Health Story Hub
“El único intérprete” describes a Colombian, Jhon who became a sign language interpreter because he saw an opportunity to improve the legal system from within the prosecutor’s office. Could be relevant to (pre-) law students, legal Spanish classes, more general upper division courses, to show the struggles of those with disabilities in systems not designed with them in mind. In Spanish with both Spanish and English transcripts available. 44 minutes.
Francisca had always had difficulty getting pregnant. That is why she was exhilarated when she found out the news that she was having a baby. However, after some tests, Francisca was informed that she was HIV positive. Her doctors gave her antivirals and frequent checkups to keep her viral load low, but they did not inform her about much else. She felt guilt-ridden. When the time came for her birth, she had a C-section performed by a different doctor. After her son was born, a nurse informed her that her sterilization went well. Francisca later sued the hospital for a violation of rights.
This narrative is available in a Spanish transcription and as an English translation. It originates from Chile in 2002. As a patient, Francisca’s trust and rights were violated. Accessible to upper intermediate Spanish readers; transcription helps with audio. Useful for discussion of reproductive rights, women’s health.
Sam narrates the impact of his pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) through his chores around the house. After a discussion with his wife, Anna, about how to fairly split up these duties while his vision progressively worsens, Sam takes up cooking. Chores used to be tedious, but now he admits he finds peace in being able to perform actions like vacuuming and making the bed. Most importantly, he discovers that he and Anna share these out of the love they have for each other. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a hereditary disease that calcifies elastic fibers, mainly connective tissue. A case study about this disease could be supplemented with this article in medical school. Focus on relational issues would appeal to an undergraduate class. 20 minute read for advanced Spanish learners.
Juan Pablo Culasso was born blind, but until the age of 5 or 6 this had little effect on him because his family encouraged him to explore and be as active as any other child. Once he started school, an educational system that was unprepared to incorporate him into learning environments built around sighted children created significant barriers to receiving any education at all. His family took over his education and he learned rapidly, including mastering the piano and guitar. One day Pablo informed his father that his guitar is out of tune, off by a hertz or two. This is how they learned he had perfect pitch. He began listening to birds and memorizing each call, eventually being able to identify 240 bird calls. He won a national competition for “The smartest person in Chile” and now works in an ornithology lab in Canada. This podcast can work for upper intermediate learners of Spanish, or higher. The speaker uses a dialect from Uruguay. It could spark discussion on what constitutes a “disability” and how rare talents – like perfect pitch – can be obscured behind that label. Spanish transcript and English translation of the transcript are available.
Carla tells her story of how her mother’s disposition changed after her father’s hospitalization with diabetes. One day, Carla came home to see her mother, Jaquelina, on the floor. She shook her and slapped her awake. Jaquelina finally woke up to say she wished she had aborted Carla. This is only where the physical and verbal abuse began. Years like this went on and Carla moved out, cutting off all ties. However, after hearing about Jaquelina attending AA, they both began rekindling their bond. Carla comes from Argentina. The audio may be fit for intermediate Spanish learners. This podcast features themes of physical and verbal abuse and therefore may be suitable for an upper level undergraduate course or medical school student.
Carina Morillo shares her story as the mother of a son with autism through a TedTalk. The video is in Spanish with English subtitles; a transcript in English and Spanish is available as well. Morillo’s 15 year old son, Ivan, was diagnosed when he was two and a half and at that time, his parents did not have access to internet information or expert advice about autism. Morillo describes how she learned to connect with her son through activities he enjoyed and how she learned to appreciate and build upon his strengths, such as a strong visual memory, which became a basis for his communication through images. She describes support from a local grocer who gave her son a job that utilizes his passion for organizing items. Her message is that one does not need to be an expert to be curious and inclusive.
Eye contact is a part of the story and a metaphor for inclusion; some autistics might point out that insisting on eye contact can be distracting, even painful. However, the larger point of the story emphasizes valuing autistic abilities and working with their interests to create connection. This story can prompt a discussion that may challenge stereotypes about autism and expert systems of medicalization and treatment.
A collection of artistic images paired with concrete suggestions for dealing with grief. The “deck” began (and continues) as an Instagram page that allows people to submit artwork+activity, and now exists in physical form as a card deck. This link goes to Spanish language version; the physical card deck and original Instagram site are in English. The suggestions described on each card could be used as discussion activities in intermediate level and up courses, and might be particularly well suited for community groups.