« List of Testimonies
Interview to Mr. Alejandro Mantilla
BENEFITTED WITH THE DONATION OF A WHEEL CHAIR
What is your relationship with the Association Ayudar es Vivir?
Well, I knew about it because of a friend that I had not seen for about 15 years, because I used to work here before… in front of the crystal shop, so then, when I was watching over the cars he passed by and saw me… I was OK before, then he got impressed and asked me what I needed. I had a very old chair that I used to watch over cars; then I told him if he could do something for me to get a new chair.
You watched over cars here, in the block?
Yes, from 8 to 11 in the morning. That’s why my friend saw me and offered me some help, because he saw that my chair was very old indeed. He told me to write a letter to the Association…
And your request was approved?
Yes, it was approved… this is the very chair.
How long is it since you were given the chair?
Let me see… it was only since last year… in September more or less. Since the moment I wrote the letter, they phoned me in just two weeks. Then I went to San Isidro and they gave me the chair.
Have you always suffered from physical disability?
No. I was healthy before, and I didn’t need a wheel chair. I have been seated for about nine years now. I had an accident in Venezuela. I was working there on my own, and I don’t have any insurance… nothing at all. I have nothing to do but to look for something. My sister has a little girl who suffers from Down syndrome and she has to do therapy as well, then… more help is always necessary.
Do you continue working watching over cars?
Yes, everyday from 8 in the morning till noon I watch over cars… what are left of them, because the person in charge is in front and for me it is only the ones that are left. I relax most of the time, because I was always at home before, in my room. Then, I decided (to start watching over cars) as a way to relax… Now I speak faster, I have to speak well because that’s how I have to be well known with the clients. I can speak better now.
What can you tell us about the Association? Would you recommend it?
Of course I would. Unfortunately, many people still don’t know about the Association. The first time I requested something, they responded well, and I would like to see many more people helping, the way the Association Ayudar es Vivir is doing. There should be more people who help persons like me. It is not necessary for us to beg, right? Because we can work; what we need is the means, because you know how it is to work here, there is not much work.
