Unit 17 The village

第17单元 部落

When Sandra and Doug gave birth to a little Down syndrom baby 6 years ago, they made a pact: "We will bring the world to our little girl, as much as we will bring her to the world."

六年前，当珊卓拉和道格生下一个唐氏综合症的小宝宝时，他们达成一个协定：“我们把小女儿带到这个世上，因此我们也将同样把这个世界带给她。”

In a short time, they understood and took on the African saying—It takes a village to raise a child—nurturing communal support while promoting independence. They looked for a community of people who had children with special needs.

没多久他们便体会到非洲的俗语：要有一村人才能养个孩子，并面临要培养社区的支持，同时又能促进独立。

They had little success. There were discussion groups, but little else to offer people who wanted a sense of community.

他们想找同样有特殊需求孩子的社区人士，可是却不成功，虽然有讨论群，可是能带给需要社区支持力量的人的帮助却很少。

With the help of another family, Sandra and Doug began The Willage, a support group for families with special needs. The Village was so popular that in its first year it had 300 memebers. Families could meet for activities, discussion groups and support.

珊卓拉和道格在另外一个家庭的协助下，成立了“部落”，一个针对有特殊需求家庭的支持团体。“部落”大受欢迎，头一年就有三百个会员，这些家庭可以聚会办活动、讨论和寻求支持。

The Village is in its 5th year now and has 900 memeber. Sandra and Doug found a way to offer something that was clearly needed in their community. Making for a safer and more supportive environment for families who are a bit different.

现在“部落”已经成立五年，拥有九百个会员，珊卓拉和道格找到方法，提供社区确实需要的资源，使稍微不同的家庭能有更安全与更支持的环境。

【美】 Meredith Walker 著 陈怡芬 译

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