Communities are doing it for themselves!

Community Inclusion Through Technology International
(CITTI Project)
Bridgett Perry, Director
bridgett@cittiproject.org

Many of you have followed the evolution of the CITTI Project for the past few years. Our mission is to support communities in developing countries to create replicable, economic, sustainable adaptations for people with disabilities, using materials indigenous to their community. The last three years, our focus has been working with communities in the Tungurahua region of Ecuador.

The CITTI Project uniquely is working from the grassroots up, exposing communities to assistive technology, often for the first time. We begin with simple, affordable adaptations made of materials found in local markets. The impact is immediate. It allows individuals to witness first hand the benefits, dispelling myths that such enabling devices are costly and difficult to acquirer. It also dismisses the expert model, empowering people themselves to effect change within their own lives. Local leadership is compelled to expand these resources, increasing access to daily living tasks, education, and employment. Now communities are doing it for themselves.

To support this effort, the CITTI Project is proud to announce our first published resource; Una Guía de Adaptaciones para Personas con Discapacidad / Visual Guide of Adaptations for People with Disabilities. The “Guide” is rich in pictures illustrating step by step procedures for replicating popular adaptations. It does not require literacy skills and can be used cross cultures. The first edition of this guide focuses on aids relevant to daily activities. Over time, new editions will focus on other essential topics, ever increasing the available resources for communities around the world. Visit our website at cittproject.org to learn more about the “Guide” and how organizations, especially NGOs in developing countries, can request a free print copy.

The CITTI Project will be off to Ecuador again, July 20 to July 31, to evaluate our work of the past three years. What adaptations are being used? Are they being replicated? What new creations have been made? What are folks doing now that before they were not able to do? How is the community doing it for themselves?
If you are interested in following along, our team blog will be active at the launch of our trip: cittiproject2008.blogspot.com .
¡Nos vemos allí!