Help Eric, Who Is Deaf, Come To School

Eric arrived to school with his father Paulino for the first time this year last Thursday. It was obvious that both were excited and very pleased to be there. All at school were also very pleased to have Eric back as he is a special child who, although profoundly deaf, engages most around him. Eric immediately joined his fellow pre-school friends in class. Maricruz, a very expressive seven-year-old, was particularly pleased to see Eric back at school. With a big smile on her face she held up four fingers to indicate that this morning there were four children in their pre-school class!

Another particularly comical moment occurred later when lunch was served. Eric looked at his bowl of soup and, perhaps thinking that it looked a bit hot, began blowing on the small soup bowl to cool it off. The other three children watched Eric quizzically for a few seconds, then looking one to another, they all began blowing on their own bowl of soup! Too cute!

Paulino was provided the help he needed to pay for bus fares to bring him and Eric to San Miguel de Allende from Dolores Hidalgo, 25 miles away and an approximate one hour bus ride, two days each week. Although we had hoped for Eric to come three days each week, all agreed that this would be a good place to start. Twice a week to school is within Paulino’s comfort level considering his work and other family obligations. We feel confident that starting slow and working up to more days is the best way forward. It has been our experience that the answer to a challenge will often present itself at the appropriate time, all that is needed from us is patience.

Thank you to all who have made this project possible; bringing Eric to participate in pre-school and to learn Mexican Sign Language. We will continue to keep you updated in the future as Eric continues to grow and thrive at Escuela de Educación Especial.

Links:

• School's website