Improving the lives of children with special needs

During the last three months, the project “Improving the lives of children with special needs” (#49999) has expanded its focus to include young adults aged 18–25 years with severe disabilities, particularly cases of cerebral palsy, in Aida and Al-Azza refugee camps.

This shift came in response to a critical gap in services, as very few organizations provide care for this age group, leaving families to carry the full responsibility of intensive daily care.

Most beneficiaries are fully dependent on their families for feeding, hygiene, mobility, and daily living activities. This places an extremely heavy physical, emotional, and financial burden on caregivers.

In response, the project has begun implementing home-based emergency interventions and environmental modifications to reduce this burden and improve safety and dignity at home.

 Geographic Focus

• Aida Refugee Camp
• Al-Azza Refugee Camp (Beit Jibrin area)

 Target Group

• Young adults aged 18–25 years
• Severe cerebral palsy cases
• Fully dependent individuals requiring full-time care

 Key Activities Implemented

During this period, the project focused on emergency home adaptation and rehabilitation support, including:

• Home visits for assessment of living conditions
• Installation of basic assistive modifications inside homes
• Bathroom adjustments to improve safety and hygiene support
• Stair and access modifications to reduce caregiver physical burden
• Provision and use of basic rehabilitation and assistive therapy tools
• Training and guidance for caregivers on safe lifting, feeding, and daily care techniques
• Follow-up visits for ongoing monitoring of cases

 Assistive Tools Used in Therapy and Care

The rehabilitation process included the use of essential supportive tools such as:

• Positioning aids for safe sitting and lying
• Basic mobility support equipment
• Feeding support tools for caregivers
• Soft support cushions and stabilization materials
• Therapeutic exercise materials for joint movement and muscle maintenance

These tools were essential in improving comfort, reducing complications, and supporting caregivers in daily tasks.

 Achievements During This Period

• 7 cases have received full or partial home modifications and support services
• Families reported reduced physical strain in daily caregiving tasks
• Improved safety inside homes, especially in bathing and movement areas
• Increased awareness among caregivers about safe handling and positioning techniques

 Challenges

• Extremely high demand with 32 identified cases currently in need
• Limited funding restricting the number of homes that can be reached
• Severe physical burden on caregivers, especially mothers and elderly parents
• Lack of specialized services for adults with severe disabilities in the area
• Ongoing economic crisis increasing transportation and living difficulties

 Current Situation

Due to the lack of specialized institutions for adults with severe disabilities, families remain the only caregivers for their children even after they reach adulthood.

This situation creates long-term physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and financial hardship. Many families are unable to carry or transport their children safely, making home modifications not just supportive—but essential for survival and dignity.

Emergency Home Adaptation Program

The project is currently expanding its Home Modification and Emergency Support Program, which aims to:

• Improve accessibility inside homes
• Reduce caregiver physical burden
• Prevent injuries for both caregivers and beneficiaries
• Provide safe living environments for individuals with severe disabilities
• Expand services to all 32 identified cases

This program is considered urgent due to the growing needs and lack of alternative services.

Financial Situation & Urgent Need

The project is operating under severe financial constraints. While we have successfully supported 7 cases, there are still 25 additional urgent cases awaiting intervention.

Without immediate funding, the project will not be able to continue home modifications or expand services to the remaining families in need.

Call for Support

We urgently call on our partners and donors to continue supporting this initiative.

Your support helps us:

• Reduce the physical burden on exhausted caregivers
• Improve safety and dignity at home
• Reach more families in urgent need
• Provide life-changing home adaptations for severely disabled young adults

Every contribution makes a direct difference in the daily lives of families who carry an overwhelming responsibility alone.

 Closing Message

Despite limited resources, we remain committed to supporting families caring for young adults with severe disabilities in Aida and Al-Azza camps. Through home-based interventions, we aim to ensure dignity, safety, and relief for both beneficiaries and caregivers.

With your support, we can expand from 7 supported cases to all 32 identified families in urgent need.