Israel Unlimited: A Groundbreaking Partnership to Aid Israelis with Disabilities
Computer lessons
Through a strategic partnership with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC-Israel) and the Israeli Government, the Ruderman Family Foundation is developing extensive community services for people with disabilities—especially adults with physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive disabilities, as well as individuals with chronic health problems that cause functional impairment.
There’s an important and increasing need for this new alliance, as the percentage of people with severe disabilities are on the rise. The number of adults with disabilities in Israel is 697,000 (17.9% of the population). Of these, 241,000 (6.2%) have severe disabilities, and 456,000 (11.7%) have moderate disabilities.
The goal of the partnership is to fully integrate these individuals into the community, while ensuring their maximum independence in everyday life. This will be achieved by creating and implementing unique programs and services to meet the needs of all Israelis with disabilities. Specific programs will be developed for a range of target groups, including those with multiple disabilities, the newly disabled, immigrants, and young adults with disabilities.
The addition of specialized programs will provide a huge window of opportunity, improving the lives of the countless Israelis living with disabilities.
Photos used with the kind permission of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, who retains all rights.
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