The Entrance Lobby

Each room in the Shalva Center is a small world unto itself that bears its own unique design. The kids feel at home from the moment they enter the space.  It is here that they  are warmly greeted by the staff and from where they depart after a day filled with enjoyable and enriching experiences. The spacious and colorful lobby overlooks the breathtaking view of the Jerusalem Forest.

Library and Playroom

In this room the children enjoy one-on-one or small group therapies. Sitting on sturdily constructed, colorful wooden chairs and tables, the youngsters enjoy an hour of therapy, story time or a game. The adjoining cabinets are stocked with materials and educational resources of therapeutic value.

Therapeutic Pool

The Hydrotherapy Center at Shalva was constructed especially for children with special needs and is equipped with state-of-the-art technological devices. The Center services hundreds of disabled babies, children and teenagers from all around the country. Under direct guidance from the professional team, the children learn to trust themselves, their bodies and the society around them.

Snoezelen - a Multi-Sensory room

The Snoezelen, a multi-sensory room, is part of the therapeutic zone that offers activities which combine relaxation and activities. It is a unique room designed to stimulate all the child's senses, motivating him to explore his environment through devices that encourage movement and awaken the senses of smell, touch, hearing and sight. The room's special design enhances a sense of security, induces relaxation and enables concentration and progress.

Music Room

Music has a special healing power that can help rehabilitate and improve the child's physical and mental health. Through structured activities like singing, listening, playing instruments and simulation exercises, many therapeutic goals can be achieved. These include learning communication skills, encouraging movement, better emotional development, improved social skills and coordination.
The music room is equipped with a large variety of instruments - each compatible with the respective therapy. In addition to regular music programming, this is also the rehearsal space for the Shalva Band.

The Physiotherapy and Movement Center

The Physiotherapy Center at Shalva enables participants to work on different types of motion in order to advance the functional skills that are so important for a child's development. The staff of physiotherapists invests many resources in constructing individual treatment plans for each toddler, taking into consideration the child's present status and previous developmental pace.  This plan incorporates goals that are based on professional potential-assessments. The quality of the program is very important for the child's progression toward personal independence and future integration into society.

The Auditorium - A Cultural Center

The Auditorium is used for special activities such as performances, parties, song and dance events and sports activities. It has a large and modern stage that is used by both the children and special guest entertainers.

The Storch Family Playground

The enclosed playground is outfitted with equipment that has been designed especially for children with special needs. It is here that they can enjoy their own private playing compound within a secure environment, under the supervision of professional instructors and volunteers.

Video Room

This cozy space is paneled in natural pine wood and makes for a perfect environment for young people to relax with friends while watching their favorite  videos and television shows. The video room ensures ample opportunity for developing essential social skills, so necessary for a child's progress.

The Feinstein Family Overnight Respite Center

The respite center operates all week long, enabling the children of the Afternoon Activity program to spend both one night away from  home every week and a two-night weekend away once a month as well. When a child learns physical skills such as face washing and teeth brushing, he gradually reduces his dependency on parents and other family members.  The family gets to rest and regain their energy.
The design of the individual rooms was inspired by fairy tales; each space is designed around a different story. Each bedroom is fully equipped to create a warm and homey atmosphere.

Dining Room

The architecture of the dining hall is designed to give the children the relaxation required for mealtime. The wood panelling on the walls, the murals with fairy tale motifs and the tranquil view of the Jerusalem Hills create a harmonious and soothing atmosphere, which encourages healthful eating - vital for children with special needs .

Shower Room

In this spacious room, decorated with illustrations of cheerful fantasy characters, the children acquire personal independence skills in the area of personal hygiene. Improved abilities in this essential area constitutes a foundation for normative living. Colorful shower rooms with separate entrances allow for privacy while showering and during the preparations before and after the shower. Hand-painted tiles featuring Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh ensure that even preparing for bed at Shalva is an enjoyable experience.

Computer Room - Therapy through Touch Screens

Through the use of special software and touch sensitive screens, Shalva professionals awaken a wide range of stimulations that assist developing communication skills, build both delicate motor skills and cognitive processes - all at the touch of a finger. Immersed in this unique environment, the child becomes the center of interactive activity.

Home Economics Kitchen

Cooking, baking, cutting vegetables, serving and cleaning - the Home Economics Kitchen is especially designed to help the children develop important skills for independent functioning. Food preparation involves endless opportunities to teach the children about sizes, shapes, colors and textures. It is also the perfect backdrop for teaching them delicate motor skills such as holding a knife and cutting carrots, preparing salad, kneading dough, baking cookies and eating the tasty output.