Abstract of C.K. Feldman lecture

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO ENABLE INTEGRATION OF

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN KINDERGARTENS – JOINT

PROGRAM, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF

MOSCOW; MASHAV; THE SHEKEL ASSOCIATION, ISRAEL

C.K. Feldman

Shekel Community Services for People with Disabilities, Israel

Individual and societal differences which in the past have led to

barriers being erected particularly between nations, have, in many

situations in the recent period, been removed or minimized. One area

in which international cooperation is both desirable and possible is the

area of services for children with disabilities. The presentation will

describe an ongoing project and will define elements which have

enabled its promotion and extension. Under the auspices of MASHAV,

Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation of Israel's

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Shekel Association in Jerusalem and

Moscow's Ministry of Education have developed a cooperative

program. The goal is to promote and strengthen the integration of

children with disabilities in kindergartens in Moscow and is

implemented in Israel and in Moscow. The Israeli component involves

a visit to Israel of groups of Russian kindergarten staff (both

management and direct care) for an intense educational experience.

The experience involves both academic presentations and "hands-on"

elements in visiting selected kindergartens. The component in Russia

involves the visit of Israeli experts to Moscow for two week periods

where the theories of integration are defined and discussed.

Cooperative activities (including film presentations), encourage and

support local efforts at integration and also review and assess

difficulties and problems encountered. The proposed presentation will

highlight the topics presented above and the issues identified in the

seminars which have enabled the positive accomplishments during

the Project and outline ideas and plans for the future.