Domingo is a 53-year-old man who lives in a one-room adobe house his wife and two kids. He was working as a bricklayer when he was electrocuted. He had to have half of both of his feet and his left arm amputated due to the severe burns. His left hand has limited mobility: the electrocution left his hand stiff, and unable to grab things such as pencils, and forks, without frequently dropping them. This has made it impossible for him to work as a bricklayer or a farm worker, which are the two jobs available in his rural community. Domingo’s wife is supporting the family by cleaning and washing clothes for neighbors, as well as selling vegetables at the market. However, they are barely making ends meet.
Domingo used to love playing saxophone in a band at his church, but now he is unable to participate. Now, he likes to spend his time reading the newspaper and any book he can find. Since he needs help to do most tasks, he is anxious to have a prosthetic so he can be independent. The prosthetic will allow him to hold small objects without dropping them, helping him to provide for his family. This would allow them to afford food, clothes, and education for his two kids, which they have not been able to do since he had to stop working.
Domingo said, “I dream of starting my own business. I want to be able to hand people things. That will be possible with the prosthetic. My wife is the only one working, she is doing everything. I want to start my own business selling natural medications.”