Welcome to the Beit Issie Shapiro Conference Blog



Dear Friends and Colleagues,


Beit Issie Shapiro is honored to host you at our 5th International Conference on Disabilities,
“Learning from the Past, Shaping th
e Future” blog.


The conference, which takes place every 4 years, provides its attendees with the unequaled
opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with professionals, researchers, policy makers,
individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities from around the
world.


Beit Issie Shapiro is a non-profit organization in Israel, which for the past 30 years, has been
at the forefront in the field of disabilities.
Beit Issie Shapiro is committed to social change in the field of disabilities and impacts

some 30,000 people a year by:

• providing innovative, high quality services
• influencing policy and legislation
• engaging in research and training
• changing attitudes in the community



Beit Issie Shapiro believes in the importance of developing, documenting and transferring
knowledge, and sees this conference as a tremendous opportunity for sharing knowledge
amongst our partners from Israel and abroad. We hope you'll enjoy from this blog and 

succeed to make the most out of it.. 


A short video re-cap of the conference:

Abstract of N. Stuchiner - Beit Issie Shapiro President - Lecture

THE DEVELOPMENT OF BEIT ISSIE SHAPIRO AS A SOCIAL
ENTREPRENEURIAL PROCESS


N. Stuchiner
Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel


This presentation will describe the development of Beit Issie Shapiro
(BIS) as a social entrepreneurial process. On the basis of a definition
of "social entrepreneurship" first advanced by Martin and Osberg
(2007) - what it is and how it compares to related activities – an
analysis will be presented of the ways in which BIS's developmental
process during its first thirty years reflects this definition. The analysis
will elaborate upon BIS's social entrepreneurial context; the ways in
which BIS challenged an unjust equilibrium; BIS's demonstration of
the viability of an alternative reality within a limited context; and the
activities of BIS forging a new reality in a broader context. Finally, the
presentation will conclude with some thoughts about the ways in
which the accomplishments of BIS in the field of developmental
disabilities can be a critical resource for the future development of that
field and of Israeli society in general.


Abstract of I.J. Sykes Lecture

THE BEIT ISSIE MODEL FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP



I.J. Sykes
Turningpoint Network, Israel


In the context of celebrating 30 years since Beit Issie Shapiro's
founding, and in honor of Naomi Stuchiner's retirement from
managerial duties, Beit Issie recently hosted a special learning
seminar entitled "Closing Circles – 30 years of Social Change". Invited
participants – former staff, professionals and functionaries in
government and non-profit organizations, parents, disability activists,
and donors –were divided into six groups to reflect upon aspects of
the Beit Issie Shapiro's work over thirty years. Analysis of the session
transcripts revealed the underlying dynamics that played a critical role
in facilitating Beit Issie Shapiro's impact not only upon the lives of
people with disabilities and their families, but upon the place of people
with disabilities in Israel as a society. In the presentation I will draw
upon quotes from participants in the discussion groups to describe the
entrepreneurial context in which Beit Issie was founded; the choice to
work not only to provide services but to mobilize a community, a city,
and an entire society; and evidence of impact upon broader systems. I
will present and describe the six entrepreneurial vectors underlying
the Beit Issie social entrepreneurial model. These include: Moving
from potential to reality; from stigma to respect; from exclusion to
inclusion; from the latent to the visible and expressed; from client to
partner; and from family and local to global. The presentation will
close with a discussion of the potential contribution of the Beit Issie
model to all who strive to create a better society and world.

Abstract of H. Shilo Lecture

"THE DEPENDENCE TRAP" INTERVENTION FOR PARENTS OF

YOUNG ADULTS WITH HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDERS (HFASD)


H. Shilo1, O. Golan2, H. Omer3
Association for Children at Risk (A.R.), Israel; Bar-Ilan University, Israel; 3
Tel-Aviv University, Israel


Background: Young adults with HFASD experience difficulties living
independently, therefore many rely on their parents' support. “The
dependence trap” concept refers to adults who highly depend on their
parents. Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) parental training was found to
alleviate that dependence. In the current study we adapted “the
dependence trap” concept and the corresponding intervention, and
applied it with parents of young adults with HFASD. Objectives: In this
trial run of our "dependence trap" intervention, we aimed to help
parents recognize areas where they could promote their son's
independence, as they reduce the assistance they provide him, and
allow him support only when needed. Parents are also encouraged to
involve potential support figures, who would take some of the support
burden. Methods: Parents of 4 young men (aged 20-26) with HFASD
participated in a 10 week intervention, at the "Bayit Ehad"
Comprehensive Treatment Center. The intervention's evaluation was
gathered through parents' reports: qualitatively (semi-structured
interviews– pre and post intervention); and quantitatively
(questionnaires filled out - pre, and 2 months post intervention: VABSII,
BDI, hopefulness scale, dependence behaviors checklist). Results:
Analysis of the gathered data reveals promising shifts in the families'
functioning, as son's independence expands and parents' well-being
improves. Some parents showed a decrease in depressive symptoms,
and an increase in hopefulness level. Conclusions: Parents of young
adults with HFASD worry for their son's well-being, and provide him
with extensive everyday assistance, thus experiencing emotional
distress, and hampering his independence. NVR appears to be an
effective approach in guiding those parents.

Abstract of L. Findler Lecture


PERSONAL GROWTH BEHIND THE SCENES: PARENT, SIBLINGS
AND GRANDPARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES


L. Findler
Head of the Rehabilitation Track, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University,
Israel


The daily life experience of families of children with disabilities has
been depicted for many years as “chronic sorrow”, “Suffering” and “illfated”
(Olshanksy, 1962; Blacher, 1984). Without a doubt, those
families face a unique challenge. However, it appears that along with
the difficulties, pressure and distress, many of them are able to adapt
to the new circumstances and lead a full life. Furthermore, many
families report experiencing adjustment and growth (Konard, 2006;
Findler & Vardi, 2009; Hastings & Taunt, 2002). Positive Psychology
sheds new light on the positive impacts of having a child with a
disability in the family. Growth is defined as a process of creating a
meaning in the face of distress and existential crisis. Under these
circumstances, growth may be realized in different ways, including the
re-examination of one’s life, a reinforced sense of strength and
empowerment, amelioration in interpersonal relationships, a change of
pre-existing priorities, spiritual growth as well as the discovery of a
new meaning and purpose to life. Generally, the literature is focused
on the personal experience of the persons with the disability. The
current presentation aimed to take a closer look on the way families
cope with the challenging situation, not solemnly from the parents’
point of view but also from the perspective of the extended family,
which is usually left behind the scene- siblings and grandparents, who
too go through unique and noteworthy experiences.

Abstract of N. Nitzan Lecture

SOCIAL SKILLS OF CHILDREN WITH MODERATE-SEVERE
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: A COMPARISON BETWEEN
PARENTAL AND TEACHERS' REPORT AND THE RELATIONSHIP
TO PARENTAL STRESS


N. Nitzan1, C. Shulman2, D. Roth1
Beit Issie Shapiro, IsraelHebrew University, Israel


Parents of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) report a higher
level of stress in comparison to parents of children with normative
development. Few studies have examined the connection between the
level of parental stress and the child's social skills, despite the fact
that the literature indicates that children with mild to moderate ID have
social difficulties. Both parents and teachers reported social skills in a
group of children with moderate to severe ID, and the degree of
agreement between their reports was compared with the level of
parental stress. The subjects were parents and teachers of 18 children
with moderate to severe ID, between the ages of 4.5- 12.5 years, who
are students in a school in Ra'anana. The parents and teachers
completed a checklist of social skills. In addition the parents
completed a parenting stress index. Findings indicate a negative
correlation between the child's social skills and the level of parental
stress. In addition, it was found that parent and teacher reports of
child's social skills differed in that teachers reported higher levels of
social skills than parents. A correlation was also found between
incompatible reports of a child's social skills between parent, and
teacher and higher parental stress. The results of this study
emphasize the importance of a holistic therapeutic approach that
involves the family, and developing a partnership between
professional and parents. The therapeutic team must consider
parents' stress as part of the therapeutic process. In order to achieve
a valid assessment of a child's functioning, the therapeutic team must
gather information from parents and teachers alike as they experience
the child in different contexts leading to differences in their perception
of the child.

Abstract of Y. Barak-Levy Lecture

PARENTAL ROLE DIVISION IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY: ARE MOTHERS AND FATHERS
SATISFIED?


Y. Barak-Levy, N. Atzaba Poria
Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel


Raising children with disabilities requires high parental involvement
and intense child care. The role of fathers in families of children with
Developmental Delay (DD) has been understudied, with only few
studies suggesting lower levels of involvement in care of children for
fathers than mothers. The current study focuses on parental role
division in families of children with DD as reported by both parents, as
well as their satisfaction from these divisions. One hundred and ten
(60 DD and 50 control) parents of children, aged 4-7, participated in
the study. Mothers and fathers were interviewed on their current as
well as desirable role division in child care. Preliminary analyses
indicated that mothers in both groups reported higher levels of
involvement than fathers (F(1,53)=9.73, p<0.01). In addition, fathers in
the DD group reported having a more traditional role division than
fathers in the control group (F(1,53)=3.23, p<0.08). Moreover, mothers
of children with DD reported the highest levels of involvement in child
care than all other groups (F(1,53)=3.95, p<0.05). Finally, the
examination of the gap between current and desirable role division in
child care revealed that mothers in both groups were unsatisfied with
the existing role division (F(1,53)=33.73, p<0.001), and wanted a more
egalitarian distribution, whereas fathers were content with the current
situation. Findings indicate that mothers of children with DD bear most
of the burden of caring for these children, yet desire more paternal
involvement. Intervention programs should focus on the well being of
mothers and on the importance of co-parenting.



Abstract of G. Schwartz Lecture

SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG MENTAL RETARDATION
ELDERLIES WHO ARE LIVING IN COMMUNITY HOUSING


G. Schwartz, Y. Yagoda
AKIM Holn HostelIsrael


The concept of aging amongst mentally retarded has been discussed
for over a decade. Nevertheless, the community homes dealing with
aging residents continue to study the issue and respond to any issues
arising from their studies. AKIM Holon hostel is a home to 23 elderly
people with intellectual disability, ranging in age from 40 to 73. In this
document, we demonstrate the diverse needs of older residents, and
the solutions provided in the hostel. Leisure. We have adapted the
leisure activities that already exist in the hostel to suit the needs of the
aging population. This includes adaptation of the activities within and
outside of the hostel (trips abroad etc) to meet the interests and
abilities of a more elderly population. Family Ties. We have initiated
meetings with parents and siblings of the tenants, addressing the
changes in guardianship which occur as the resident, and their parent,
ages. Emotional welfare. We have implemented intervention programs
on the subject of dealing with grief and separation in order to aid the
process of dealing with loss, along with strengthening and preserving
capabilities and strengths. Emphasis is placed on processing and
understanding the cycle of life. Employment. The supported workplace
has opened a special department for the older employees. Here the
emphasis is on relaxation and not necessarily production. Health.
Adjustment of diet and physical activities along with age appropriate
medical examinations, corresponding to the individual needs of the
resident. Diagnosis and appropriate interventions of further cognitive
decline.





Abstract of M. Zemach Lecture

INTELLIGENCE AND MEMORY CHANGES AMONG ADULTS AND
ELDERLY WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY COMPARED WITH
ADULTS WITH TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT: ACCELERATED OR
PARALLEL TRAJECTORY


M. Zemach, H. Lifshitz, E. Vakil
Bar Ilan UniversityIsrael


The aim of the current study is to assess intelligence and memory
changes among adults with non specific intellectual disability (NSID)
compared to typically developed (TD) adults. The uniqueness of the
study is the simultaneous assessment of a number of cognitive
variables within broad age groups in the NSID population, in light of
two theoretic cognitive aging trajectories: Accelerated (AT) or parallel
(PT) trajectories compared to the TD population. According to the AT
we hypothesize that the occurrence and rate of cognitive decline in
NSID group will occur earlier and be greater than TD group. On the
other hand, according to the PT, we hypothesize that the occurrence
and rate of cognitive decline will be similar between the two groups,
other than the difference in the baseline cognitive level. Further
differences will be assessed regarding the occurrence and rate of
decline in intelligence measures (crystallized/ fluid) and memory
measures (working/ episodic). The participants in the study will be
adults with mild intellectual disability (IQ = 56-74) and normal
intelligence (IQ = 90-120), divided in to three age groups (40-49; 50-
59; 60-69). All the participants will be tested individually in seven
formal testes, assessing changes in four measures; crystallized
intelligence, fluid intelligence, working memory and episodic memory.
The findings will aid our understanding of the occurrence and rate of
cognitive aging among NSID population and characterize the unique
trajectory, accelerated or parallel in each measure compared to TD
population.

Abstract of Y. Danieli Lahav Lecture

AGING AND DISABILITY


Y. Danieli Lahav
Ariel University CenterIsrael


Old age people have special needs which differ from younger people's
needs, even more so when they experience disability. Disability is
defined as the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the
normal life of the community on an equal level with others, due to
physical or social barriers. The social model of disability claims that
disability stems from the failure of society to adjust to the needs and
aspirations of a disabled minority. If the problem lies with society and
the environment, then society and environment must change. If a
wheelchair user cannot use a bus, the bus must be redesigned. Old
people find curb ramps, elevators, accessible toilet stalls, handrails
aside staircases and many other accessibility adjustments very useful.
All of those and more can be found nowadays in any public
environment, but for a vast amount of old people they are not enough.
The gap between an old person's spatial behaviour and an ordinary
accessible environment cannot be closed by traditional adjustments
and assistive technology. The lecture will point out some of the
unsolved environmental barriers which prevent older people from
keeping an active social life, and will outline several directions for
solutions.



Abstract of M.H. Kloseck Lecture

A COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY APPROACH TO AGING AND
DISABILITY


M.H. Kloseck, R.G. Crilly
University of Western OntarioCanada


Disabilities associated with aging bring a great challenge to remaining
independent. Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs)
have tremendous potential to optimize the health, safety and
independence of older individuals. We used a community capacity
building and participatory action research approach with a local NORC
1) to develop a model intersectoral collaborative partnership among
seniors, government, non-profit and private organizations to enable
seniors to both learn and teach their peers about disability, disease
and safety, 2) to maximize the positive collective abilities, resilience
and resourcefulness of seniors to work collectively to improve their
well-being, and 3) to develop seniors' knowledge and skills to create
vital learning communities of seniors with increased understanding of
their disabilities, improved understanding of each other’s challenges
and a better knowledge of community resources. We hypothesized
that actively engaging seniors in raising awareness, identifying
neighbours at risk and peer-led senior-friendly education programs
would optimize resources and increase individual and community
resilience. The Cherryhill NORC is a compact high density apartment
complex with 13 private apartment buildings with 2325 units and total
population of 2925 citizens (mean age=76yrs. + 8.08 yrs. SD; 77%
female, 23% male). We tested our peer-mentor/education model in 3
demonstration projects (1) optimizing mobility, (2) improving the
treatment of osteoporosis, and (3) preparing for emergency situations.
Our results show there is strength in a collective community approach
to enable individuals with disabilities of aging and frailty to remain in
their own homes as long as possible.

Abstract of D. Ervin Lecture

CREATING CUSTOMIZED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE TO ADULTS
WITH INTELLECTUAL/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES


D. Ervin1, L. Rubin2, D. Pump3
The Resource Exchange, Inc., USAInstitute for the Study of Disadvantage
and Disability, USAPeak Vista Community Health CentersUSA


Health disparities experienced by people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (I/DD) are well documented. Over the
second half of the 20th Century, increased attention has been paid to
improving the delivery of care for children and adults with
developmental disabilities. In 2007, The Resource Exchange (TRE), a
community based organization coordinating a continuum of services to
individuals with I/DD throughout El Paso, Park, and Teller counties in
Colorado, conceptualized a healthcare model that would provide
primary healthcare, health promotion and wellness, as well as
caregiver education and support, all customized for people with I/DD
and their families and caregivers. Over the ensuing three years, TRE
has convened major healthcare providers and institutions throughout
El Paso County, including Peak Vista Community Health Centers, the
region’s Federally Qualified Health Center; HealthSouth Rehabilitation
Hospital of Colorado Springs; Memorial Health System and Penrose-
St. Frances Health Services, Colorado Springs’ two major hospitals;
Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of
Colorado at Colorado Springs; and, the El Paso County Medical
Society, among others, and has established formal partnerships with
each to create Developmental Disabilities Health Center (DDHC). Also
included in the treatment milieu is integrated behavioral health and
care coordination, providing exceptional, community-based healthcare
that is designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with I/DD. A
largely unprecedented system of integrated healthcare for adults with
I/DD in the US, such a model improves health outcomes and provides
a replicable healthcare delivery model.

Abstract of M. Hirsh Lecture

HEALTHY NUTRITION MODEL IN COMMUNAL ACCOMODATION


M. Hirsh


This lecture presents a healthy nutrition model operated by Shekel. Its
goal is to improve the nutritional and health status of individuals with
special needs living in communal accommodation, who lack access to
available information and related uses. Recently conducted research
indicates a decrease in the nutritional wellbeing of residents in
communal accommodation due to reduced access and
implementation tools related to the subject, exacerbated by the young
age and high turnover of support staff. The proposed program
addresses this lacuna and aims to improve the nutrition and general
health of this population with interventions on individual, staff and
community levels. Assessment: A questionnaire evaluating the
nutritional habits, illnesses and medical symptoms as well as eating
and cooking patterns, and consumer habits will provide the basis for a
program to be implemented by residents and staff. Intervention: A
workshop for the staff, specifically related to the program proposed at
the assessment stage and related topics (cooking, consumer habits,
health and nutrition). The end product is a fully balanced menu for
individual residents. Follow up: The program includes an ongoing
annual follow-up on the individual and apartment levels. Summary:
The Healthy Nutrition Program has been operating in Shekel's
Community Living division for approximately 2 years. Its basic concept
is that only a comprehensive approach, which intervenes in all
frameworks of life-style in community-living, vocational and
recreational elements, can favorably impact the residents' condition
and behavior patterns and prevent the development and\or
continuation of symptoms and illnesses.



Abstract of P.T. Hertz Lecture

FEEDING DISORDERS: UNTYING DYADIC PATHOLOGY AND
BENEFITING FROM TRIADIC RELATIONSHIP


P.T. Hertz
Hadassah HospitalIsrael


Infants and young children frequently refer to feeding disorders' clinic
with a background of either an objective medical factor, as hypo tonus,
digesting disorders etc., or low motivation for eating. Medical causes
tend to mix with the child's psychological factors (temperament) and
the parental factors (parenting style). Although medical aspects are
somehow objective and can be measured quantitatively, some parents
tend to intensify them while others might reduce those same factors.
Therefore reciprocity relationships occur between the two basic
factors of feeding disorders; the physical aspect affects the
psychological aspect, and vice versa. Parents who tend to intensify
the physical situation, as known in the extreme case of Factitious
Disorders, aren't always aware of the damage caused. The range of
those cases of parental interference with the child's wellbeing is quite
wide. In most cases the professional staff meets with cases of slight
emotional pathology which is hard to assess, due to the fact that the
average population seems to function in everyday life. Those parents
show specific difficulties enabling autonomy or space during feeding
and play episodes as developmentally recommended, and therefore
can benefit from psycho-social intervention. Dan was six years when
referring Hadassah hospital's eating and feeding center. His medical
background included spinal bifida and hypo tonus. His specific eating
record included FTT accompanied with difficulties sucking at infancy
and a tendency to vomit. The dyadic relationship with Dan's mother
was characterized by her will to control and decide for Dan,
impingement and anxiety which Dan absorbed. The main goal was to
untie the dyadic pathological relationship, by creating a triadic
relationship which was characterized with openness and new
opportunities.



Abstract of N. Gilad Lecture

PERCEPTION OF FEEDING TASKS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
OF DIRECT CAREGIVERS IN INSTITUTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH
COGNITIVE DISABILITIES


N. Gilad1, D. Sachs2
Ofakim School, IsraelUniversity of HaifaIsrael


Direct caregivers employed in institutions of people with cognitive
disabilities are providing all the needs of the residents. Occurring
several times daily, feeding becomes one of the most important
interactions between staff and residents. As residents have various
eating problems, the act of feeding can become complex, and
occasionally difficult and stressful (Case-Smith, 2007; Pagano, 2000).
The purpose of the research is to examine the variables and construct
a model that explain how direct caregivers' attitudes to, and
perceptions of, the different aspects of feeding tasks relate to their
feelings of stress, and to work satisfaction. Method: This study utilized
quantitative methods of analysis, including Structural Equitation
Modeling (SEM). Direct caregivers (272), Israeli-born Jews and Arabs,
new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), and from
Ethiopia, working in 13 institutions for people with cognitive
disabilities, participated in the study. Caregivers completed four
questionnaires. Results: The hypothesis stating that the model for
quality of work environment for direct caregivers integrates
background variables of perceptions of feeding tasks (support and
clear definition of role, knowledge and skills, and autonomy),
independent variables of participating in professional courses,
mediator variables of workload, affects outcome measures of
caregivers' level of stress and degree of satisfaction, was confirmed.
Conclusions: The requirements for feeding tasks must be clearly
defined, and support must be rendered to caregivers while doing this
job. Listening to caregivers and involving them in decision making will
help for planning valuable workshops and training programs for them.