Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre offers new ways to support families of disabled children

Even in the best of times, travel restrictions make it difficult for mothers and their children to travel to East Jerusalem to participate in the three-week residential Mother Empowerment Program. With the additional restrictions enforced by the Palestinian Authority to stem the spread of coronavirus, the leaders at Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC) are now using technology to continue the important work of empowering Palestinian mothers and offering therapies for their disabled children.

Over the past few weeks healthcare providers and therapists at JPBC have connected with mothers in their homes using videoconferencing. With social distancing practices in place and the closure of schools and businesses across the territories, online education sessions allow the hope that JPBC brings to families to transcend these troubled and unsettled times.

Raja’a, an occupational therapist at JPBC, explained, “Before each online session, we provide the mother with guidance and instructions. We set a goal for each session in partnership with the mother.”

On April 2, Anas with his mother at home, (pictured above at left) took part in an online session with Raja’a. His mom said, “Now I’m able to help my child to move forward to achieve his best. The home plan has helped me a lot to understand my son’s needs and empowered me with the knowledge of how I can implement these activities. I’m so proud of myself and my son.”

Anas has a message for us too. His sign says, “With awareness, we can face the Coronavirus. Stay at home!”