Israel's new immigrants come as refugees fleeing anti-semitic oppression and as conscious indivduals looking to return to the Jewish Homeland. Parents are often so overwhelmed with the exhausting and demanding process of immigration and integration into the new society that they cannot engage themselves in meeting the needs of their children with learning disabilities. This project improves their opportunities for success.
Immigrant parents of 1st and 2nd grade students who show signs of a learning disability are identified by the Israeli Ministry for Immigrant Absorption and local schools. The parents are invited to bring their children to the local Nitzan Center for evaluation. The Nitzan staff meets with each child and his or her parents to review the test results. Nitzan prepares individualized programs tailored to meet the needs of each child, including recommendations for the parents and for educational personnel. Nitzan staff also works with the child's teacher(s) to facilitate the student's learning. Additionally, depending on individual needs, Nitzan provides direct services in the form of homework support, movement therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, etc.
As a result of Nitzan's Immigrant Family Program, new immigrants to Israel are ensured early diagnosis of learning disabilities among their children. Early diagnosis, combined with Nitzan's tailoring of individualized plans, significantly improves academic and social achievements and opportunities for children with learning disabilities in these new Israeli families.
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