154 s u p p o r t f o r p a r e n t s a n d c a r e g i v e r s
Here is a story of how one parents group, Los Pipitos, is working to change
the lives of children with disabilities.
Parents Are the Heart of Los Pipitos
In Nicaragua, there are more than 200,000 children with disabilities.
Poverty is the most frequent cause. Eye problems and other disabilities
often happen when children do not have enough to eat and live in
crowded homes where infections spread easily.
Before 1987 there were few services for children with disabilities in
Nicaragua. Then, 21 parents decided to form a group to “change the
world.” They called the group “Los Pipitos,” which is a term of affection for
children throughout Nicaragua. Los Pipitos now has more than 20 parents
groups throughout the country. Together, these parents have become
leaders in a national campaign to help children with disabilities.
We share our
children’s lives —
their achievements
and setbacks — and
feel a deep sense
of injustice when
others reject them.
That is why parents
and families are at the
heart of Los Pipitos.
We reach out
to other parents
to bring them
together, to
share ideas, and
to support each
other.
Los Pipitos parents groups have:
• held workshops for parents on raising children with disabilities
• trained health workers about how to know the extent of a child’s
disability
• advised the Ministry of Health on the services needed by children with
disabilities
All of these activities are part of Los Pipitos’ dream to build a society
that helps children with disabilities develop their full potential. Parents
are the key to making this happen.
helping children who are blind