Dr. Shriver reminded me in his opening remarks at the Special Olympics Peace Corps Partnership anniversary of Aaron. I wanted to share his story with you to give you an understanding of the critical work Special Olympics is doing in Africa. Unfortunately, in many rural African communities (and in some non-African developing countries) people with intellectual disabilities are seen as being crazy or cursed. Some families are so ashamed of having a child with intellectual disabilities that they keep them hidden away. Limited resources and knowledge of how to work with someone with intellectual disabilities also adds to people with intellectual disabilities being excluded from mainstream society.
I learned about Aaron at a Special Olympics Africa Leadership meeting where the Malawi team was recognized for changing Aaron's life. When the Special Olympics Malawi team met Aaron his family had him tied to a tree. They presumed because he had intellectual disabilities, impaired speech, and physical disabilities that he was incapable of speaking, walking, or leading any semblance of a normal life. The Special Olympics Malawi staff educated the family and worked with Aaron on his communication and motor skills. As you may be able to see from the photos (sorry I took pics of the photos when they were projected) they not only got him untied from the tree and into proper clothing but taught him how to catch a ball.
This is just one of many powerful stories I have heard during my time here. I hope this also serves a reminder that even small acts, like teaching someone to catch a ball, can make a huge difference in someone's life
Ciao!
--Mei
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