Reflections from OT student Valeria on her recent trip to Guatemala

| 23 September 2025 |

Written by Valeria Acosta, Graduate Research Assistant on the Balancing Act project

"The best research you can do is talk to people." - Sir Terry Pratchett

This spirit of listening and learning has guided the second phase of our inquiry into the balance between professional and community supports for people with disabilities. As a research assistant, I spoke with more than fifteen professional support providers across Guatemala. They represented both government and non-government organizations. Participants included department heads, rehabilitation specialists, and other health care providers. Each conversation offered a valuable perspective on how providers navigate policies, secure funding, and respond to the evolving needs of people with disabilities. Common themes emerged around the providers’ creativity in adapting to limited resources, as well as their dedication to the communities they serve. Through these conversations, I gained valuable experience in conducting semi-structured interviews, learning how to frame questions and follow threads of inquiry more effectively. These conversations are shaping the next chapter of the Balancing Act research in Guatemala.

This work was made possible by the generous support of our partners. Wendy from CBM and Mario from AIDEPCE coordinated many of the interviews, drawing on their networks and local expertise. Their hospitality and guidance created a welcoming environment and ensured that I could complete this part of the research.

Alongside the interviews, AIDEPCE and Queen’s University hosted a community meeting in Cubulco to present preliminary findings from the first part of the study, which examined the work of AIDEPCE. Principal Investigator Heather Aldersey, AIDEPCE staff, local data collectors, and I presented the results of this case study. By working alongside Mario and the AIDEPCE team, I learned how to support the planning and setup of a community meeting. The gathering brought together people with disabilities and their families, staff from supporting organizations, and municipal representatives from the region. The meeting hall was vibrant with the energy of the participants, their questions and their stories of lived experience.

The presentation sparked active and thoughtful discussion. Community members reflected on the findings, raised important considerations, and shared ideas for how the results could be mobilized to create impact. People with disabilities, families, and service providers alike contributed their perspectives on the service that AIDEPCE provides, the overall access to services in their context and how the findings could support meaningful change. Conversations around creating a local census to have up-to-date knowledge of people with a disability in their municipality and influencing local policy were among the suggestions provided by participants. Mobilization suggestions ranged from community-based sessions to social media outreach. Participants’ nods and smiles indicated a unified perspective on the next steps shared by their peers. The community's comments helped fill in gaps in the research and helped to shape the next steps as knowledge is mobilized.

Looking ahead, the voices of community members and local service providers will remain central as this project develops. Personally, this experience expanded my skills in interviewing, creating welcoming spaces for discussion, and guiding group conversations. TThe analysis from the community meeting helps close out the first part of the study, while the interviews with providers across Guatemala will form the next part of this work. Together, these insights will shape our collective understanding of the balance between community supports and paid services.

I am grateful for the people that welcomed us into their workspaces, coffee shops, and homes. This experience has been both a meaningful personal journey and a valuable step in my professional growth.

As this work continues, I am reminded that the best research truly does begin with conversations!

School of Rehabilitation Therapy