CASE STUDIES      


EDUCATION

Name: Shai
Center: Beit Shai Junior School

Shai, an 11 year old Downs Syndrome, has severe communication problems and finds it difficult to convey his needs. This is very frustrating and often results in temper tantrums.

The class teacher has come up with the perfect solution to help him. Together with the assistance of the computer therapist, she has designed an audio-visual display of familiar objects and activities. Thrilled, Shai points at the pictures he recognizes and uses them as a medium to express himself.

At first, when he wanted a drink, he would point to the cup. But, soon he uttered his first clearly spoken word ¿ 'drinkÍ. Since that momentous breakthrough, Shai has improved by leaps and bounds. His vocabulary is steadily increasing and he is learning to build sentences. To his delight, he now counts up to 5 and is able to differentiate between different colors.

Shai is a different child to what he once was. He is less frustrated and a lot calmer, and his temper outbursts are becoming a thing of the past.

THERAPY PROGRAMS

Name: Sari
Center: Beit Hanoch Girls' School

Ten year old Sari has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. Normally, Ohel Sarah does not accept children with severe physically disabilities but her parents wouldnÍt take no for an answer. Finally, she was accepted on a trial basis. Four years later, Sari is still with us ¿ with no intention of leaving!

Our devoted staff is committed to all of SariÍs needs. They lift her, remove her braces and help her to do her physiotherapy exercises. A personal carer accompanies her through the day.

SariÍs needs are many, and she receives intense therapy and support in numerous areas. Speech and communication are key issues, and with the help of the speech therapist she has improved dramatically in this area. The music therapist has also made great strides, culminating with her participation in the end of year performance. There were few dry eyes when Sari, mustering all her efforts, proudly shook her tambourine to the rhythm.

She still has a long way to go, but her delightful smiles have won her many friends. SariÍs future at Ohel Sarah offers many bright prospects.

ENRICHMENT CLASSES / LEISURE PROGRAMS

Name: Tali
Center: Beit Hanoch Girls' School

Tali is an adorable nine year old with moderate Downs Syndrome. Despite her inability to speak more than a few words she still manages to communicate effectively, and is loved by staff and students alike.

While Tali does well on a social level, she suffers from a serious problem with her balance, and is constantly falling. This has resulted in an exaggerated fear of heights where even the sight of a ladder puts her into anxiety.

Visiting the horseriding ranch proved the answer to her problems. These visits are the highlight of her week, and the moment she gets off the bus, she runs around the field exploring, touching and feeling her surroundings. While she loved to touch the horses, she was terrified of climbing on and resisted any attempts to help her. One day, with her eyes closed, she finally let the therapist lift her up and they rode around the yard together. Gradually, she overcame her fear, and with a round of applause she sat alone on the horse ¿ scared but triumphant!

This achievement was a milestone in TaliÍs life. Since then the staff have seen development in many other areas. Most importantly, she is far less scared of heights, and her sense of balance has improved dramatically.

TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT

Name: Haim
Center: Employment Day Center - Men

Haim has emotional and behavioral difficulties and is physically deformed. He had a difficult childhood and was transferred from one institution to another, never finding his place.

By the time he reached adolescence, his mother was desperate for him to finally get settled. When she heard of Ohel SarahÍs employment day center, she jumped at the chance for her son to join such a framework.

Four years have passed since she made that decision and today Haim is a firm member of the employment team. He has been trained to take part in the packaging program and is paid a monthly salary for his work. In his free time, he loves doing complicated jigsaw puzzles. He is currently working on one of 1,500 pieces!

At last, Haim feels that he really belongs. During his time at the center he has become more confident and happy with himself and is a constructive and contributing member of society.

TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT

Name: Etti
Center: Employment Day Center - Women

Etti is a delightful and attractive twenty-two year old Downs Syndrome. Her smile is captivating and she functions so well that only after a second glance do you realize that she is handicapped.

She arrived at Ohel Sarah unable to read or write. Today she does both fluently and copies from the blackboard without any problem. Yet EttiÍs strength does not lie in her studies. Her expertise is more on doing things. She takes pride in assuming responsibility for the entire packaging program, and ensures that the centerÍs quota of 1000 packages of candles is completed by the given deadline.

Etti is fully in control. She helps the weaker students, checks the output and arranges the packages in cartons. She only needs to be shown once how to do something and is already able to instruct others.

Aside for her central role in the packaging program, she is also active in other employment areas such as jewelry and scarf making, and craft work.

Etti is thriving at Ohel Sarah and loves the ideas of being useful and getting paid for her work.

RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES

Name: Yaffa
Center: Beit Matti & Employment Day Center ¿ Women

At 48, Yaffa is Ohel SarahÍs oldest students. Yet although mature in age, her development level is similar to that of an eight year old.

When Yaffa arrived at Ohel Sarah she was apathetic, sad and lonely. However, the 180-degree turnaround was short in coming. Faced with the exciting challenges of working in the employment center and undertaking responsible tasks, a new Yaffa emerged. Soon afterwards, both her parents passed away and it was only natural that she join our group living accommodation program.

Today, it is difficult to imagine a sad Yaffa. Her happy disposition and cheery presence add vitality to the home and everyone loves her. She loves her kitchen duties and uses the vegetable cutting machine with perfect ease.

Never one to shirk duties, Yaffa is one of the most active members of the residential home. She ensures that things are running smoothly and is usually the first to complete her duties. Beit Matti is a true to home to Yaffa. She loves her role as ambassador and is always delighted to welcome guests and show them around.

SHELTERED HOUSING

Name: Ari
Center: Beit Zvi

Ari is autistic and is severely handicapped. During his younger years, his parents tried every possible avenue to help him come out of his shell, but to no avail. They tried treatments, behavior modification programs and pastoral settings, but unfortunately nothing seemed to help.

As Ari grew older it became obvious that he could no longer remain at home. But one thing was obvious to his parents: Ari must be placed in a home, not an institution.

Beit Zvi was the answer. With its small living units, caring housemothers, and warm family set up, it could offer Ari the type of support he needed.

Initially it was hard for Aril to adjust to group living, but slowly with the help of the devoted staff and his mother, the situation improved. Gradually, his sleeping patterns stabilized and he became more relaxed. He has started to respond to the love and care around him, and on more than one occasion has even agreed to accept a hug ¿ something he was never able to do in the past.

REHABILITATION AND INTEGRATION

Name: Pinny
Center: Beit Shai Senior School

Pinny, a delightful 16 years old Downs Syndrome, is smiling. But a few years ago it wasnÍt this way. Following the sudden death of his father, he was sad and depressed and his behavior deteriorated badly.

Noting his condition, the staff stepped in and set up a program to teach skills that would offer him satisfaction and the joy of accomplishment. The key to PinnyÍs happiness was helping him to become independent and self-reliant.

It took time, but as soon as there was some progress Pinny began to smile again. Today, he is able to take care of most of his personal needs and is determined to get things done himself. He can make a snack, fry an omelet and visit the local grocery. He also travels independently to and from school each day, and is an expert at using the telephone.

Pinny is a perfect candidate for future employment, and has a lot to look forward to and smile about.