feature story Chevron Brasil volunteers take their energy to children on the autistic spectrum

A group of volunteers from Chevron Brasil participated in a special afternoon on October 20 when they visit the União Carioca Autista (UCA), in Quintino’s neighborhood, north zone of Rio de Janeiro. The institution is a place that provides personalized care for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder. The initiative was a partnership between the Solidarity Energy volunteer program and the Enabled South America employee network and included an on-site animation team, distribution of gifts and shiatsu session for those responsible for the children served on the institution.

During the visit, the volunteers played with the children, talked to the parents who were there and got to know the physical place where the occupational therapy, speech therapy, psych pedagogy and psychology activities are carried out.

Working at UCA since the foundation, therapist Lais Rosa says the place is often the only one where children feel comfortable interacting with other people. For her, it is rewarding to be able to work on their development and perceiving the progress of each one of them with the treatment.

The institution was created by a mother of child with autism spectrum disorder due to the limitation of the public authorities in offering specialized care for people with disabilities in the motor, cognitive and social areas. Currently, 10 people work at the site including volunteers and professionals with an average attendance of 50 children per day.

In addition to the UCA’s headquarters, the initiative also included the donation of cleaning materials (multiuse cleaner, dustpan with handle, bucket, 200-liter garbage bag, toilet deodorizer and paper towel). Enabled, through South America chapter, donated $ 3,000 to the institution while Chevron Brasil donated two laptops, two iPhones and furniture items such as chairs, tables, cabinets and chests of drawers, among others.