In Romania, the Star of Hope is working primarily with improving the situation of children with disabilities. This is done by providing support for daytime activities for children with disabilities and parents' groups. Star of Hope uses occupational therapists, physical therapists, special education teachers and other health professionals to make this possible. Children born with disabilities did not have a chance in Romania twenty years ago, they were put in mental institutions and left alone.
Today, 20 years into this program, there is still a social stigma in Romania about rehabilitating these special needs children. Star of Hope is also working actively thru the Romanian media to change public opinion and attitudes.
Star of Hope also is working to change the attitudes of health professionals and politicians toward disabled children.
The goal of Star of Hope's work in Romania is to improve the living conditions of children with disabilities by giving them a place where they are treated with love, understanding and respect. Also by strengthening the children's parents and teaching them the rights the children have actually been granted, and that these children can be an asset to society.
