Cleft Palate Training Day 1

1/9/2015 – or 5/1/2007 according to the Ethiopian Calendar

“The big fly” in action

Josh Hays, our videographer (aka “the fly on the wall with a big camera”), finally arrived in Addis and joined the crew this morning. As soon as Josh loaded the van with his camera and equipment, we drove to Yekatit Hospital for the first day of cleft palate training.

When we got to the hospital, we were greeted by various professionals (SLPs, nurses, dental nurse, social worker, OT) gathered in the meeting room. Many of them were from around Ethiopia and other African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. Our original plan was to have our lecture in the morning and meet the patients after lunch. However, we quickly realized that many patients were already at the hospital early in the morning waiting to receive Speech-Language treatment. So we (the TC students) and the rest of the professionals divided into groups to meet the patients after a short introduction.

Cate and Michael, the perfect incisive foramen duo

We put on the white rubbery gloves and had our first encounters with the cleft palate patients. Patients’ basic info (name, age, etc.), case history (developmental, medical, surgical, etc.), cleft lip and palate profile, and detailed oral peripheral examination were then recorded on their individual assessment forms. When we came together to share the observed conditions of our patients, we realized how many of these post-surgical patients would need Speech-Language treatment services. Our first day of cleft training ended with a lecture on the anatomy and classifications of cleft lip and palate.

Two more big events to note!

ONE, due to a list of unsatisfactory conditions, we decided to move to a different hotel. Thanks to Cate and Noel (Soliana)’s hotel hunting, we moved to Harmony Hotel. To share one thing – it was a first “real shower” I (Grace) took in Ethiopia and I wanted to live in that shower forever. It was quite an eventful move – more will be told over coffee and tea.

TWO, connections made!

Jayne here! Exciting collaborations happening in Ethiopia. We have met with a variety of U.S. and Ethiopian officials including education, political, and funding personnel. We discussed new ideas for general and inclusive education programs, grant writing, disability issues in Ethiopia, and how a group of 11 current and future SLPs might contribute to already impressive agendas. All parties were extremely open to collaboration. Stay tuned for progressive details!

Grace & Jayne