Home of Hope: "making a difference one child at a time"

"The emphasis...in enabling occupational justice is on working with communities and populations, recognizing that an occupation justice practice may begin with individuals" 
(Whiteford & Townsens, 2011, p. 71).



Center for Early Intervention on Deafness
has Pioneered a Radical Approach to Solving the Problems of Deafness

Center for Early Intervention on Deafness (CEID) began San Francisco in 1980, in the basement of a church. What deaf children faced then in the United States was very similar to what deaf children in India are facing today. It was referred to as the 'invisible handicap. Young children are eager to learn and socialize with friends and family, but when they don't hear normally, their interactions and abilities can be compromised. Even children with a slight hearing loss, or hearing loss on only one side, often fail a grade in elementary school with a long-lasting cost to the child. By identifying a loss early, and providing teachers and parents with information and support, we can reverse those trends. Read more... 

"I want to join the Army!"

Chetan was barely 5 years old when he was brought to the Chaya Devi Orphanage in 2001. He had lost his entire family in a fire. Chetan suffered 90 percent burns all over his body and his left hand was reduced to a stub. His eyes appeared to have a HAUNTED and HOPELESS expresion. 

Chetan would have been subject to the life of a beggar if he had not been rescued by Chaya Devi Ashram. Today Chetan is in the 5th grade and has earned the distinction of receiving 90% or higher in his subjects. He has accquired excellent computer skills. During her most recent visit Dr Sabharwal asked Chetan what he aspires to become when he grows up. His answer took every one by surprise “I WANT TO JOIN THE ARMY!”. What a validation for the work of HOH - empowering children like Chetan with HOPE for a brighter future !
Learn more...


1. Do you envision yourself "enabling occupational justice" after reading these articles, and if so, how?
2. Have you ever considered going on a volunteer or mission trip to address occupational injustice issues?

References

Home of Hope, Inc. (http://www.hohinc.org/)
Whitford, G. & Townsend, E. (2011). Participatory Occupational Justice Framework (POJF 2010): enabling occupational participation and inclusion. In F. Kronenberg, N. Polland & D. SSakellariou (Eds.), Occupational Therapies Without Borders Volume 2 (65-84). London: Elsevier.