Gaza: Jasour – News Desk
In light of the significant challenges faced by individuals with severe disabilities and their families in Palestine, the Khaled Charitable Association has emerged as a pioneering initiative to bridge the gap in services provided to this group, especially those over 14 years old, as existing institutions lack the capacity to accommodate them and offer specialized care.
In an interview, Layali Abu Daghma, Chairperson of the Khaled Charitable Association, explained that the association originated from her personal experience with her late son Khaled and the experience of Dr. Nancy Al-Tuwei, a board member with three children with severe disabilities.
She stated that the association targets moderate to severe disability cases, offering services such as physical and occupational therapy, along with daily activities to ensure a dignified life for them.
The primary goal of the association is not to duplicate the services of other institutions but to fill the gaps they leave, particularly in caring for age groups that find themselves without support after a certain age.
Abu Daghma indicated that the association currently operates on two systems: the first welcomes permanent students from 8 AM to 3 PM, while the second offers periodic physical and occupational therapy sessions for recurring cases.
She explained that the association started by renting a small apartment accommodating 15 to 18 students but faces challenges due to insufficient space and specialized equipment. This has driven them to work on a project to build a permanent headquarters to accommodate more cases and provide more advanced services.
Some children require only individual sessions without full residency, and the association also welcomes children without permanent disabilities who need specific therapy sessions, such as students with limb problems.
Abu Daghma emphasized that the biggest obstacles are transportation issues, as children struggle to reach the center daily due to road closures and transportation delays, leading some students to withdraw despite their urgent need for treatment.
However, she revealed that a benefactor donated a piece of land in Sarda, paving the way for a project to build a permanent headquarters for the association, raising hope for offering broader services and accommodating more special needs individuals in the future.
Abu Daghma mentioned that the association is seriously considering adding a residential section, given the high demand for this service, especially for cases from remote villages and areas.
“There are children who need temporary residence due to the distance of their homes or their families’ inability to commute daily. Some mothers may need rest periods due to health conditions or special circumstances, making a residential section a practical solution for these cases,” she added.
The association’s upcoming project includes expanding the physical and occupational therapy departments and developing special programs for students, providing a comprehensive environment that meets the needs of various groups.
As part of the association’s efforts to secure the necessary funding for expansion, Abu Daghma announced a charity dinner today at the Carmel Hotel at 6 PM, aiming to raise the necessary donations to begin the new headquarters’ construction phase.
Despite its challenging start, the association has managed to persevere and continue providing services, with community support playing a significant role in its ongoing success and goal achievement.
“There are many benefactors, and many families are waiting for such services. We aspire to grow and expand across Palestine to offer support to everyone in need,” she added.
