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“Thirteen- year-old Landi* has cerebral palsy and finds it hard to speak clearly, but alternative means of communication aren’t commonplace here, so he’s been left without a voice and it’s clear how frustrating he finds that. We’ve been testing out low-tech communication devices and were able to have a great 10-minute conversation for the first time ever!” says Special Education Needs teacher Sarah Allen, who’s helping disabled children and their families as she serves in Bolivia.

“Children with disabilities in Bolivia face widespread stigma and their parents often feel guilt and shame,” she explains. “Families need the help of their community the most, yet often find themselves ostracised. An ongoing issue is that kids with a diagnosis are either rejected from schools or are accepted and shunned and unsupported.”

Sarah works with Landi as she supports a centre a few says a week, called Luz y Esperanza (Light and Hope) that’s run by a Christian couple.