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MAKING WAVES AT ISRAEL’S PARLIAMENT
Toward the end of 2015, our national leadership group of adults with intellectual disabilities ascended
the Knesset to present a position paper on proposed changes to the Guardianship Law. The group
studied the topic and continues to participate in the Social Affairs Committee's meetings. This inclusive
approach to advocacy ensures that people with intellectual disabilities are having a say in policies that
affect their quality of life. “We could see there are people in politics who listen”’ said David, a member
of the group. “We can say ‘THAT isn’t good for us’. We can say ‘I don’t agree with you’. We can bring
our viewpoint and it can be implemented into action”.
TREATING STRESS AND BREAKING STIGMA IN THE ARAB-ISRAELI SECTOR
93% of families of children with severe and complex disabilities in Israel need guidance and support
to cope with the unique stress they experience. These families are at high risk of family breakdown,
yet support is offered to only some 20%. In the Arab sector, stress can be exacerbated due to lack of
services, language barriers, difficult economic conditions, and the prevalence of stigma towards people
with disabilities. In 2015, Beit Issie Shapiro expanded its successful pilot program, which provides Arab
families in the Southern Triangle area in dire need with expert, culturally-sensitive guidance, counseling
and mentoring. The service-model helps them to cope with the complex challenges they face and to
make optimum use of the benefits and services they are entitled to. It also improves and strengthens
the various relationships among different family members, their extended family and their community.
ADVANCING DUAL DIAGNOSIS SERVICES
Beit Issie Shapiro established the first community-based clinic for people with a dual diagnosis of a
mental health condition and an intellectual disability. In July 2015, after a five-year campaign, our clinic
received official recognition from the Ministry of Health as a specialized medical service, paving the
way for the Israeli Healthcare Providers to contribute funding to our services. Leveraging Beit Issie
Shapiro expertise, this model is set to become a nationwide government-funded service, at long-last
ensuring that this most vulnerable population of people with dual diagnosis will be able to access high-
quality professional treatment in their own communities across the country.
Annual Report
| Pages 6-7