Video-based guidance for parents/caregivers for optimal inclusion of children with disabilities

Israel Elwyn, based in Jerusalem, in collaboration with Bar-Ilan University, implemented the MISC-SR model, enhancing interactions for toddlers with disabilities. Between 2020 and 2023, MISC-SR positively impacted 350+ toddlers and parents.

Israel Elwyn is an NGO based in Jerusalem. Together with the Bar Ilan University, it initiated the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC-SR) model that focuses on supporting toddlers with disabilities to reinforce the interaction between parents/caregivers with the child through video analysis. Using MISC-SR, parents improve their communication with their children in every basic area. MISC-SR includes staff training and is funded by the government and donations. Between 2020 and 2023, MISC-SR improved the lives of over 350 toddlers and their parents.

Problems Targeted

Difficulty with self-regulation often means that children with disabilities are not available for play, learning, and communication.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

In 2020, Israel Elwyn implemented the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC-SR) model in collaboration with the Bar-Ilan University. MISC-SR addresses the difficulties children with disabilities have in controlling emotions and reactions and behaving in ways that support social interaction and learning. Using MISC-SR, the staff reinforces optimal parental/caregiver behaviour by analysing interaction videos with the child and by defining behaviours that enhance interactions with the child. For example, a therapist films ten minutes of parent-child play and shares it with the parent. This way they can detect if there is a slow response time of the child and if the parent understands the significance of this in various situations. Another example is when the therapist encourages a child’s action. The parent is shown via video where and how the child’s initiative was prompted so that this information can be used in the future. Early studies on the MISC model indicated a significant connection between the quality of mediated interaction between parents and children and the resulting cognitive and social-emotional development and functioning. In addition, therapists undergo in-depth training in MISC-SR work with parents and staff to create a parental guide with specific tools. Between 2020 and 2023, 350 toddlers have worked with MISC-SR.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Israel Elwyn and the implementation of the MISC-SR model are funded by donations and public funds such as governmental support. MISC-SR has been further scaled-up through the training of Israel Elwyn staff, including around 180 intervention programmes and a national clinical course for leading professional therapists. Israel Elwyn believes that the model can be replicated nationally and internationally and can be extended for different age groups. (Awardee 2024)

Pictures

MISC-SR supports children with disabilities to better control their emotions and reactions.

MISC-SR supports children with disabilities to better control their emotions and reactions.

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