A Day At Aleh

Aleh is Israel's largest network of residential facilities for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. http://www.aleh.org/eng/index.asp They provide 650 children in Israel with high-level medical and rehabilitative care in four residential facilities.

I wonder if we really understand what is needed to take care of these disadvantaged children. Let’s look at a day in the life of Shira

Wakeup

Shira wakes up to the smiling face of her caregiver, Naama, who showers Shira, puts on her body brace and splints, and helps her choose her clothes.

Breakfast

Seated in her specialized chair, Shira enjoys her breakfast of scrambled eggs and cereal as Naama helps her grasp a spoon.

School

Shira maneuvers her specially-adapted wheelchair into her classroom, where she greets her six friends, their teacher and assistant. Today, they enjoy petting Bobbie during pet therapy. This is followed by a computer rehab session and a variety of cognitive-development games.

Snack


Shira and her friends participate in a group snack time program, with a communication therapist leading the children in alternative communication devices to express their choices. Today, Danny chooses applesauce and chocolate milk.


Private Therapy


Shira's physical therapist helps her develop better muscle control and stamina. Shira relaxes in a calming, soundproof room full of lights, colors, aromas, vibrations and music.


Lunch


The speech therapist joins the nutritionist to observe Shira’s improved ability to eat by herself and digest her food, and to plan the next steps in encouraging a higher level of independence.


Rest Time


Shira and her friends close their eyes for a well-deserved rest. Naama finishes her shift and Tali takes her place.


Social Activity


Shira and her friends enjoy a short outing to the nearby playground with a group of volunteers.

Afternoon Fun

Michael, a professional medical clown, blows up balloons and draws huge smiles from Shira and her friends. With Tali's help, the group finger-paints – one of their favorite activities.

Dinner

Tali follows the new set of instructions left by the speech therapist and Shira tries to get the meatballs and vegetables in her mouth all by herself. Tali jots down a quick report on Shira’s achievements.

Medical Check

In the clinic Shira smiles at the nurses, who check her blood-pressure and respiration. A rehabilitative assistant helps clear Shira's lungs and upper airway from excess secretions.

Bedtime

"Sweet dreams," whispers Tali, as she secures Shira’s bed rail and tucks her in with a goodnight kiss.