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8B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend, etc. Magazine - Thursday. September 27, 2001
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The Michigan Daily - Weekend, etc. Magazine -
Day by Day : Growing up with Down Syt
in Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Katy lives with her parents and brother in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.
In a country per etually immersed in olitical strife and that never
has quite enoug resources, it is incredibly difficult to raise a
family that has extra needs. Katy needs a school that can support
her; with only two classrooms in the communtiy this is not an
option. There is no daycare, nor would ther be money to pay for
it. The family recieves hel from FACES, an organization that
supports people with disabilities in the area. But, with little help,
and less resources, it is a day to day struggle.
Edilma Leon, a promoter from FACES, helps Katy blow
bubbles; the excercise is meant to strengthen Katy's facial
muscles as part of her speech therapy routine.
Eduardo Granda Katy's father, is only home a few c
spends most of tle week working construction in th
from home. Her mother Rosa, tales care of Katy or
dresses Katy, cooks for tie entire family, looks after
cleans the house and takes Katy to school every day
struggle to et Katy admitted into the school becaus
teacher for kindergarten through 3rd grade in Vilcal
afraid Katy woul dbe disruptive and out of control
school everyday.
PHOTOSTORY BY DAVID ROCHKIND