TECHUSHON ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Rationale:
Special needs children, aged 18 months - 14 years, including those with cerebral palsy and mental retardation, have had no opportunities to enjoy enrichment activities, other than their therapy or schooling, as do other Israeli children.
The Techushonim provide a unique programme to address the social and emotional well-being of these disabled children.
The groups operate in various communities in Israel, both Jewish and Arab.

Personnel:
A director, professional therapists and trainers, and ESRA volunteers.

The Techushon Programs:
Groups for Mother and Baby (18m.-3yrs). Mothers learn to interact and emotionally bond with their young children who need special understanding and handling, under the guidance of therapists. The group setting is an important factor for these mothers.
Groups for Children
(4-12yrs) Children are matched with a trained and supervised volunteer, and together they participate in art, music and movement activities.

Groups are located in neighbourhood community centres to encourage the interaction between children in the community and children who participate in the techushonim.
This is a model, pioneering and dynamic approach of working with volunteers and a specific needs group.

Locations:

Hadera; Kadima-Tzoran;
Lev Hasharon; Ramat Hasharon;
Rosh Ha'ayin; Jaffa.

Partners:
Project is in partnership with the Ministry of Welfare, local Social Welfare Departments and the local Community Centers.