Social Change

We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We achieve this by:

  • Influencing policy and legislation
  • Promoting leadership and self-advocacy
  • Championing the values of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which emphasizes “Nothing About Us Without Us” – ensuring the voices of people with disabilities guide all efforts to maximize legal rights and matters affecting their opportunities within an inclusive society.

DID YOU KNOW?

Beit Issie Shapiro has served as Special Consultants to the United Nations since 2012.

Policy, Legislation, and Advocacy

For nearly three decades, we have led numerous legislative processes, resulting in amendments to 15 regulations, establishment of legal precedents, and impact on budgets, benefiting over 500,000 people with disabilities and their families annually across Israel.

We’ve also led coalitions and collaborations to drive policy change and implement UN Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities principles – respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy, and independence of persons with disabilities.

IMPACT

In 1982, Beit Issie Shapiro initiated the groundbreaking Early Intervention Center, transforming the landscape of support for infants with disabilities in Israel. Our advocacy for policy change led to the Early Intervention Law in 2000, guaranteeing early intervention for all children with disabilities. Now, over 170 centers, inspired by our model, empower countless families across the nation.

Leadership and Self-Advocacy

Our National Leadership Center for People with Disabilities represents a groundbreaking movement of 100+ young adults and adults with diverse disabilities. In these leadership groups, participants collaborate as social activists, creating tangible social change within Israel and on the global stage, collaborating with international peers, sharing knowledge, and influencing policy changes worldwide.

IMPACT

Two remarkable leaders, Tommy and Osnat, participants of our Leadership Center have been selected and now hold pivotal roles on Israel’s Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an advisory committee to Israel’s Knesset, overseen by Israel’s Ministry of Law.

Family Advancement Center

Located in Qalansuwa, our Family Advancement Center provides valuable assistance to Arabic-speaking families across Israel, empowering families through support groups for grandparents, siblings, and parents, all while fostering awareness and promoting disability inclusion in Arab society.

The Center also oversees a dedicated volunteer community at our Sindian Early Intervention Center in Qalansuwa, who serve as valuable ambassadors within the wider community.

After giving birth, I battled postpartum depression, making it tougher to address my son's developmental delays. Seeking support felt daunting at first, but a recommendation led me to connect with another mother through the Family Advancement Center's 'Parent to Parent' group. They showed me I wasn't alone and helped me find answers to my questions, empowering me to secure the support my son needs. He's thriving now, and I'm proud of his progress." - A new mother in the Parent-to-Parent support group.


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