Associação Abraço a Microcefalia

Construção de Cartilha de Acessibilidade e Inclusão: Convivendo com as Diferenças

Providing Care and Educational Support for Children and Families Affected by Zika

The affects of the Zika virus on a child’s development are still not fully understood, much less the needs of affected children. The school environment, fundamental for the development of a child’s cognitive, affective, motor and emotional abilities, can take a leading role in this care.

Associação Abraço a Microcefalia is an initiative that educates the public about the Zika epidemic and its serious consequences for affected children. Organized by families of children born with microcephaly, the Association welcomes and supports families of affected children, developing their full potential and promoting their social inclusion. With many cases in the city of Salvador, Abraço will work in 15 public schools to disseminate information about the basic needs of children with microcephaly and ensure that they can obtain a quality education with dignity.

With support from BrazilFoundation, the Association intends to:

• Disseminate information in 15 public schools in Salvador about congenital Zika virus syndrome and possible strategies to work with affected children;
• Produce and print 2000 booklets to present, in an interactive way, the reality of children living with congenital Zika virus syndrome;
• Map the difficulties, advances and challenges of families and educators to support those who are dedicated to the development of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome.

Impact

4000 people benefited directly
Educational inclusion of children affected by Zika
15 public schools receiving information about Zika

“We aim to create ways for the inclusion and full acceptance of children by everybody in the school environment.” – Abraço a Microcefalia Team