Meet Omer
Omer has autism and studies in a special education class in Netanya. He has been with Imagine for the past 5 years. He started as a shy and introverted teenager who joined the afternoon programme because he wanted to play the guitar.
It took him a while to open up within the group but by the end of the first year he performed as a lead vocal and guitar in the end of year show and made 2 new friends.
His teacher was very excited by the progress he had made and convinced the head of the school to bring IMAGINE to the whole class and they worked with them for 2 years, during which time they performed for the school, performed on 2 occasions for audiences outside the school and even performed in the Knesset.
This made Omer very popular, and a kind of a “rock star” in the school and he was chosen for students' council of his class.
His parents couldn’t believe his progress and how much being part of ‘Imagine’ had transformed his life.
WHY CHOOSE IMAGINE?
Imagine offer an after school programme that runs for children at all levels of personal and musical ability with and without disabilities. The children with special needs vary with conditions such as autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, sensory and learning difficulties as well as various levels of physical disabilities. The participants work together through the course of the school year, to practice and perform in community centres, old-age homes and at community events. A strong and unique bond is formed between the children and it's such a beautiful experience to watch them interact and perform together.