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What We Do > Programs > Special Needs Children

Special Needs Children

One of the ITC’s main goals is to operate programs for children with developmental and physical disabilities, helping them fulfill their potential to become winners on the court and off. The ITC is a second home to scores of developmentally challenged and physically handicapped children, who benefit from a structured physical routine within a stress-free environment, in the company of caring and professional coaches

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IDF Injured Adults- WheelChair (1) IDF Injured Adults- WheelChair (5) Special Needs- Wheelchair children (1) Special Needs- Wheelchair children (2) Special Needs- Wheelchair children (3) Special Needs- Wheelchair children (4)

Happening at these centers

Regardless of background, physical or mental abilities, quality of life is a basic human need. Yet it remains a constant challenge to continuously provide quality of life for children and adults with special needs.

Developmentally challenged children and adults are often quarantined to their own hostel communities, spending most of their time on the outskirts of society. Children with hearing deficiencies often feel ostracized from their communities. Youth with ADHD may likely feel that no one understands them. Adolescents in wheelchairs become used to being excluded from just about everything. These populations have one thing in common: they all require a structured framework that caters to their specific needs and allows them to be themselves, while on the other hand feeling they are no different than everybody else.

Like all other members of society, children and adults with special needs greatly benefit from participating in activities that boost their self-esteem, enhance their concentration and stamina and contribute to their willpower and general sense of well-being. There is a need to empower these children and adults, be it the autistic, hearing impaired or physically handicapped. There is a need to make them feel good at what they do and experience that they are valuable members of their respective communities.

CHILDREN PROFILES

SUB-PROGRAMS

  • • Hearing Impaired Children

    This program serves children and youth with severe hearing deficiencies and offers tennis and fitness activities according to their unique needs.

  • • Unified

    The Unified Program pairs athletes with developmental disabilities with children from the ITC’s Competitive Program in mixed-doubles drills and tournaments, thus advocating mutual respect and friendship between two groups who do not usually interact socially.

  • • Special Tennis (Olympics)

    This program is a joint partnership between the Israel Tennis Center and the Special Olympics, empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities through local, national and international tennis tournaments and activities. Participants of this program train weekly for five national Special Olympics tennis tournaments each year, while the most talented participate in international Special Olympics…

  • • Mentally Stressed Adults

    Tennis, fitness and special activities serve as therapeutic tools for adults suffering from trauma and emotional fatigue.

  • • Wheelchair & Handicapped Tennis

    This program allows physically disabled children and adults to play and compete in wheelchair tennis on regular basis. The ITC also hosts several international ITF wheelchair tournaments each year.

    Program Goals
    • Providing children and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play tennis and engage in physical activity in a structured manner, thus contributing to their…

  • • Autistic & Down Syndrome

    Children with autism or Down Syndrome require special programs that are geared to their unique challenges. This program enables them to enjoy social interaction and increase their self-esteem. The program is currently offered at three Centers.

  • • ADHD/ADD

    Serving children and youth with high energy and short attention spans, this program is geared towards building confidence and teaching concentration skills through physical activities that allow participants to channel their energies in a positive direction.

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