Rehabilitation Center Provides Support for Young, Disabled Palestinians
Three years ago, Kaamel Kedek was shot three times in the leg with a pistol while working as an ambulance driver in the Palestinian territories during Arab-Israeli clashes.
After three operations, one bullet remains. The 24-year-old can walk unaided, but still limps. He has lost his job because his leg is too weak for driving.
In a part of the world where traditional attitudes towards disability still prevail, with the emphasis on disabled individuals being cared for by their families, Kaamel is being helped by a centre which is emerging as one of the most forward-thinking of the region.
He is one of hundreds of young people and children being supported by the Rehabilitation Centre in Beit Sehour, near Bethlehem, run by East Jerusalem YMCA, and supported by Y Care International, the development agency of the YMCA movement.
It is an oasis of hope for those who would not otherwise have access to this kind of service. The centre also campaigns for the rights of the disabled, and to change community attitudes towards disability in an area of the world where equal rights are still a relatively new concept.
"I learned how to use a computer, on a course paid for by the YMCA," says Kaamel. "The social worker at the centre is also going to help me find a new job, so that my circumstances improve."
 Since 1989, the centre has used its pioneering holistic approach to help young Palestinians who have been physically disabled, traumatised or injured in the political violence of the region. For many it has meant the difference between complete despair, and some sort of hope for the future.
"The Beit Sehour Rehabilitation Centre has transformed many young people's lives," says Y Care International director Dr Chris Beer.
"It provides a unique, valued service to the Palestinian community in reintegrating physically disabled people. After trauma, injury, and often permanent disability, the YMCA's young clients are helped back to a greater independence - often into training or employment. It's a wholly voluntary and remarkable piece of work in a community very much under stress."
The centre is also able to help those whose disabilities were not directly caused by the conflict. People like Nehad Rbiah, now a teenager, who was born with a muscle-wasting disease, leaving her only able to use her head and forearms.
As happens all too often, it was assumed that Nehad was mentally ill, and she was inappropriately institutionalized. Inevitably, this led to great suffering for her and her family. Her plight was brought to the attention of the YMCA by a former client who had gained employment thanks to the centre.
After an intensive course of psychological counselling and therapy, the counsellor persuaded Nehad's family to enrol her in the local school.
A counsellor worked with her siblings so they overcame their embarrassment about their sister's appearance. The YMCA is now helping the family to modify their house by adapting doors and creating a ramp, so that Nehad can be as independent as possible - a goal many Palestinians with disabilities can only dream of.
 The centre can house up to 35 young Palestinians, who cannot access the more sophisticated services available in Israel. They stay for three to six months, and during that time they receive counselling and vocational evaluation.
Dr Beer added: "The key to this programme's success is its holistic approach. It offers emotional and practical support, leading to better living conditions for hundreds of people, along with enhanced personal satisfaction and self-confidence."
Many are also served by the centre's outreach programme, which works directly with people with disabilities at home and in their local communities. Counsellors visit clients at least once a week, often working with their families to help them overcome their fears and prejudices to understand the nature of the disability.
Outreach teams also work with local organizations to increase accessibility for people with disabilities to public facilities, schools and job opportunities.
In addition, the YMCA is the only organisation in the area actively challenging the attitudes of the community towards disability, with campaigning and awareness-raising activities aimed at changing stereotyped perceptions and promoting positive attitudes. Acceptance by the community is a key factor in successful rehabilitation and integration.
Y Care International has produced an information and activity pack focusing on disability and development, called Developing Ability. It investigates the links between disability and poverty, and looks more generally at the difficulties experienced by those with disabilities. It also encourages action in the local community in this country. It is designed for use with any group of young people - for example in YMCAs, churches or schools, and can also be used successfully with adults. It contains background information, a case study of a Y Care programme and suggestions for fun and thought-provoking activities.
To donate, or to find out more about the Developing Ability pack, call the charity on 020 7421 3022, or write to
Y Care International
3 - 9 Southampton Row
LONDON
WC1B 5HY
Or send an e-mail to enq@ycare.org.uk
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