19/05/2026
When a child has a disability, grandparents often carry a quiet weight that few speak about.
They witness the struggles of their own children as parents, while navigating their own fears, hopes, grief, and love for a grandchild with disabilities. Many carry this responsibility silently, without spaces designed specifically for them.
Yet one of the most powerful forms of support is often the simplest: meeting someone who understands your reality without explanation.
This month, The Family Support Center, Shalva launched a new series of gatherings dedicated to grandparents, creating space not only for guidance and learning, but for something equally important: peer-to-peer connection.
A place where grandparents can meet others facing similar experiences. Share concerns. Exchange advice. Speak openly. And perhaps most importantly, realize they are not alone.
The first gathering began with a tour of the Shalva National Center led by Sophie Weiss, exploring the story of Kalman and Malki Samuels and the vision that transformed one family’s experience into a world-leading model of disability care and inclusion.
The evening continued with facilitated discussion circles for men and women led by social worker Nurit Siman Tov, allowing honest conversations around fears, challenges, resilience, and hope.
By the end of the evening, participants expressed gratitude, not only for the opportunity to learn, but for the chance to connect with others who truly understand their journey.
At Shalva, we believe supporting a child with disabilities means supporting the entire family. Our holistic approach recognizes that when parents, siblings, and grandparents receive emotional support, community, and practical tools, the impact reaches far beyond them, strengthening the environment surrounding the child and ultimately supporting the child’s wellbeing, confidence, and development.
Because no grandparent should have to navigate this path alone. And because when families are supported, children thrive. 💜
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