Santiago.– The Center for Training for the Blind (Cecapci), the only one in the Cibao that offers free psychological, psychiatric, and specialized therapy services to students with visual impairments and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from Regional 08 of the Ministry of Education, announced this Friday the temporary closure of its operations due to the lack of authorization and response from the authorities in Santo Domingo.
The center’s general director,
Ana García, reported that, despite multiple calls and efforts, they have not received the necessary approval to continue operating in a safe location, which has forced them to
suspend services. She warned that, if they do not receive a response before
February 16, the institution will hold a
peaceful and indefinite demonstration in front of the National Palace.
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“We evaluate these children, provide them with psychological therapies and psychiatric services free of charge. We are the only center in the Cibao that provides these services to Regional 08. Without authorization, we cannot move or enable resources, and
more than a thousand students will stop receiving care,” said Garcia.
The director added that Cecapci also offers
psychological assistance to teachers and administrative staff of the Ministry of Education, so the closure directly impacts the educational community.
In addition, he recalled that the center keeps
more than 50 people with visual disabilities integrated into the work area, an effort that —he affirmed— “alleviates a burden on the State”.
Structural Risk and Responsible Suspension
For his part,
Sergio Rafael Almonte, a member of Cecapci, explained that the call seeks to denounce an anomalous and risky situation: the current premises present
structural conditions that prevent people from being housed safely. “It would be irresponsible to wait for a catastrophe to act. The building could collapse at any moment”, he warned.
Direct damage to students and families
Meanwhile,
Daniel Toribio, also a member of the center, pointed out that the suspension of classes and therapies causes a
serious detriment to dozens of families. “There are many students we were training. Interrupting these services does enormous damage. We ask the Government to listen to this outcry and authorize what we need to continue”, he expressed.
Cecapci reiterated its
willingness to dialogue and emphasized that the announced protest will be
peaceful and permanent, with the aim of achieving a dignified and safe space for people with visual impairments and students with ASD. “If we have to stay for months, we will,” concluded the director.
