The Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru (CASP) will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of its founding, since it first opened its doors for students with different abilities in the garage of Dr. Mayo’s home, on August 20th. At present, CASP is a training, demonstration and research international center, whose model is replicated in six countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Spain.
The CASP goal is to make students with different abilities become independent, productive and happy people. For this reason the center promotes their inclusion in the workplaces. At the moment, 100 of our students work for 34 companies, and many of them support their families. Other 100 students are included in 53 regular schools.
As part of its 32nd anniversary celebration, CASP will honor Enrique Chumpitaz, student of the Supported Employment Program, for his excellent performance at the Special Olympic World Summer Games held in Athens, Greece, where he gained 2 gold medals (200 meters style chest and 200 meter medley relay) and 1 silver medal (4 x 50 meter freestyle relay). He is an example for all us in Peru.
In addition, Dr. Judith M. LeBlanc from the University of Kansas, who has been the main consultant of CASP for 30 years, will be honored. Mr. John O´Neil, journalist from the New York Times, will be honored too for helping center.
Finally, CASP wants to express their gratitude to all our friends and people who have helped to make the center stronger during the past 32 years, an invaluable support that allows to improve the quality of life of people with different abilities and of their families.