In 1980, Beit Issie Shapiro launched a groundbreaking initiative in Israel by opening a small, community-based special education center in Ra’anana for 16 children with complex cognitive disabilities. Inspired by the vision of Issie Shapiro, a recent immigrant from South Africa, the project was led by his children following his death during a fundraising trip to the United States.
Now, 45 years later, the center marked a new milestone in disability inclusion for young children with the opening of its new Beit Raz campus.
In September, the campus will welcome 80 children — 40 with and 40 without disabilities — from infants to age 3 to its new inclusive mainstream daycare program at its new Early Intervention Center.
“This is a new model for the country that will foster emotional resilience, social connection and mutual respect among all children,” said Naomi Stuchiner, Beit Issie Shapiro’s founder.
Though the number of children in the mainstream daycare may seem small, the impact is significant, according to Sasha Weiss, a Beit Issie board chair and Issie Shapiro’s great niece. She noted that its operating model combines its therapy programs with research and global professional training to maximize its reach. The center’s advocacy and innovation has also helped establish 180 early intervention centers across Israel since its founding, Weiss said.
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