The Independent Living Center (ILC) for children with special needs, registered at the Ministry of Social Affairs, is a nonprofit organization aimed at serving mentally and physically challenged children in Jeddah. ILC offers programs in three different languages (English, Urdu and Arabic) to cater to the needs of Saudi and non-Saudi students.
The center supports vulnerable young people in society such as those suffering from developmental delays, hyperactivity, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, all of which can affect their learning abilities.
“Our mission is to provide facilities hooked with positivity, conceptual learning, a care oriented atmosphere, treatment through multiple therapies and a firm grounding of mental productivity. In pursuit of achieving our vision, parents, students and the community work together in helping meet the requirements of our students,” ILC said in a statement.
“It is a part of our grand plan to use the best available educational techniques to assist all special needs children reach their full potential, and offer our services to less fortunate special needs children completely free of charge, God-willing, as it resonates with our motto: ‘Learning is the right of every child. Together we can make a difference.’”
ILC offers state-of-the-art classrooms with the latest in classroom equipment, teaching tools, and technology, including video projectors and smart boards.
ILC has several programs tailored to diverse needs.
Mainstream Preparation Program is designed to help special needs children make a smooth transition to community school; academics are supplemented by life skills education, targeted therapies, handwriting practice, problem-solving skills, phonics, vocabulary building, reading skills and more.
ILC’s academic programs are supplemented with: speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), life skills, swimming lessons, arts and crafts, and martial arts.
ILC has been accommodating a number of nonpaying students and those who are unable to afford to get the help they need. The center welcomes donations of any amount, clothes, toys, puzzles and story books that can aid the learning of nonpaying students. It also encourages educational/medical experts, social workers and volunteers to work with them as a form of community service.