What does it feel like to try and communicate when you have an expressive language disorder? Maybe something like talking through a mouthful of marshmallows. How about trying to follow verbal instructions when you’re a visual processor? A lot like focusing on a story while wearing blackout glasses and having the ABCs whispered in your ear. We often hear the names of different disabilities, but do we really understand the challenge they imply?
At the Yaldei Shluchei HaRebbe East Coast Parent Respite Program this past week, 30 Shluchim raising children with special needs had the opportunity to come together for an educational and relaxing getaway.
In her enlightening and interactive workshop, Mrs. Chana Shagalow, Shlucha to Minneapolis MN and Special Ed Program Director, helped give parents and caregivers a meaningful way to describe a day in the life of a child with special needs.
The workshop used interactive and hands on activities to allow participants to experience the challenges associated with certain “invisible” disabilities. These are the disabilities and diagnosis that parents and teachers often hear about, but are not visibly noticeable and often not fully understood. Helping people understand the gravity and reality of these challenges allows them to be better advocates for those who need them.
Along with fun and relaxing recreational activities, the Respite Program also featured a seminar by Rabbi Dr. Yosef Shagalow, Shliach to MN and Clinical Psychologist. The seminar focused on methods and practices in building a healthy family unit while living on Shlichus and raising a child with special needs. The program offered parents helpful guidance and practical instruction in how to deal with challenges associated with raising a child with special needs while living on Shlichus.
Participants were treated to an entertaining lesson in graphology by Rabbi Yaakov Rosenthal. They learned about the interesting art of handwriting analysis and how our pens may truly be a window into the soul.
The respite program was held at the Bushkill Inn and Conference Center in the scenic Pocono mountains. Couples participated in informative seminars and enjoyed the beautiful outdoors including a visit to the Bushkill Falls. For many parents raising children with special needs the opportunity to take a break does not come often enough, if ever. The Parent Respite program offers Shluchim a chance to recharge their batteries and return home with new strength and direction in their Shlichus.
The Yaldei Parent Respite Program is one of the initiatives offered by Yaldei Shluchei HaRebbe throughout the year supporting Shluchim raising children with special needs. For more information about our programs or to donate contact Yaldei at 646-558-5800 or visit us @ www.yaldei.com Yaldei is a division of Merkos 302.
Ask the people involved the reason for blurring the faces. Meanwhile, kudos to the event and people involved. This is a much needed topic. There is a lot of ignorance about this topic. And guess what! There are plenty of adults who have some sort of disability or “special” need; they just don’t know it! Times are changing, and education will change the outlook and how to address such issues. Bravo!
We are are part of Friendship Circle and we sign a waiver if we want our photos used. our family feels proud to be in this holy org.and to help other parents fell less stigmatized. Unless you’re asp.needs parent,you have no idea of how isolating it can be. Those who do want their photos released should have a choice.
Mrs. Chana Shagalow is a Gluckowsky from Toronto. Her father Rabbi Yankel Gluckowsky Z”L was known as a tremendous Oiheiv Yisrael and expert Mechanech. Her mother Mrs. Freida Gluckowsky tzu langeh yuren, has been in chinuch for several decades. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…
I disaggree, shlichum BH have usually the support of their community where some ANASH may not have that. Also I feel that the Achdus would in itself be a support Chizuk for all.
Isolating or as you call it “niche” is not the appropriate derech.
In fact inviting ANASH might actually help the program financially.
I believe it is the choice of the parents raising a child with special needs as to whether they want the publicity around both themselves and their child. For each family it is a personal journey and I applaud the Yaldei program for not taking and making that decision for those in attendance. Each family is on their own journey and NOONE should force their own agenda and decide if faces should be blurred or not. Thank you Yaldei for being sensitive and allowing participants to decide on an individual basis their comfort level of publicity. Too often there is… Read more »
so proud to see u out there doing such wonderfulwork Icky and Chanodi and proud to be related!Hatzlocho Rabboh
SW from london,now in Israel
as a parent of a special needs child I agree that all Anash should have similar getaways, but there are definitely unique challenges for shluchim with special needs kids and they need their own niche where they can finally relax and share with others in very similar situations
Beautiful event !
Just wondering why Anash with a Special Needs Children would not be invited to such a supportive and informative program.
The shame and stigma attached to having a special needs child is perpetuated and fostered by the entire culture of blurring faces etc. An organization whose purpose is to help these families,should help our communities with accepting and embracing our children.
What’s the difference whether you agree or disagree with teh blurring of the faces. Someone of authority for this post decided that was the appropriate thing to do. MUST you see the people’s faces? Why opine at all?
I am a special needs parent and frankly I disagree with the blurring of the faces.
I’ve heard Chana and Yosef Shagalow give seminars on various topics in education, marriage, special education, anxiety and family relationships. I am very impressed with their knowledge, professionalism and deep insights. They have many years of experience and have helped hundreds upon hundreds of children and families.Thank you for sharing your expertise and giving of yourselves.
well said BUT
are you a parent of a child with special needs?
if you are, can you go back down the memory lane and remind yourself of the moment you found out about your child diagnosis? how about the ensuing weeks/months where you weren’t interested in anyone’s sympathy, looks, comments, compassion and help? remember there are 5 stages with a child with special needs. not everyone jumps to stage 5 in one day.
if you are not a parent then don’t be one to moralize.
Im just wondering and can understand the need to respect peoples privacy. but having a child/children with special needs is not something negative. The community needs to move away from the 19060’s and fully embrace each other. Your children are our children and their special needs are our responsibility as well.
Sholly you did it again!! Ale vehazleach
Please donate to this very special organization!
They do great work!!
i’m glad you blurred the faces. thank you.