PORTAGE IN KUWAIT

Portage was strongly represented at the first Arab Regional Conference of Rehabilitation and Second Gulf Conference in Medical Rehabilitation held in Kuwait City earlier this year. The successful development and delivery of Portage services by staff working at the Kuwait City Early Intervention Centre for Children with Special Needs during the last two years had stimulated considerable interest in the model. Mollie White spoke at the Conference and assisted by Saleema Sulaiman Head of the Centre and her staff, participated in the delivery of a Portage Workshop. Reports given on the positive response of local parents involved in the service and the enthusiasm of Centre staff for the model highlighted the central relationship underpinning good Portage practice.

The demand for Portage services has led to a considerable increase in the number of families receiving Portage - over 60 families are now involved. Plans to develop an independent, locally based workshop led by Centre staff and drawing on local case studies for illustration are a current priority which have important implications for the future of Portage in this area.