JDC, World Health Organization Establish Forum For Israeli And Palestinian Developmental Disabilities Professionals
19-member group to meet regularly to share case studies and discuss emerging trends in intervention therapyNEW YORK---The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has launched a new initiative with the World Health Organization to create a professional forum for Palestinian and Israeli professionals in the field of developmental disabilities. The forum held its pilot meeting on January 16 in Jerusalem.
Nineteen professionals (13 Palestinian and 6 Israelis) attended the first meeting, which featured a "problem solving" session where a Palestinian therapist presented a real-life case and worked with the group to gain a fresh perspective on the child's therapy plan. Following the case presentation, the group discussed emerging trends and common concerns regarding residential care and Hemiplegia. The group agreed that it would meet for five hours four to six times per year and the meetings would continue to emphasize mutual exchange. Upcoming topics for discussion will include Bobath, Assessment, family coping strategies and case studies.
Ultimately the group hopes to produce culturally relevant tools and resource materials, such as videos, books and worksheets.
The impetus for this project came from a recently published article by Dr. Sarah Capelovitch, a well-known neurodevelopment therapy instructor. The article which appeared in Bridges, a public health magazine published by the World Health Organization, inviting Israeli and Palestinian therapists to share ideas and experiences. The response was so strong that it became apparent that a structured group could succeed in empowering professionals from both sides of the Green Line.
"Israelis and Palestinians have a lot in common when it comes to the desire to provide the best healthcare for people in their communities," said Will Recant, director of JDC's International Development program. "By sitting down together and pooling their intellectual resources in an institutionalized way, professionals are learning that they can empower one another and become assets to one another's community. These are the types building blocks that will allow both Palestinian and Israeli communities to continue to develop the trust and interdependence they need for a lasting peace."
