled that we were there observing them complete their daily routine. Shouting at us, "Where is the money?!" Apparently a couple of weeks before our visit, a couple of foreigners, white men, had come to take pictures of the villagers and displayed them on television in derogatory manner. The fisherman never received any money for this videotaping and to add insult to injury were showcased in a bad light. They wanted to make sure that this wouldn't be happening again. Nevertheless I was able to catch a couple of good shots, but put my camera away once I noticed people were becoming uncomfortable and outright angry. It was a great learning experience and really brought out the reality the villagers' lifestyle.

I noticed there were no fisherman with any physical disabilities, or not ones that were visible at least. This leads me to believe there is no room for the disabled when it comes to physical work such as fishing in this village. Perhaps they can sell the fish and cook the fish, but sailing out on a boat to partake in the labor component of hauling the fish overboard in nets would be seen as too much of a physical challenge, as well as getting settled into the boat, as there are no safety restraints, and I imagine the person would also have to be a great swimmer.

Our visit to the mosque in Legon will definitely be a memorable one. I was under the pretense that we were going to visit 1 single mosque (as we did when visiting 1 single church), but I was wrong (well, sort of). We met an Imam, who took us around his village, where we entered at least 4 different local mosques as well as the chief of the village! What a surprise! We were able to sit in a mosque and visit others. I felt a bit bad about entering a mosque while men were in prayer, but the Imam wouldn't have taken "no" for an answer. I thought that for the most part the people of this muslim village were happy to see and us show us their culture, but later I found out that they were not so happy about our visit. There were students on the trip who are fluent in the local language Twi, that later told me that many of the villagers were asking why we were there and it was not in a nice way. This is totally understandable, and I am happy that for the most part the villagers were accepting of us, treated us kindly, and were tolerant of us. The Imam was exceptionally hospitable to us and made sure were well taken care of. In fact, we went over our allotted time scheduled for our visit, and as Kingsley would say, "We were fast behind time." We were even given food to take back home with us, KABOBS...

Dancing Lessons at Afia Beach Hotel

Tonight we had dancing lessons on the tennis court at our hotel, we were instructed by the CRAs from NYU. It was great! I liked the fact that it was optional, so not everyone had to come, and still, a lot of us showed up! It was so much fun, and funny at the same time. Of course in no way have we become professionals in traditional African dance, but we were able to get some of the moves. We really appreciated the Rosemary, Kingsley, and NanaAmah taking the time out of their schedule to teach us a little of their culture. They explained that they are taught these dances when they are in primary school. They were so knowledgeable and hand great rhythm! And afterward we played a schoolyard game called, "Big Booty!" in which I myself have played as a child, great night <3

Church and Drumming Lessons = Praise

I really had a nice time at church today. It was a really nice thing to add to our time spent here in Ghana. I am happy to report that this church is a lot more accessible than most other places we have visited in Accra. There is a vast open space in the parking lot in which vehicles may drive up to the church's entrance to drop a person off. Also, the stage where the pastor preaches in on ground level, making it very easy for those in wheelchairs to attend service and be able to view the service up close and personal. The church is huge! There is plenty of space to get around and it seems like there are many kind people willing to lend a helping hand. I am happy that this is so, since Ghana is deeply rooted in religion, and many Ghanaians attend church, so people with disabilities are not as much at a disadvantage when it comes to attending this particular church.

The service was special. Special to me, simply because church service is not something I attend regularly although I would really like to. I would like to become a more spiritual person. It was rewarding to get away from the classroom, the tour bus, the outside world, and just listen to the word. Great experience. Here is Nana and I, all dressed up, after service.

Drumming Lessons! I was so surprised to learn that we would be taught some traditional drumming tunes. It is definitely something that takes time and practice, and looks a lot easier than it really is. We we able to practice the basics and eventually play together. Our instructor was extremely patient and encouraging. I admire that the schools teach the children these cultural components (drumming) to their culture, so that they are not lost. It would be nice to have something of the sort here in America, perhaps this is similar to our music and chorus classes? But it seems so much more rich than singing a tune or playing the flute in 7th grade. I don't know, that's just my opinion. Great idea for the program. Suggestion: research a drummer/drummers or musicians who are disabled that play drums or other instruments that would also be able to aide in student instruction. I'm sure they would be more than happy to volunteer their time, and it would give students an idea of other roles people with disabilities in Ghana have.

The Broken Cord : Book Review

The broken cord was a book that I'm glad I read. It brought forth the reality of the consequences of alcohol misuse and abuse, a disease that may start as an acceptable thing to do in our society. However, in this case, it was about a child who was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and later adopted by the author of the book. I found it amazing that Dorris (author) knew that his son has some setbacks, or disability, and for a while just could not receive a diagnosis. The reality of FAS is that many children come from mothers who are victims of poverty, lack of education, unstable mental health situations. One cocktail, one can of beer, one glass of wine per day can cause a child a typically developing life. What is most devastating about this disabling condition is that it is 100% PREVENTABLE.

Later on in the book, the reader goes on to learn that Dorris (author) finds some sort of explanation for his son's deficits while working as an anthropologist and as head of the Department of Native American Studies at Darmouth University. I thought that it was great that this book was also able to include culture into their story and how different ethnic groups deal with the same problem. Reading this book also scared me a little, in a way that I am now approaching the age of thinking about starting a family, wanting a child with my future husband, and if for some reason (God forbid) I was unable to conceive, then adoption is something I would definitely consider. In the book, it is at 26 years old, that the author realizes he wants to be a parent. When thinking about being a parent, I think about late nights, no sleep, changing diapers, first day of kindergarden, homework help, first school dance, first boyfriend/girlfriend, high school, and sending my child to college. I DON'T think about therapy sessions, uncontrollable crying, frustration, pity, embarrassment, and all of the other unpleasant things that may come with a child with a disability.

It becomes even more of a reality when dealing with these children in a therapeutic setting, as these are some of the deficits we would be encounter as OTs:

• Decreased muscle tone and poor coordination
• Delayed development and significant functional problems in three or more major areas: thinking, speech, movement, or social skills (as expected for the baby's age)
• https://health.google.com/health/ref/Fetal+alcohol+syndrome

As an OT, we would have to critically think about how improve this child's daily living at home, in school, and in their community; and also address the concerns of the parents. Many times we think all therapy should be directed towards the child, but we forget about showing improved ways to deal with deficits to the parents, educating them, and implementing these treatment plans into the family's daily routine.

I admire this author as he was able to overcome many adversities including adopting a child as a man, adopting a child of a different culture, and being a great father to a child with a disability. His fight to LOVE and CARE for his child is greatly portrayed in this book, and I look forward to one day watching the movie.

Paper Topics

Trying to figure out what topic I am going to use to write my 10 page paper on!! Here are some of my brainstorming topics:

1) Similarities between Ghana's poorest and least accessible neighborhoods and the US's.

2) Similarities in views on disability in both US and Ghana and research articles on views of disability in both countries.

3) Rehabilitation availability expectation, when medical services are not even available? Priorities?

4) OT in the past, present, and future in Ghana? Awareness and advocacy? Hope?

5) Traditional Healing and Disability vs. Medical Help and Disability

6) Access to Rehabilitation in Greater Accra vs. Rural Accra

7) The Disabled in the Working Community of Ghana: Are there Jobs for these Citizens?

8) Autism: Perspectives on Causation in Both the United States and Ghana.

Mosquito Spray and Kakum National Park

I titled this post "Mosquito Spray," because I think it deserves to be mentioned since it has been a large part of my daily routine. I use it before I go out during the day, reapply once the sun goes down, and again once I get out of the shower, that makes 3 times a day! Good news is, that it seems to be working, I've only had 1 mosquito bite thus far and I haven't even used the mosquito net! I wish I were as consistent with my malaria medications, I find it so difficult to remember to take it!

Kakum National Park was GREAT! We were able to complete the canopy (by the grace of God) or should I say CANOPIES (plural). Apparently many of us had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We thought there was ONE SINGLE canopy, and after crossing our second, we were told there were FIVE more, for a total of SEVEN. Whew! Extremely nerve wrecking but totally worth it in the end. Many of the students are brave souls, as they were able to jump on it and take one-handed photos of themselves while crossing. I, on the other hand, was too busy repenting for my sins and asking God to just get me across. Silly--maybe, serious--yes.

Food for Thought: On the bus ride home, I thought about how the adventure on the tree-top canopy is very restrictive to people with disabilities. As someone with a walker, wheelchair, or other mobile device would not be able to cross it, although it is a possibility for someone with a cane to cross. The planks that a person must walk on are uneven and not leveled. Also when one walks across the canopy, they are doing so with 15 other people at the same time, only feet and sometimes inches apart from one another, causing balancing issues and unexpected movement on the canopy. This requires a lot of concentration and vision is an important quality sense to have. One must be able to view the planks, make smaller or bigger steps, hold onto the side ropes to provide stability and balance, while looking ahead to make sure they are not going to bump into anyone. It is now that I am realizing how many more advancements the world we live in has to make to accommodate all of its' citizens. If I were a person who had a disability, I would have been a little upset to not have joined in on all of the fun. I can only imagine, what it much be like, no I can't even.