Beit Issie Shapiro: An Inclusive Community Is an Improved Community

Thanks to your generous donations to the Annual Campaign, Federation is able to continue its support of Beit Issie Shapiro (BIS), an Israeli nonprofit organization focused on the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Today, about 120 children attend classes, therapy sessions, workshops and extracurricular activities at one of three BIS centers in Israel: the Aaron De Lowe Early Education Center in Ra’anana, the Sindian Early Intervention Center in Kalansua and the Special Education School in Ra’anana.

The children treated by BIS have a range of physical and intellectual disabilities and rare syndromes, all of which require a personalized treatment plan. BIS recognizes that caring for children with special needs is not only incredibly stressful, but also quite costly. Many of the families served are in difficult financial situations. BIS is committed to helping any and every child that comes to them. No child is ever turned away for inability to pay. In 2016, 40 families received subsidies to help them cover the costs of much-needed services.

The Federation partnership is far-reaching, helping to fund the variety of programs BIS offers. From mother-daughter therapeutic swim activities and a grandparents’ support group to accessible playgrounds and assistive iPad apps that provide increased opportunities for communication, independence and play, the BIS team has truly thought of everything to create an inclusive community.

Additionally, BIS has made its research widely available to the public. A booklet addressing the aging of people with disabilities and a recorded lecture on self-advocacy groups’ activities in legislative processes are just a couple of examples of the studies that have been made available.

For more information on Beit Issie Shapiro, click here. To learn about the other programs and agencies funded by the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign, click here.