neering center works with physicians and therapists to design and construct aids and seating inserts and to adapt existing equipment to the specific prob- lems of each child. An on-site school coordinated with the Special Education Department of the Israel Ministry of Education pro- vides classes for children who live in the facility. The Ma'ayan National Display Center is a vast room housing orthope- dic appliances, wheelchairs, mobility aids and bathroom and kitchen acces- sories for the physically handicapped. The computer and rehabilitation technology center benefits both inpa- tients and outpatients, acting as a tool for study, communication and play. An ALYN staffer calls the area "one of the most important little rooms in the building, where the whole world is open" to children who in many ways are otherwise limited. She says the swimming pool "is equipped with a lift for the bigger kids," and "even children with respira- tors use the pool." The Thomas Blum Outpatient Clinic records 4,000 visits yearly from referrals throughout Israel. With 45 children calling ALYN home (with another 45 in a short-term residential program and 100 in day care), recre- ational programs such as sports, art and photography are offered. A fully equipped apartment, moni- tored by occupational therapists, allows parents to "practice" caring for their children in a homelike atmosphere in preparation for their discharge. Although the hospital accepts chil- dren regardless of ethnic or religious background, ALYN is a Jewish facility with a kosher kitchen and a syna- gogue, with accessibility for those in wheelchairs to approach the ark on Shabbat and festivals. The hospital also offers a private-pay program for non-Israeli families with physically challenged children visiting Israel. The children can spend their time at ALYN while the family travels. Some of the children treated at the non-profit hospital come from socially and economically deprived families, with ALYN responsible for all of their needs. In addition, all of the hospital's expenses for projects, programs, equip- ment, computer technologists, pharma- cists and ambulance drivers must come from direct donations. Friends of ALYN Hospital has chapters in several countries and U.S. cities. ALYN's Michigan group, says immediate past-president Miriam Goldberg of West Bloomfield, is set 4/23 1999 42 Detroit Jewish News up with a primary goal of fundraising. With no office and no paid employ- ees, all of the money raised by the chapter through tribute card sales and an annual event, this year on Tuesday, May 4, go directly to the hospital. Several of the groups traveling with the Michigan Miracle Mission III have arranged to tour the hospital. One group includes past president of Friends of ALYN-Detroit Paula Glazier of West Bloomfield, whose great-uncle Dr. Henry Keller was the founder of the hospital in 1936. Jonathan Jaffa of West Bloomfield, the Detroit group's current president, says, "In an area of the world in so much strife and dissension, this is a bea- con of hope to so many children." A new Active Rehabilitation Wing is slated to open in the fall. The building will house Israel's only sleep laboratory for handicapped children, an intensive care unit, as well as a clubroom with computers and Internet access, videos, TV, a music center, a study area and small library. ALYN encourages of the presence of parents during treatment and the new facility will have a family center com- plete with lounge, kitchenette, laundry area, lockers and showers. And what about Mor and Itamar? Mor has improved to a point where she is now able to manipulate a manual wheelchair or scooter. She feeds herself and with mechanical assistance has achieved independent walking, lives at home and attends regular kindergarten. Itamar, out of his coma, now follows an intensive physiotherapy program, walks, dresses and eats independently, and is in a day-care program. Jackie Elbez of the public relations department says, "Our ultimate goal is for our children to reach their potential in mobility and independence. We give a lot more than a hospital bed. That's why we get such great results. But ALYN receives no government funding and insurance is limited to basic hospitalization payments. The hospital relies on international fundraising to make up the difference. Ti " The Magic of ALYN Hospital Sorcerer's Supper followed by.an Evening of Magic begins 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, at Congregation Beth Shalom. For information, call Doris Blechman, (248) 737- 6954. To purchase tribute cards, call Randee Lipman, (248) 851- 0102. Art Of Jewish Caregiving SHELLI DORFMAN Editorial Assistant Iewish Home and Aging Services host- ed a leadership retreat at its West Bloomfield facility to teach medical staff and manage- ment about the needs of Jewish patients and their families. "The Art of Jewish Caregiving" was offered to Detroit Medical Center leadership and management on April 13. Sheyna Wexelberg-Clouser, JHAS community outreach direc- tor, called the attendance of 65 staff members "phenom- enal, considering that Sinai Hospital is in the middle of plans to close." She called the turnout "indicative of the real commitment (of DMC) to continue to serve Holocaust survivor Sonia Nothman addresses DMC the needs of the Jewish medical staff and management. community." . Participants learned how Sydney to enhance the hospital stay Milliman leads and ambulatory care of a tour group Jewish patients through through the recognizing, respecting and Holocaust maintaining religious and Memorial cultural sensitivity. Sessions Center Shown gave an overview of the are Sinai-Grace nurses Dawn Jewish community and cul- Blackwood, lef t, ture; instruction in how to and Lisa access relevant resources for Katzman. older adults, and the importance of support for the religious and cultural needs of Jewish patients. Wexelberg-Clouser, who coordinated the conference with Juanita Luther, PCD and a personal reflection by Sonia Education Specialist, Northwest Nothman, a Holocaust survivor. • Region, DMC, said the retreat also Another "The Art of Jewish identified "the unique needs of Caregiving" conference is planned for Holocaust sur- patient care vivors and their staff at Huron children in the Valley-Sinai hospital setting." Hospital. The conference, Last week's held on Yom program spon- HaShoah sors were the Jewish Fund, JHAS, (Holocaust Remembrance Day) LeVine Institute on Aging, DMC, included a tour of the Holocaust Max•M. Fisher Community Memorial Center in West Bloomfield, Foundation and the Commission on a talk by Dr. Charles J. Silow, director Jewish Eldercare Services of the Jewish of the DMC Sinai Hospital Program Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. L for Holocaust Survivors and Families, IT JHAS teache s medical sta to care for J ewish patients.