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            Shani,  an American-trained occupational  therapist , began her relationship with Yad Sarah  in 1984, when she was asked  for her professional assessment of what would be the most effective design and equipment for Yad Sarah's first  Resource, Exhibition and Guidance center .   The next day, she was approached with an offer for a job.

            Her title at Yad Sarah is Director of the  Resource, Guidance and Exhibition Center. She has at her fingertips catalogues of equipment and tools designed to assist the disabled, in addition to information regarding services available.  The exhibition facility she runs is open to the public and displays equipment for demonstration to would-be borrowers.

            "Families come to us with big problems and challenges and our goal is  that they receive tools to make their lives better.  Our aim is to make the process as positive and enjoyable as possible, " she says. (photo: demonstrating a simple but much needed tool to visiting youth).

            She broadcasts energy even sitting, leaning forward a bit in her chair as she speaks. When Shani is In the presence of a client,, she is all eyes and ears; nothing about what she does is half-hearted.  Her full attention is directed to the requirements and wishes of the person in front of her.  These being established, she goes into full swing, pointing out details and features of the item under discussion. 

            Shani's day starts with handling her correspondence;  e-mail, faxes, regular letters coming from outside, plus inter-office memos and proposals waiting for her inspection and approval.

 First  priority is evaluating requests for information  from families, professionals and volunteers, and acting on them.

            "It is not unusual," says Shani," to see me wandering the hallways of Yad Sarah with families in order to be sure they receive the proper equipment and individualized modifications.  I go from warehouse to workshop to the lending branch because families can get lost along the way."

            Her day is filled with one-on-one discussions with clients and suppliers. The atmosphere is one of pride in giving service to those who need it., and Shani points out that nothing could be accomplished without the help of volunteers in all departments. As she puts it:

            "Our volunteers are the strong backbone of all of the Yad Sarah departments—we could not give such good service to so many without them."

            Among the anecdotes that  Shari shared with me was this :  A mother of three girls, one of them severely disabled, came to Yad Sarah asking what could be done to help them. . The child, in early adolescence, was unable to walk;  She could, however, get around by crawling.

 The mother was no longer able to lift her into bed or the bathtub. Yad Sarah was able to lend them a hoist which enabled the mother to continue to care for the child.  The difference in their lives was immense.  This family could handle the disabled child with far less problem than heretofore.  

            There is no limit to what Shani will do in order to make sure that the people who come to Yad Sarah are given the best advice, service and. equipment.  It is clearly evident is that she loves her job.

  Marcella Wachtel. Jerusalem