NEWSLETTERS

February 7, 2005

"I look for people who are team-builders, good communicators, courageous people who do not get stuck with an idea" (Larry Bossidey, CEO Alliedsignal)

The Friends of the Disabled Association Board has taken a major decision during the first semester of the school year 2004-2005. Many of its employees, some of whom in key position, had to leave I’dad Center. Eight new comers joined the Center as of 1st of December 2004. These new staff members were selected based on their qualifications and their good employment track records. As of beginning of January 2005, FDA witnessed a better structure of programs particularly in the special classes for the young and adults, as well in the autism section; while other sections, such as the professional workshops and the prevocational programs, still require further development in terms of the organization between the classes and the vocational workshops.

The following are highlights of events that took place at I’dad Center as of December 2004 to this date:

• At I’dad Center, the Program Coordinator of the special classes has been working hard on revising all the educational programs for all students. The final version of the program has been submitted to the Director who approved it and passed it on to the staff members for implementation.
• The revised educational program was drafted after carrying out individual evaluations and regrouping of the students in the classes. Moreover, our students with autism have been regrouped and assigned new class rooms. Two clinical psychologists take essential part in the responsibility of this section, assisted by one of our student-trainee. The Director has reported that there is an excellent collaboration between the team members which resulted in a better structure in terms of the program itself, and more discipline and better adaptation among the students themselves.
• The Director also reported that the special classes of our young students are running smoothly, and that leisure activities have been added to the curriculum. In this context, our children are now benefiting from the Mechref public park on regular weekly basis. The plan is to increase this activity during spring time to include swimming. I’dad would like to acknowledge the kindness of the Mechref Company, and in particular, extends its appreciation and gratitude to its CEO who stands ready at all times to exert every effort possible to comply with the students’ wishes.
• On the occasion of the Adha Feast, the team at I’dad Center surprised the students with a special two-hour entertainment activity. During the celebration, one of the students told the story of Adha to which the students listened and some were so curious and showered her with so many questions.
• The parents were encouraged to attend the classes of their children during the weekly open day – Monday. The Director has noticed that most enthusiastic mothers attending are those of the young students. It was agreed to keep track of the most cooperative mother throughout the year and to present the “Mother of the Year” award at end of the school year celebration.
• It was agreed during the last staff meeting that the teachers and therapists will submit the coming trimester evaluations of their students guided by the Special Evaluation Booklets that were newly introduced by the Director in coordination with the Program Coordinator of the I’dad Center.
• Also, during the meeting, the Director has conveyed to the team her decision to nominate Leyla Kabbout, Zeina Noun and Joumana Khoury as potential training candidates from I’dad to the Sante-Sud Training Courses in autism.
• On Saturday, the 29th of January, the first session of a series of I’dad Specialized Training courses took place. The Director and the teachers expressed their satisfaction and congratulated the Program Coordinator, Ms. Tania Abdul Ahad on the intensive and professional presentation that addressed the ethics, the right attitudes and behavior of the caregivers and educators of special need children; as well as the goals of special education programs. On the agenda of next session: Basic Principles in Speech Therapy.
• Joumana Khoury, supervisor of the autism section, delivered a presentation at the workshop that was organized by the Lebanese Autism Association at Tanmia el Fikriya on Saturday 5th February. Her presentation included a video film she prepared focusing on one of I’dad’s autistic children. It was a remarkable presentation covering the vocational training of autistic children in view of their future integration in the community.
• The Director has informed the staff of the necessity to organize what is called a “reunion de synthese”, twice a month where specific difficult cases of children will be discussed thoroughly.
• A parents meeting was held on February 4th. During this meeting the parents got to know the new Director, Ms. Rita Merhej. The Director briefed the parents on the new plan of action and the delivered service approach, and gave the parents the chance to ask questions about the programs, about their children, and to get the information they need in order to ensure a better coordination between the parents and the I’dad Center. The Director noticed that some of the parents of the new enrolled students have never been to Mechref, to Idad Center, so the meeting was a great occasion for the parents to see and “feel” the context in which their child spends more than six hours a day.
• And last, we should mention the visit of the group of young decorators who visited I’dad recently and expressed their keen willingness to conduct a landscaping scheme for the gardens and outer activity areas of the Center. The group was introduced to the Site Engineer, Mr. Malek Ali who will be providing them with all necessary plans and guidance.

……. All our services are delivered in a team-work approach, building on the collaboration of the parent, staff members, and the Friends of the Disabled Association Board of Directors and its committees……