LWAH-Annual Report

CHALLENGE
YOUR LIMITS
ANNUAL REPORT
2017
ALI JAWAD
Paralympic Medalist.


f

Opening Note
Many Happy Returns,
Reem Makki Haddara Executive Director
Ali Jawad, and everything immediately made sense. The raison d’être of LWAH, the confronted battles to elevate
our Cause, the restless efforts to enforce our vision, the constant setbacks we faced, and the long term goals we set to attain... When we met Ali it all seemed worthwhile.
Ali’s life outlines our mission. He battled against disability and a vicious disease but giving up was never an option. This is exactly what LWAH strives to achieve, we want every person with a special need to become Ali in his own way. We believe in their ability and strength. Given the proper education, opportunity and support there are no limits to what they can do.
It hurts us to admit that had Ali stayed in his home country Lebanon he wouldn’t have a chance to shine and become a Paralympic medalist. This is what we want to change. Why can’t every person like Ali have access to proper education, public transportation, sports facilities, job market, and so on.
At LWAH we are trying hard to ill the gaps and we claim success on many levels, we are providing comprehensive rehabilitation through our centers, up-to-date special education through our LSE, work opportunities through our WORKFORCE program and sports integration through our different sports teams. However, a lot more should be done on the national level.
Ali’s strength and passion leads us to hold on to what we set to accomplish. His persistence leaves us no room for slowing down. His success forces us to challenge our limits. And this we shall do. Ali, in 2017 you were our Inspiration. To you we dedicate this year’s work, and may you continue to inspire and challenge your limits.




Table of contents
p.06
LWAH
p.08
RAISING THE BAR
p.24
REACHING OUT
p.30
FUN AND FUNDRAISING
p.44
CHAMPIONS’S CORNER
p.46
INSIDE STORY
p.48
OUR FAMILY
p.50
IN NUMBERS
p.52
Ways To Help
Challenge your limits 5


LWAH
The Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped (LWAH) is an ISO-certified non-governmental, not for profit organization founded in 1984, by Mrs. Randa Assi Berri and has special consultative status with the UN Economic & Social Council since the year 2000. LWAH has started providing social services for those in need through its head offices in Beirut. And in order to maximize the accessibility of its services, other centers were established in different areas of Lebanon. LWAH’s main center is Nabih Berri Rehabilitation Compound (NBRC), once a dream, now one of the largest most sophisticated rehabilitation centers in the Middle East.
Built over an area of 23,000m2, the NBRC offers comprehensive medical and rehabilitation services through a team of capable, professional and technology oriented practitioners to individuals with special needs. The Compound accommodates the latest in structural facilities ensuring an adequate and healthy atmosphere for the disabled.
fMission
LWAH aims to improve the quality of life for people with special needs and to enhance their dignity, independence and productivity.
Objectives • Provide full rehabilitation services to the disabled including physical rehabilitation, psychosocial, educational, occupational and
vocational rehabilitation.
• Ensure the process of the disabled’s social integration, promote and support their rights. • Provide primary healthcare services to disabled and non-disabled persons.
f6 Challenge your limits


Our work
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
· Specialized Clinics · Laboratory
· Imaging
REHABILITATION
· Physical Rehabilitation - Kinotherapy
- Electrotherapy
- Aquatherapy
· Occupational Therapy
· Multisensory Therapy
· Speech and Hearing Therapy · Psychotherapy
· Psychomotor Therapy
PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS
· Corrective Devices
· Medical Shoes
· Prosthetics
Centers
BEIRUT / HEAD OFFICE
Zoukak El-Blat,
Batrakiye Str., Arij Bldg. P.O.Box: 14-5011 Mazraa Beirut: 1105-2010 Lebanon T:9611374100|1|2
F: 961 1 374033
E: [email protected]
www.lwah.org.lb
SOCIAL PROGRAMS
. Early Intervention
. Family Support
. Technical Aids and Hygienic Items Provision
LWAH SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
· 290 Students with Special Needs, including students with physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, learning dificulties, autism and down syndrome
LWAH’S VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
· 1058 Students, for the academic year 2016-2017
VOCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
· Carpentery
· Sewing
·Art
· Carpet weaving
· Fashion accessories
SPORTS TEAMS
· Wheelchair Basketball
· Amputees Mini Football · Track & Field
SARAFAND / NABIH BERRI REHABILITATION COMPOUND (NBRC)
Sarafand | South Lebanon T: 07- 441010 | 07-441020 F: 07-441030
Baalbeck / Baalbeck Rehabilitation Center
Douris | Taadod Street T/F: 08-371512
To know more about LWAH, check our latest news: LWAH @lwahoficial #LWAHngo LWAH
Challenge your limits 7


RAISING THE BAR
SIR BOBBY CHARLTON’S CHARITY “FIND A BETTER WAY” SPONSORING LWAH LANDMINE SURVIVORS CLUB
To mark Mine Awareness Day, as declared by the United Nations on April 4, Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton’s charity Find A Better Way has signed a deal to become the principal shirt sponsor of LWAH’s Landmine Survivor Football Team.
LWAH’s Landmine Survivors Football Team was formed in 2005, and includes twenty players who have each lost one or more limbs to a blast from a landmine or explosive remnant of war (ERW). As there are no similar clubs in Lebanon or in nearby countries, the team usually competes against football teams with non-disabled players. They have won friendly games against UN units, embassy teams, local football clubs, teams from NGOs, and many more.
8 Challenge your limits
Find A Better Way, a charity founded by Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton in 2011, funds research into improved landmine detection, mine-risk education for children living in former conflict zones, and medical training and research to assist landmine blast survivors.
I’m extremely proud that the team will now be playing
matches with the Find A Better Way logo


Sir Bobby Charlton, who wore the team’s shirt and signed shirt keepsakes, commented on the sponsorship with powerful and motivating words: “It is truly an honour for Find A Better Way to be the shirt sponsor of the Lebanon Landmine Survivor Football Team. What these players have accomplished by simply forming a team, let alone competing and winning against teams of non-disabled players, is truly inspirational.
Challenge your limits 9
I’m extremely proud that the team will now be playing matches with the Find A Better Way logo on their shirts, and I am looking forward to deepening ties with the team and the LWAH in future.”


PLAYER PROFILE ffInspirational life story of Nazih Saab, a retired member of the lebanese armed forces who lost his leg saving two children wandering into a minefield.
fff10 Challenge your limits

RAISING THE BAR
before I could step out myself, a landmine explosed and I lost my right leg instantly, and my left leg was injured. I felt disrespect more so than I did feel pain. I felt my military uniform was to shield me from all harm, but that landmine disrespected it. That is how I
Nazih’s prosthetic leg features the Lebanese lag, it is as such to mark his bravery onadayhenow remembers with pride.
than many people my age.
I am now retired but I attend training workshops, through LWAH, to start my own small business.
Today, I don’t regret one bit entering that mine ield to save these two children. I look at my kids and I know I did the right thing. It was my pledge as a military man to protect my country
felt right there and then.
After that I greatly suffered between
hospitals and surgeries, in a long 4 months stay, during which I was gradually losing my mind. There was not much education, and no one was telling me I could lead a normal life. That I could have a prosthetic itting and I will be able to thrive and live.
After the prosthetic itting, I stayed in my job which helped me overcome some of the depression that was eating at
and countrymen. And that is exactly what I did. Today I am a dad of four. The incident seems too far. I am more accomplished and I belong, in addition to my blood family, to the LWAH landmine survivors team that is my second family. I love every other member as my brother. My children come very often to watch me play and they are the proudest kids. They are proud I am a winner at life and in football.
During my veteran years as a Lebanese Army member, and while in duty back in 1991, I was at my guard point when I noticed two little children entering a landmine marked zone while playing around. I got really scared for them and had to do everything to keep them safe. I followed them in. At that point I did not think whether or not I am endangering myself, as I had to save them. And I did, they were safe, but
me. But it was not before a while that I heard of the sports program at LWAH, and how I wish I had found out about it sooner, as it was the turning point in my life. I play wherever our coach asks me to play, especially in front rows, and I always put my whole heart to it as I do in everything since the day of the blast. I live every minute to the full and enjoy every moment. Football keeps me it and I know I do more
Challenge your limits 11


ffff12 Challengeyourlimits


NEW EQUIPMENT FOR LWAH
SPORTS CLUBS
2017, a year dedicated chiely to support disabled sports, marked a turning point for LWAH sports clubs, namely the Landmine Survivors Football Club and the Wheelchair Basketball Team. Champions from both teams were showcased as the main cause at LWAH’s Gala Dinner “keep Moving”. Their accomplishments were celebrated and their courage, strength and challenging abilities left people in awe.
LWAH’s Wheelchair Basketball Team wheelchairs were replaced by brand new QUICKIE all court, great quality sports wheelchair, maximizing and easing their play movements and techniques.
Simultaneously, LWAH Landmine Survivors Football Club, received their new clothing and training sets, their prosthetics underwent maintenance and those who needed new prosthetic legs were itted with new ones. They are granted the chance to Keep Moving every day, and they grant us the gift of their will and determination. They are our pride, our champions, and the very reason we can overcome disability and ind ability in the most dificult conditions.
HATS OFF TO THEM!


ffCLASSES EXPANSION AT LWAH SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
LWAH School of Excellence (LSE), fully licensed special education school under decree number 9402 on 30/11/2012. The school now receives 290 students in 32 classes, each accommodating no more than 10 students, and no more than 4 to 6 students in autism and early intervention classes.
However, and in light of the success of LSE, and as the number of students on waiting lists is growing, LWAH is expanding its school, and finishing works for 14 additional classes over an
classes, equipped with smart digital boards, and built to match International standards and in accordance with students’ needs, who follow up a tailored academic program similar in content to the official programs taught in regular schools. These classes are run by highly trained special educators who provide children with disabilities, with specific designed instructions and learning skills. They adapt and develop materials to match the special needs of each student, and use a variety of teaching strategies to ensure that students with disabilities reach their learning potential.
area of 1000 square meters that will eventually accommodate 140 additional students in the next academic years.
This expansion shall definitely give more opportunities to a larger number of students, especially that they have been waiting to enter LSE and there is currently zero capacity in existing classes. LSE receives students in fully accessible
their educational goals. They are welcomed as early as they are diagnosed before the age of 3 and until 18 years of age.
14 Challenge your limits
14 additional classes over an area of 1000 sqm
Students at LSE suffer from hearing disabilities, mild mental disability, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, Down syndrome or autism, and follow up in addition to their academic program, full individual rehabilitation protocols at LWAH’s rehabilitation center, and receive special assistance to academically excel and achieve


RAISING THE BAR
GRADUATE PROFILE
Nazek Bazzi, 18
Nazek is always hopeful and happy. With great will and determination, she had a dream and she made it happen.
LSE’s most popular former
student is a bright girl with
an angelic face that spreads
happiness wherever she
goes. She suffered from an
extreme high fever at the
age of seven that led her
to become epileptic with
developmental delay, which affected her psychological and intellectual functions. Her school could not adapt to her emerging condition and she was referred to LWAH special education school and was one of its very irst students. She
Congratulations Nazek, you will make a great beautician!
followed a thorough academic/rehabilitation program and excelled. She moved from grade to grade as smoothly as possible. She was always praised by her teachers and could follow her tailor-made developmental goals on point. She took part in different extracurricular activities, and loved music, dancing, painting, photography, theater and sports, and had a special place in her heart for activism and creativity. Through LSE she was pushed forward to express herself in every way she wants. She
was supported by her teachers and therapists to use her gift and talent to relect her inner beauty as well as her outer beauty. She graduated in 2017, a gracious young girl ready to conquer more dreams. She is currently completing a vocational training course to become a hair and makeup professional with a career that will make her a strong woman ready to face any challenges she might face.
LSE will forever hold a special place in her heart, as she will always be the school’s dear daughter. She still participates in school activities to motivate her younger peers to become their absolute best.
Challenge your limits 15


EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: NBRC’S ADVANCED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE
In sight of the advanced medical services it offers, and following thorough assessment of clinical procedures and processes, quality management and staff
capabilities, LWAH’s diagnostic and treatment department was accredited by the Ministry of Health as an Advanced Primary Healthcare Centre in South Lebanon.
Following this accreditation, LWAH committed to assist 721 families (3081 beneficiaries) of the poorest and most vulnerable in the three villages of Sarafand, Saksakiye and Adloun, specifically targeting children, pregnant women and elderly, and those suffering from chronic diseases, each within a specific protocol of intervention, including clinical, imaging and laboratory follow up, over a three years renewable period.
LWAH had already reached out and registered 90% of the targeted population and has intervened with 50% of those it had registered. The project is ongoing, and LWAH is already exceeding expectations.
LWAH currently has over 30 specialized clinics run by most renowned doctors with free of charge services for disabled persons and minimal fees for non-disabled. Specialties cover different areas including: Family Medicine, Physical Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Spasticity, Electro-Neurophysiological Diagnostic Unit, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Endocrinology, E.N.T., Urology, Cardiology, Epilepsy, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Hemato- Oncology, Pneumology, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Prenatal Diagnostics of Fetal Abnormalities, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dental Care, Medication Therapy and Management Unit, Metabolic Disorders, Nutrition and Family Planning.
16 Challenge your limits
OVER 30 SPECIALIZED CLINICS RUN BY MOST RENOWNED DOCTORS WITH FREE OF CHARGE SERVICES
fff

RAISING THE BAR
THE FIRST PARLIAMENTARY MEETING FOR LANDMINE SURVIVORS
Challenge your limits 17
represented by Parliament Member Michel Moussa, head of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, and in the presence of LWAH’s President Mrs. Randa Berri, LMAC’s Director Brigadier General Ziad Nasr, ten Parliament Members, representatives of foreign embassies, NGO committee members, and 100 landmine survivors who were seated in Parliament members seats.
A call of the application of
law 220/2000 and the ratification of the International Convention of Persons with Disabilities
LWAH discussed the right of employment and depicted the qualiications of persons with disabilities that can be equal to the qualiications of any other person and that they should be treated as such, and laid out the law articles that must be applied as soon as possible to relieve the injustice they have to live every day of their lives, and ease the sufferings of families of persons with disabilities.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the National Steering Committee for Mine Victim Assistance –of which LWAH is a member, and the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC), organized the First Parliamentary Meeting for Landmine Survivors in Lebanon, under the auspice of Speaker of the House Mr. Nabih Berri,
legislated in the year 2000, it is far from being applied. Rights included the right receive appropriate health and medical assistance, that of accessibility and rehabilitation, education, employment, accessible transport, habitat, taxes exemption and safety.
Landmine survivors recorded eight interventions. In each intervention, a representative landmine survivor selected from each group, discussed one of the rights of the disabled mentioned in the Lebanese law for the rights of persons with disabilities, Law 220/2000, that although it was drafted and
At the end of the meeting recommendations were issued to work towards the application of Law 220/2000 and the ratiication of the International Convention of Persons with Disabilities.


LIFE LESSONS
KICK START OF A COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION PROJECT FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN SOUTH LEBANON
In partnership with World Rehabilitation Fund (WRF), for the third time in a row, LWAH signed a new project contract, “Filling Assistance Gaps in Basic Rehabilitation Services for Syrian Refugees with Disabilities and their Peers in Host Communities in Lebanon”. This project is meant to build on previous projects and provide prosthetic and orthotics services and hearing aids to persons with disabilities in need, namely from the Syrian refugee population. It will also cover complementary needs, mainly related to assistive and technical aids. The project shall also cover the cost of post fitting physical or occupational therapy, including home based therapy sessions.
The project shall reach out to the most vulnerable who have no access to available service providers and have little to no understanding of disabled rights.
A mother’s unconditional love is worth a thousand therapies
Through LWAH’s day to day work within close by communities, collecting data on the realities and needs of persons with disabilities, we met Hakem -a Syrian disabled child who suffers from cerebral palsy, epilepsy and difficult hearing.
We closely worked with Hakem and his family, who have come to benefit from WRF project, “Filling Assistance Gaps in Basic Rehabilitation Services for Syrian Refugees and Their Peers in Host Communities in Lebanon”. Thus, he was provided free of charge physical therapy sessions, had a hearing aid fitted, and he will eventually receive needed corrective devices.
The hero in the story is Nadia, Hakem’s mother. Despite her drastic living conditions and extremely difficult economic situation, Nadia tries hard, every day, since the birth of her son, to provide for him and answer his several needs, especially those related to rehabilitation. She would do anything and everything to see her child thriving and developing before her eyes, and we were definitely impressed by her dedication and her determination to better understand and educate herself about her son’s disability. She also enrolled in the psychosocial support group for disabled persons’ caregivers at LWAH.
fffffNadia gave us a lesson on mothers’ unconditional love, on patience and the importance of continued learning, but also on the efforts and hard work one needs to put in order to achieve success. We saw firsthand that her vision of disability is not one of weakness but of strength. She could transform pain into hope, heartache into a challenge for change... This mother is the ultimate image of motherly love and sacrifice.
And her story is one of many ahead...
18 Challenge your limits
ff

RAISING THE BAR
INTENSIVE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH
LWAH has recently signed a
contract with the Lebanese
Association for Development
(Al-Majmoua) to target 30 underprivileged youth in areas of South Lebanon who have dropped out from mainstream academic or vocational education, with no career opportunities and no speciic certiied skills, and offer them capacity building opportunities through accredited tailormade vocational training courses.
CLASS OF 2016 GRADUATION OF SARAFAND VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
As every year, and with a growing number of registered students, LWAH’s Sarafand Vocational Training Institute organized a graduation ceremony for 363 students who fulilled their requirements for BT, TS and LT degrees in ields of nursing, special education, hotel management, accounting and others. Students received their certiicates and are now ready to enter the working force, making an independent living for themselves.
Thus, and within this framework, LWAH conducted two 84 hours vocational training courses, each targeting 15 youth – male and female, in Jewelry Design and Photography. Courses were completed at the end of 2017, and successful students shall be selected to be rewarded by Al-Majmoua to start their own small businesses.
Challenge your limits 19
Selected youth were both disabled and non-disabled and have religiously attended classes and will graduate with certiicates from the Ministry of Education, as this will hopefully be the right irst step towards a brighter more productive future.


THE WORKFORCE BY LWAH:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A REALITY
“The Workforce” program launched in December 2016, was a first step towards fulfilling the right of employment for persons with special needs, bridging the gap between them and the public and private sectors. It had, since then, granted eighteen job opportunities to eighteen persons with disabilities looking for a possibility to change their lives. It was no easy ride as it took much awareness raising at the workplace level with different private companies and businesses as well as public offices. However, their willingness to take on their share of responsibility towards fellow citizens, and their belief in their qualifications, in addition to the trust they put in LWAH was really priceless. LWAH is always grateful for the partnerships it is building through this initiative, and together with these businesses, it works hard for equal employment opportunities. Biggest thanks goes to their social responsibility, antidiscrimination and faith and belief in the power of turning disability into ability. Eighteen lives have changed. Eighteen persons have found their long sought autonomy and self-productivity. Eighteen families are a lot more hopeful, and many persons with disabilities are more confident that they have a chance at equal employment.
20 Challenge your limits
fffff

A physically disabled clerk at MOSA’s Social Development Center – Saksakiyeh
A hearing
A physically disabled accountant at Lendario Restaurant
Two physically disabled persons at the Phoenix Forum for Arab Youth –An accountant and a receptionist
Two physically disabled teachers at Sarafand Vocational Institute
A hearing disabled hairdresser at Hamassat Beauty Salon
Four physically disabled persons were employed by Tawfeer Supermarket in different positions, each according to their expertise –Two cashiers, a supervisor and a department manager
disabled jeweler at Makki Jewelry
A physically disabled cashier at Al-Janub Market
impaired receptionist at LWAH
A visually
disabled jeweler at Loay Jewelry
RAISING THE BAR
Challenge your limits 21
A physically disabled tailor at Lina Couture
A visually impaired receptionist at Chkif Union of Municipalities
A physically disabled cashier at Rammal Supermarket
A hearing
Employements
“The Workforce”
initiative
continues
and hopes
foradditional
success in the
coming years.
IF YOU ARE A JOB SEEKER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:
• Head to one of The Workforce ofices at LWAH and create an employee proile or upload your CV on The Workforce website (www.theworkforcebylwah.com)
• Check the available job vacancies
• Advertise available vacancies through The Workforce ofices or post them on the program’s website (www.theworkforcebylwah. com)
• Get referrals for potential candidates
• Apply for relevant vacancies •Enrollinavailablecapacitybuildingtrainingsandworkshops
IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER:
• Beneit from tax exemptions related to the employment of persons with special needs
• Fulill your social responsibility goals


WHERE EDUCATION MEETS REHABILITATION
The NBRC annually receives a large number of students in its special education school, its vocational training centre and its rehabilitation workshops.
290
students enrolled in LWAH School of Excellence.
1058
69
students attended vocational training courses in cooperation with the National Institute of Employment.
fstudents
enrolled
in LWAH’s vocational training centre.
LWAH’s departments receive students from different universities, for training, internships and research, in its rehabilitation centres in South Lebanon and Baalbeck. In 2017, interns were distributed as follows:
Université Saint Joseph
. 5 interns at the Psychomotor Therapy Department
Lebanese University
. 8 interns at the Occupational Therapy Department
. 35 interns at the Physical Therapy Department
. 1 intern at the Speech Therapy Department
. 1 intern at LWAH School of Excellence
. 1 intern at LWAH Clinics
. 1 intern at the Telecommunications Department
Phoenicia University
. 38 interns at the Speech Therapy Department
. 4 interns at LWAH School of Excellence
Lebanese German University
. 14 interns at the Physical Therapy Department
Lebanese American University
.1 intern at LWAH’s Laboratory
22 Challenge your limits


RAISING THE BAR
LSE MOM WINS IDEAL MOTHER AWARD FOR LEBANON
Mommy Nancy Tannous, head of the parents’ committee at LWAH School of Excellence, won the Ideal Mother Award for Lebanon!
Nancy, mom of Celine, was nominated by LWAH to participate in the Ideal Mother Award competition, organized by Al Kharai Activity Kids Centre and held in Kuwait, to honor the mothers of children with disabilities. She was selected to receive the Ideal
Mother Award for Intellectual Disabilities, along nineteen other moms from different Arab countries.
Nancy’s winning gives LSE, and every mom at the school, a lot of pride.
Challenge your limits 23


REACHING OUT
f24 Challenge your limits


LWAH WELCOMES “FOLLOW THE WOMEN – PEDAL FOR PEACE”
LWAH was happy to receive 120 cycling women from all over the world on a mission for peace! “Follow the Women” “Pedal for Peace” and “Cycle for Peace” all joined in for an amazing tour around our beautiful Lebanon spreading peace and showing their home countries that it is safe to enjoy and love Lebanon. The women visited our rehabilitation center where we share the mission of spreading peace and love, interacting with the patients and our team. There were deinitely many heartfelt moments and many women kept contact for future cooperation. This great event was organized by Beirut By Bike, founded by Mr. Jawad Sbeity, and had amazing impacts at the national level.
Spreading Peace and Love
Challenge your limits 25


AWARENESS...
As a Ministry of Health accredited primary healthcare facility, LWAH’s outpatient clinics receive disabled and non disabled patients in large numbers from all over Lebanon. Moreover, LWAH deeply believes in shared information and knowledge as being the best strategy to overcome much health related issues, and thus puts
much effort in awareness raising on the community level, creating in addition to prevention, adaptability means in issues mainly related, yet not limited, to disability, health, agriculture, mine risk education, etc...
fffIn 2017, awareness raising continued to expand, targeting additional communities and tackling new issues:
• Ongoing weekly disability awareness sessions in public and private schools. • Health related awareness sessions,
as part of the primary healthcare role
LWAH plays in the southern community.
• Lecture on chronic diseases
management and treatment.
• Lecture on healthy nutrition.
• Lecture on reproductive health.
• Lectures on breast cancer treatments, disease management and importance of early detection..
• Lecture on pediatric neurodevelopmental diseases.
• Lecture on autism.
• Lecture on the importance of vaccination.
• Lecture on diabetes causes, symptoms and treatment.
• Literacy campaign at the community level.
• Mine risk awareness sessions are ongoing in villages of South Lebanon. • Awareness sessions on the importance of volunteering.
• Series of lectures on disability and the importance of early detection, epilepsy, Alzheimer, depression, hearing disabilities, and many others.
Special thanks to our partners in awareness for sponsoring lectures and workshops:
Novartis – Merck – Menarini Group – Bayer – Novo Nordisk – AstraZeneca – Spimaco – Sanofi – Sanofi Pasteur – Pfizer – Pharmaline – Pharma Group – UPO – Iya Med – Nutricia – Orthocare – Bioteck Pharm – Tabuk Pharmaceuticals – Cipla – Promedz – Boehringer Inglheim
26 Challenge your limits


REACHING OUT
SCIENTIFIC MEETING
ON ARTHRITIS
As it deeply believes in the importance and impact of lessons learnt and sharing of expertise, LWAH always brings together specialists to discuss issues related to disability, rehabilitation and healthcare in order maximize beneit at the patients’ level. It always tackles new subjects of interest that would beneit both doctors and patients. In 2017 a scientiic meeting focused on arthritis was conducted with the support of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, since we are seeing an incremental increase in such cases. Diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation options were discussed closely following several case studies for best overview.
Challenge your limits 27


SEMINARS AND
WORKSHOPS
LWAH understands the importance of knowledge and information that workshops and seminars offer in building its team skills and abilities, rendering them much more efficient and competent. In 2017, LWAH sent different representatives from its different centers to attend workshops on the national, regional and international levels, covering issues related to disability, child protection, health subjects and many other issues of concern.
It also closely partnered with Lebanese civil society organizations on different and diverse issues, mainly related to the welfare and protection of persons with special needs.
FOLLOW-UP AND COORDINATION
MEETINGS WITH AFFILIATES AND
OTHER LOCAL PARTNERS
LWAH maintains close coordination with local bodies and organizations, and attends meetings, seminars and workshops with affiliates, such as the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities, the Higher Council for Childhood, Young Men’s Christian Association, Lebanese Mine Action Center, and many others. Many of these partners currently focus on developing tools and strategies to assist Lebanese and refugee persons with disabilities, cover their needs and provide them with income generating activities and possible job opportunities.
LWAH AT THE SAGESSE UNIVERSITY
NGO FAIR
f28 Challenge your limits
As part of its community engagement, LWAH always participates in different NGO fairs in different universities around Lebanon and thus was present at the Sagesse University NGO fair for the second year, on May 18, 2017. Students visited LWAH’s booth and were acquainted with the work it does turning disability into ability.
In fact it is very important to educate young students on the role of civil society and the importance of charitable and humanitarian work in the building of any society. It’s crucial for a better future and LWAH is proud to be part of such awareness raising.


REACHING OUT
VISITORS AND DELEGATIONS
LWAH receives multiple delegations at its rehabilitation center, all of whom leave amazed by the quality and comprehensiveness of services offered, and fascinated by patients’ satisfaction, high spirits and dignity we always strive to protect. It received among many others university students from different universities including Nursing students from the American University of Beirut, Occupational
Therapy students from the Lebanese University and students from Phoenicia University.
It also received ambassadors, organization delegations from Iraq, Egypt and other Arab countries to discuss the possibility of cooperation in startup rehabilitation models back home.
It namely received the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Ms. Sigrid Kaag accompanied by the head of European Union Delegation to Lebanon, Ambassador Christina Lassen to tour LWAH’s Rehabilitation Center. It also received the Chinese Ambassador in Lebanon H.E. Mr. Wang Kejian, as well as multiple municipalities to engage them in the Workforce project.
LWAH will continue spreading awareness among oficials, decision makers and different stakeholders.
Challenge your limits 29


FUN AND FUNDRAISING
KEEP MOVING
....Michel Fadel
Michel Fadel’s performance was so memorable and so beautiful. He and his band entertained guests for over 40 minutes with amazing piano playing and moving tunes. He was totally in line with the night’s stunning energy.
With her amazing voice and romantic attitude, Soumaya Baalbalki has definitely brought a different taste to our Gala night. She was mesmerizing, singing Fayruz, Warda, Umm Kulthum and many more...
Soumaya Baalbaki
30 Challenge your limits
ABLACK BUZZING GALA NIGHT
AND WHITE


Keep moving and never stop before you reach your utmost potential.
At LWAH we believe in hidden abilities that no disability can limit or eliminate. Persons with disabilities have long proven they are capable of outstanding accomplishments when given the right opportunity and support.
And as it never fails to do so, LWAH’s community stood together to make sure that support becomes available, that our sportsmen and women can keep moving and challenging their limits. They are heroes and rightfully so.
Challenge your limits 31


On an amazing energized February night, prominent Lebanese figures, LWAH’s supporters and friends gathered to celebrate and support LWAH sports teams, and meet the evening’s guest of Honor Lebanese British Paralympic Medalist Ali Jawad that touched each and every person with his amazing spirit and unstoppable energy.
A man who has fought his battle focusing on one thing alone: to become the greatest, and he absolutely won hearts that night. Guests enjoyed amazing performances by the multitalented musician Michel Fadel and the magical voice of Soumayya Baalbaki. The black and white distinctive event was a masterpiece décor organized by the one and only Ziad Raphael Nassar, whose creative touch added elegance and neatness to the year’s event that was presented by the charming Zeina Fayad.
Big thanks to our sponsors Beirut Duty Free, Finance Bank and Axa Middle East.
We believe in hidden
abilities that no disability can limit or eliminate
32 Challenge your limits


FUN AND FUNDRAISING
Thank you to gift donors Paolo Bongia, Tufenkjian, Kabalan Home, Nader Saab, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Lancôme, Tamer Holding, Arthur Murray, Blom Bank, Barakat Travel, Manasseh, Waw Design, Daher Home, Jane Nassar Institute and SMLC/Pepsi.
Challenge your limits 33


34 Challenge your limits
Born without legs in Lebanon in 1989, his parents knew it would be impossible for him to have life opportunities in his home country that was already war-torn. They wanted him to have a future, thus they fled Lebanon when he was just 6 months old, to start a new life in Tottenham, North London, giving Ali and his siblings a chance for a better life. Ali was not just any kid, he was sports driven from a very young age, showing tenacity and perseverance at every chance he gets. At sixteen, he was spotted at the Gym for lifting incredible weights, and thus started a serious training routine to maintain and improve his gift, which led him to
ALI JAWAD
qualify to represent Great Britain in different international venues. He participated in the world powerlifting championships in South Korea, then in the Paralympic games in Beijing in 2008 when he was just nineteen years old. But he got sick and eventually finished ninth.
Back home he was diagnosed with Chrohn’s disease and had to undergo life threatening procedures and retire from sports indefinitely. But Ali could not give up, he lived for the games and he believed he could be the greatest. Despite family and doctors’ objection, as they presumed he will never come back with a medal due to his medical and physical conditions, he still qualified to the London games and came back fourth. Recently he achieved his personal best and won the silver medal at the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016.
Ali overcame many obstacles. He challenged his limits, and his wildest dreams did finally come true. He is an inspiration... And he did not fail to inspire our guests with his words and charismatic presence. He had a message to send to everyone and that is that they should “always keep dreaming, always keep believing, and no matter what hurdles get in your way, please don’t give up, eventually you will achieve everything you have ever dreamt off.”


Challenge your limits 35
FUN AND FUNDRAISING


The amazing work of event planner Ghada Blanco transported our guests on a traditional journey outside in a fascinating setup at the Coral Beach Hotel Beirut on June 10, 2017.
fLWAH ANNUAL
SUHOUR
A summer outdoor breeze, a street market, traditional items, colorful tablecloths, amazing food, and a true Ramadan evening and you have the best Suhoor night yet!
The evening, as in previous years, featured one of LWAH’s most heartfelt success stories, that is the story of Sara (4), a charismatic young girl, who despite her innocence and young age, had to go through unimaginable pain. But eventually with the support of LWAH and the dedication of physical and occupational therapists she came back to life,
36 Challenge your limits


happier and stronger.
At just 3 years old, Sara suffered from extremely high fever and was diagnosed with meningitis, and lost the ability of movement and speech. It was fear that irst built in, that this will be her reality forever, but when referred to LWAH’s rehabilitation center, hope was regained, and Sara did make it back because she deserved life.
FUN AND FUNDRAISING
With the support of LWAH, she came back to life, happier and stronger
Challenge your limits 37


Following a short video on her case, Sara joined LWAH’s president, Mrs. Randa Berri, on stage and thanked guests for their support and belief in LWAH. A belief that gave Sara the chance to be herself again.
ff38 Challenge your limits


FUN AND FUNDRAISING
the city of amazing traditional chants.
All traditional suhoor foods and Ramadan lavors and sweets were available and decorated through the market in eye illing manners.
The Suhoor also featured a great performance by the regionally respected Syrian artist and singer Safwan Abed, coming from Aleppo
The most enjoyable suhoor in all of Beirut indeed!
Challenge your limits 39


PAINTING ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE: ART EXHIBITION
On a cosy December afternoon, fifty LSE special talented kids gathered to paint around a big Christmas tree. They painted along with our guests and their kids and mingled with the crowd. They were especially ecstatic after the arrival of Santa and his elf, distributing candy and dancing around. The event mainly featured the students yearlong work within LSE’s art therapy program, in a neatly arranged exhibition
40 Challenge your limits


FUN AND FUNDRAISING
of 200 paintings, divided between oil on canvas and acrylic on canvas, acrylic on paper and gouache. They featured scenery, portraits, abstract, and other beautiful subjects that attracted guests who were fascinated by our young talents. There was one masterpiece up for silent auction, and paintings sold out fast.
Challenge your limits 41


ARTIST PROFILE
Dreams up there...
Acrylic on Canvas
The beautiful details and color qualities in this painting reflect Hussein’s attention and reveal his fascination with Pixar’s movie “Up”, a personal favorite, that led him to strengthen his belief that dreams need to be chased and you need to follow them wherever they may be found. He is a dreamer and “Dreams up there...”, is the work closest to his heart.
42 Challenge your limits
Hussein Mazloum, 16
A very young Hussein had one big challenge to overcome, so big for his little years that he could drown in it. He had learning difficulties, and could not master the skills of reading and writing. He failed to meet both academic and social expectations and was condemned to feel inferior to his peers. He always thought to be a disappointment to his parents and teachers and lost confidence in himself and in his character.
fHis disability was not apparent but it was there. Ignoring it did not help, he suffered from depression and battled with isolation. He showed aggressive behavior that needed to be acknowledged immediately.
Soon enough the family was referred to the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped (LWAH), where his diagnosis was confirmed. He enrolled in LWAH School of Excellence (LSE), and followed an individual academic/rehabilitation protocol, under the supervision of occupational, psychomotor and speech
therapists. He developed on multiple levels and showed excellent progress early on. This progress immediately reflected on his personality. As he mastered reading and writing, he had increased self-confidence and became much more sociable.
LWAH also sculpted Hussein’s talents and created opportunities to showcase his unique skills and techniques. Hussein was very fond of art therapy classes and he has produced amazing paintings that were featured in 3 years painting exhibitions, including Painting with the Stars 1 and 2, and the latest Painting Round the Christmas Tree.
fYet Painting remains a hobby and he plans to pursue vocational courses in hotel management and wants to become a Chef. Not so far from art after all...
One of his best paintings was sold in a silent auction.


FUN AND FUNDRAISING
LWAH also celebrated the International
Day of Persons with Disabilities, Child’s Day, Teacher’s
Day, World Down Syndrome Day, Mother’s Day, World Health Day, Independence Day and World Environment Day.
Challenge your limits 43
LWAH CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
CHILDREN IFTAR, A YEARLY
TRADITIONAL CELEBRATION
OF RAMADAN
LWAH organized an iftar for more than 250 children during the holy month of Ramadan. They enjoyed good food, play and a magic show. Gifts were distributed celebrating the month of giving.
There’s a different taste to the jolly month of December. It is no secret that it brings joy and happiness to everyone including administration, staff, students and beneiciaries. We strive to make it as fun as possible, especially for children, as they develop much better with play and joy. On the occasion of Christmas celebrations, vocational institute students prepared 50 bûches de noël that were distributed to 50 families of persons with disabilities, looking forward the joyful spirit of the season.
DRAWING SMILES ATLSE
Eb7ar organization representatives visited LSE and distributed 300 winter goodie bags for kids at LWAH School of Excellence (LSE), making children smile receiving their gifts.
LWAH SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE –
END OF YEAR CELEBRATION
LWAH organized an end of year celebration for students enrolled at LWAH School of Excellence (LSE), at the end of the academic year 2016-2017. Students entertained attendees with multiple performances, showcasing their talent, in special moments relecting on a yearlong commitment.
This initiative by Eb7ar is a way to keep these children warm through the winter. LWAH collaborates with such initiatives and believes in the impact these projects have on the community. It is solidarity and love and LSE is proud to be part of it.


CHAMPIONS’ CORNER
LWAH at the first edition of the West Asian Para Games 2017
LWAH sports teams qualified to participate, within a Lebanese paralympic athletes’ delegation, in the first edition of the West Asian Para Games 2017 that took place in the United Arab Emirates between 8 and 24 February 2017.
Besides the experience being one of a kind and the participation being a great step forward for disabled sports, the Lebanese delegation also came back with 12 medals, 2 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals and 5 Bronze Medals, of which LWAH had a big share of 6 medals, as follows:
1. Mohamed Shok ( Upper Limb Amputation )
Gold Medal in Long Jump Bronze Medal in 100m Sprint
2. Ali Srour ( Lower Limp Amputation )
Silver Medal in Javelin Silver Medal in Long Jump Silver Medal in Shot Put
3. Moustapha Khayreddine ( Wheelchair )
Bronze Medal in Shot Put
Everyone at LWAH is proud and looking forward to upcoming games!
LWAH’S
WHEELCHAIR
BASKETBALL TEAM
ffIN DIFFERENT
PARTICIPATIONS LWAH’s wheelchair basketball
team participates in different local and regional sports tournaments and achieves great results in wheelchair basketball and table tennis, showing great strength and dedication. Players Ahmad Abou Hashem and Moustafa Khayreddine came first and third in the 2017
Lebanese Table Tennis Championship.
The team also won a friendly game against the Syrian Wheelchair Basketball National Team at the President Michel Sleiman Sports Village. The game was preceded by a basketball game performance between LWAH’s team members and non-disabled players.
The team was also invited to show off their skilled play techniques in a show game
during the final game of the
Henri Chalhoub Basket Ball
Tournament at Chiyah Sports
Forum and at the Ghobeiry
Municiaplity Sports Center
on the occasion of the
International Day of Persons
with Disabilities. They totally
impressed!
44 Challenge your limits
fff

In the event of activities raising awreness on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, LWAH’s Landmine Survivors Mini Football Team participated in a friendly football game with the Lebanese University Football Team in Ansar under the patronage of the National Mine Risk Education Steering Committee, in the presence of the Lebanese University President Dr. Fouad Ayoub. LWAH lost the game but remains determined to win many more to come, and is very proud of the awareness message it is spreading. They also played many friendly games with different abled bodies teams and
LWAH LANDMINE SURVIVORS’ MINI
FOOTBALL TEAM ON THE OCCASION OF
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES
On the occasion of the International
Day for Mine Risk Awareness and
Assistance in Mine Action, LWAH
Landmine Survivors Football Team
played in a friendly match Vs
L’Association Libanaise de la Presse
Sportive (ALPS). Such initiative
comes to shed light on the issue
of landmine and cluster munitions
in Lebanon, raising awareness and
proving that turning disability into
ability is deinitely possible. It is also
a celebration of legend Sir Bobby
Charlton’s charity Find A Better Way
sponsoring the team’s shirt. It was an
exciting game to watch and inished with a 4-4 draw!
LWAH AT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2017
LWAH LANDMINE SURVIVORS’ MINI FOOTBALL TEAM IN DIFFERENT PARTICIPATIONS
participated in traditional games competitions and achieved great results.
Team members certainly continue to impress, spreading a message of strength, every time.
Challenge your limits 45
LWAH participated in the Beirut International Marathon 2017, and its landmine survivors and wheelchair teams ran the marathon, proving time and time again that with will and commitment, achievement is possible!
LWAH’s landmine survivors team also participated in the Independence Tyre Half Marathon and they guaranteed the irst 3 places. Furthermore, Wheelchair player Youssef El-Mawla participated in multiple marathons including Saida Marathon (21Km) and Tripoli Marathon (21 Km) and came irst in both in
Frist 3 places in 10Km - Amputee Category went to:
1- Ibrahim Nehme 2- Sleiman Jam
3- Mohamed El-Hajj
Youssef El-Mawla also made it irst in the 42Km - Standard Wheelchair Category.
the standard wheelchair category. He came second in the same category in Tripoli Marathon (10Km) and Interiror Security Forces Marathon.


INSIDE STORY
46 Challenge your limits ..ffff....

Challenge your limits 47
Yehya
“Flower Power” and the power
Yehya was always popular
among students, restaurants of love. and pubs goers in Beirut. He was always greeting everyone with a smile and a rose, bringing hearts closer and drawing smiles with his endearing humor. He has become part of the Beirut scenery and could overcome his disability making a living for himself and his family out of
selling lowers to a mostly generous crowd.
We at LWAH, have known Yehya since he was a teenager, as a person with disability. We tried our best to offer him the needed support. But when life challenged him once again with cancer, this time, we believed that it is only fair that Yehya gets the best treatment available, since he has already paid his heavy dues in a life he had strongly lived and challenged.
We pledged to cover all expenses for Yehya’s treatment at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre (AUBMC), and we launched a social media campaign on his behalf to cover chemotherapy treatments following a conirmed leukemia diagnosis. We were positively surprised with the amount of love, support and prayers Yehya received, and a lot of people stepped up to inancially help Yehya win his hardest battle. US $20350 in donations, in a 2 months short period, are the proof that human kindness prevails. His treatment journey cost around US $32630, including testing, chemotherapy and medication, and LWAH committed to cover the balance. Yehya is cancer free today. He is a proud survivor, deinitely because of the power of love.
His cancer journey may be over, but he still challenges disability and treatment complications every day. He is back doing what he lives for.
Spot “Flower Power” in Beirut, and buy a rose for your loved one, and the power of love will be paid forward.


OUR FAMILY
MY STORY
My biggest goal is to
challenge my limits
But then I grew older, I started to see the difference between me and other children. I see them complete and perfect, and I see myself as the disabled, the one who deserves to be pitied and left alone. I almost fell to it. I almost withdrew, but I chose otherwise. Every day became a fight to be accepted, a fight to show that I am able, a fight to accept failures that will change me into a winner. Life also gave me patience and trust in God and in my family who would motivate me every step of the way. And I decided that I actually deserve to live. That my disability is just a detail. That I can overcome everything I set my mind to.
fffELIE TANNOUS
ffffLife definitely works in mysterious ways. It challenges us when we least expect it, and with the burdens it brings, it does not forgo to empower with strength, courage and unparalleled patience.
I was my parents challenge. They could not imagine that after nine months of nurturing and developing in my mother’s warm and protective womb, I would be born missing one hand. The happiness they shared for my arrival was also missing, but they chose to be responsible for me, they loved me for who I am and they never made me feel any less. I was granted a lot to be thankful for, understanding and loving parents.
f48 Challenge your limits
And I did. I studied landscape engineering and graduated top of my class. I was proud and hopeful, but there and then I was challenged again. The world was no more my loving family and supportive college. I became discriminated against. I
f

34
5
Administrative Staff
Nurses
46
40
Doctors
Teachers
I actually volunteered for a while before I made myself indispensable and I was offered the position of Administrative Coordinator at the Psychomotor Therapy Department, as well as a prosthetic arm to replace my missing limb. I was given a lot of conidence and trust in my endeavors. I found respect and I worked my heart off to give the best of myself and my skills to the job. I pursued my studies and received a certiicate in coding health related data so I can better adhere to job speciications.
could not ind a job, as no one wants the guy without a hand, he will be an obstacle to fast and effective worklow.
I silently kept searching for an opportunity to prove my qualiications and commitment, and after being denied all possible chances, I wanted to do something with my time. I wanted to be productive and I thought I would help people who suffer from disabilities just like me. I wanted a meaning to my life, and so I went to volunteer at LWAH. I did not know that it is where I will feel like home and I will ind enough support to start a career and eventually make all my hopes come true.
At LWAH my journey moved from silence and suffering to strength and determination. I stepped on my low self-esteem and found the resilient in me. I reconnected with the ighter in me and fought my way through to become two years later someone I am very proud of.
37
Therapists
31
Challenge your limits 49
I am now an accomplished 23 years old with a lot to look forward to. I feel complete for the irst time in my life. My biggest goal is to challenge my limits, and to never underestimate myself or the faith God has put in me. LWAH has become a light that guides me through those challenges, and for their trust, I will never stop.
Our Team
Volunteers


IN NUMBERS
14,067
Non- Disabled
Registered cases at LWAH Clinics for consultations, follow-up and vaccination
8,790
Disabled
607
Non- Disabled
Physiotherapy Patients
638
Disabled
245
Non- Disabled
Underwent Evaluation Tests including TOVA, IQ and CAT
35
Disabled
357
Non- Disabled
Speech Therapy Patients
320
Disabled
268
Non- Disabled
Psychomotor Therapy Patients
317
Disabled
2,876
Non- Disabled
Laboratory Visits
976
Disabled
308
Non- Disabled
Hearing Therapy Patients
339
Disabled
222
Non- Disabled
Occupational Therapy Patients
485
Disabled
1,838
Non- Disabled
Imaging Services including X-Ray, Ultrasound and Mammography
471
Disabled
336
Non- Disabled
Psychotherapy Patients
246
Disabled
52
Non- Disabled
Received Prosthetics and Orthotic Devices
304
Disabled
1,184 Electrograms for Disabled and Non-Disabled including Diagnostic Procedures like EKG, EMG, EEG, BERA and Audiograms
50 Challenge your limits LWAH provides a wide range of social and medical services in its different centers, including LWAH’s rehabilitation center, Beirut and Baalbeck centers. There was a 10.71% increase in provided services between 2017 and 2016.