Hazem – Accessibility as a prerequisite for education
Hazem is a 12-year-old boy from Surif/Hebron. Hazem has low vision, that mainly affects his central vision, color discrimination, and increases his sensibility to sunlight. Although Hazem was enrolled at school, he lacked many rehabilitation support interventions that are needed for him to benefit from school. Hazem was assessed by the specialized rehabilitation team at the CBR Program, who accordingly developed recommendations regarding the accessibility standards and assistive devices required to enhance Hazem’s school experience, and allow him to access his curriculum on equal basis with his colleagues. Accordingly, Hazem was provided with a reading stand and additional lighting needed to enhance his reading, a typoscope set to reduce distraction and stimulate visual focus, and filtered glasses essential for his movement outside under sunlight, or inside while increasing visual contrast. In addition to the provision of assistive devices, the specialists at the CBR program has provided Hazem’s teachers with essential recommendations to ensure an accessible classroom environment. Today, Hazem has better access to his school activities and curriculum. He can read and write more independently, and this has been reflected on his school achievements and progress.
Jouri’s “baby steps” towards independence!
Jouri is a 5-year-old girl from Irtas/Bethlehem. Jouri was born with Stuve Wiedemann Syndrome, which has resulted in a physical difficulty. When reached by the CBR Program at BASR, Jouri was a very interactive kid, yet she was completely dependent on her family for her activities of daily living. Following her comprehensive assessment, Jouri received a walker which has allowed her to independently and safely move within the house. She has also received a wheelchair to facilitate her access and movement outside. In addition, Jouri received other ADL tools which have increased her independence, a progress that Jouri’s parents are very proud to witness. Jouri is currently preparing to enroll in kindergarten with the beginning of the new semester. A new beginning that will hopefully pave her way towards a wonderful future. Hazem was assessed by the specialized rehabilitation team at the CBR Program, who accordingly developed recommendations regarding the accessibility standards and assistive devices required to enhance Hazem’s school experience, and allow him to access his curriculum on equal basis with his colleagues. Accordingly, Hazem was provided with a reading stand and additional lighting needed to enhance his reading, a typoscope set to reduce distraction and stimulate visual focus, and filtered glasses essential for his movement outside under sunlight, or inside while increasing visual contrast. In addition to the provision of assistive devices, the specialists at the CBR program has provided Hazem’s teachers with essential recommendations to ensure an accessible classroom environment. Today, Hazem has better access to his school activities and curriculum. He can read and write more independently, and this has been reflected on his school achievements and progress.
Oday – A story of change
At the age of 6 years old, having physical attributes different than his classmates due to being born with a case of Craniosynostosis, Oday has experienced bullying that left him with clear social and psychological effects. When Oday was younger, his parents enrolled him at a mainstream school. Yet, other children discriminated against him and made very negative remarks. The teachers were also incapable of creating an inclusive environment where diverse physical appearances and abilities were not the determinants for fitting in. At such a tender age, Oday’s bullying experience left him unable to communicate with other people around him. Oday was reached by the Community Based Rehabilitation program in his hometown of Janata/Bethlehem around 4 months ago, and received a specialized assessment that identified a psychosocial and communication difficulty. Oday was accordingly referred to Tuqqu Center for Special Education – a center newly established by CBR/BASR with the support of international and local partners, targeting children with simple, medium, and compound intellectual disabilities, and children with learning difficulties. Oday was introduced to other children and classmates, and his individual plan focused on enhancing his communication and social skills along with psychosocial interventions by the center’s specialized team. In addition, there was also a focus on developing his fine motor skills and improving his speech through speech therapy sessions. Since March 2023, Oday has been regularly attending Tuqqu Center for Special Education. In just two months, Oday has already shown tremendous progress. Oday, who had no social skills two months ago, is now capable of communicating with his peers and others around him, he plays with other children in groups, interacts with his teachers, his speech is much clearer, and he can hold his pencil and small objects with more focus. For Oday, his parents and teachers aim to have him gradually enrolled in a mainstream school for the upcoming academic year. To do so, the CBR Program will also work with nearby schools and teachers in order to ensure this transition.
