ELIYA’s programming serves all sectors of the population – orthodox and secular Jews, Arabs from east Jerusalem, and Bedouins from the Negev. All of these families come together under one organizational roof for a better future for their children.
Classroom Programming Six Days A Week
The children are in a supportive, nurturing environment. Educators and therapists work with the children based on each child’s individual needs and capabilities. Children are taught to use the vision they have in the most effective way.
Family Support Programming
Experienced family therapists counsel parents, siblings and grandparents through their daily challenges and long-term issues either in groups or individually.
Hydrotherapy
In September 2002, ELIYA opened a Hydrotherapy and Resource Center adjacent to the Petach Tikva branch. It now provides hydrotherapy, not only to children attending the ELIYA center, but also to many children with special needs at schools and kindergartens throughout Petach Tikva.
Horseback Riding Program
Everyday these children with visual impairment are led, but they rarely get a chance to lead or direct. Riding a horse gives them the chance to set the course of the horse. Children ride once a week from March through July at specially equipped centers.
Mother-and-Baby Program
This program, for babies aged 3-12 months, takes place at the ELIYA facilities once a week for a full morning. The program provides parents with an introduction to the world of visual impairment, helping them to provide the appropriate care to the child at home during the rest of the week. It is also an opportunity for parents to meet one another and set up informal support systems.
Summer Day Camp
Each year during the month of July, ELIYA provides a Summer Day Camp for up to thirty graduates, ages 5-13. During the school year these children are integrated in mainstream schooling near their home. This camp provides specially designed activities where children can also enjoy contact and renew friendships with other blind children who attend other schools the rest of the year.
Family Holidays
ELIYA organizes and sponsors a four day family holiday each year for 15 families with a blind or visually impaired child age 4-15.
Evaluation Services
ELIYA also provides evaluation and referrals by a multi-discipline team for young children with severe visual problems who do not qualify as candidates for ELIYA programs.
Seminars and Programs for Students and Professionals
ELIYA understands its responsibility for the knowledge that has been gathered for more than two decades. It offers seminars for students and professionals working in the field on techniques and skills required to work with the young children with visual impairments and their families.