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Work with the parents:
Over a period of years parents became comfortable and familiar with
the Sport and Recreation Program at Beit Issie Shapiro. They developed
relationships with the therapists, trainers and one another, and enjoyed
the hour of viewing their children through the one way screens and
relaxing with people in similar situations.
Accommodating to the new concept of inclusive sport was not easy for
all parents. There were many concerns and fears for their children and
for themselves.
To allay parent’s concerns, individual meetings and a group evening
were organized to explain the advantages of the project, and ensure
parents that this program would only take place once a month; all other
activities would take place in the familiar format.
Throughout the year the professional team works with the
parents.
There is a constant stream of communication via telephone call,
email, SMSs, individual discussions and group meetings.
After activities the trainer is available for communication with
parents, and guides parents on how to respond appropriately to
their children, very often enriching the quality of the relationship
between the parent and child.
Activities that take place in the community require more intensive
parent participation and require that:
Parents are given prior information regarding the activity so that
they can organize their schedule and arrive properly equipped
Parents actively participate in the activity
Parents are encouraged to participate in designing the activities
Outdoor activities in which the parents participate give the
trainers additional opportunities for dialogue, feedback and
suggestions from the parents.