Our greatest concern with the move to Israel was what we would find here for Ella, of course.  What services, schools, etc.  We were pretty sure we’d find less than what we had in the Boston area.  Etan came a couple months ahead of time for  a week-long reconnaissance trip, found a special needs school that seemed like it would work for us and looked pretty good.  So we made the move which was a ton of work that lasted about 3-4 months (two months preparation and two months getting things set up here).  We rented out our house in Newton Center.Unfortunately the end of the period culminated with me getting sick with mononucleosis.  I’m probably one of the oldest people in history to get it and it put quite a damper on things for awhile.

To make a long story short, Ella has totally blossomed here and we are really happy with what we have found.  While the regular school system leaves a lot to be desired, the Israeli special needs system is great.  I would need a couple of hours (which I don’t have) to write about all the progress Ella has made and all the super services we have found since we came here. I won’t bore you with the details but there are a few things I’ve learned that I thought I might share with the group:

• The “integrated” model doesn’t work for all special needs kids.  For many, a special needs school is probably a better option as I think it has been for Ella

• For a child that can handle it, socializing between children is very, very important and this requires some “categorizing” of children, in other words putting children together in programs with other children with similar needs and abilities.  Labeling is kind of a no-no in the States, but it has been helpful for Ella.  She goes to an after-school program that she loves with children with similar cognitive abilities (she’s categorized having “mild retardation”).

• Although have a single family home, with land around it may be the American dream (as it is the Israeli dream) our one-floor, smallish (by American standards) apartment has allowed Ella so much more independence and a chance to really make strides with gross motor skills and confidence building

• Don’t be afraid of change; you never know what you will find

Since things have worked out okay and well, frankly, really pretty well for Ella, we have decided to stay on at least for another year.  We still have plenty of issues going the foremost of which in my mind is the amount of physical help Ella still needs when she is at home (i.e., getting dressed, taking shower, playing, etc) which leaves so little time for me and Etan to socialize and have our own lives, hobbies and interests, outside of our work.  I still feel I need a support group and haven’t had time to join one!

The most amazing progress Ella has made, in short, is in the reading/language category.   She now speaks both Hebrew and English although it is kind of difficult to understand her.  We have a private teacher that comes 2 times a week to work with her on reading and she is doing great.  Next year she will be in a totally accessible school for children at her cognitive level and above.  We are looking forward to that.    Etan and I were so impressed by resources available at this public special needs school that we were in shock after the first visit and are so pleased that they have room for Ella for next year.