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www.zeroproject.org
office@zeroproject.org
274 - SafetyNet, Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Israel
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ONTACT
Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
Ms. Avital Sandler-Loeff
Israel
www.jdc.org.IL avitals@jdc.orgO
VERALL GOAL
/
MISSION
People with disabilities are recognized as being that much more vulnerable in times of stress and emergency. The
challenges and difficulties that arise as a result of ongoing threat and instability, renders them to seek support and
assistance. Additionally, people with disabilities are exposed to many personal emergencies daily. If they had the
medium for seeking help and receiving assistance immediately, the support could be that much more beneficial and
long term. The Internet is a medium for providing people with disabilities immediate and on demand help, support and
friendship. It allows participants to use chat rooms to develop deep relationships, create support systems and seek
advice. Computer devices and smartphones are tools for interpersonal communication which reduces the limitations
that exist as a result of the disability and therefore minimizes the communication gap between the individual and the
extended world, the rest of the population, and professionals which can greatly improve the process of rehabilitation
and recovery. SafetyNet was developed to provide people with mental illness and developmental disabilities with a
sense of security during times of emergency and daily challenges.
T
HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
Israel Unlimited has developed an online and smartphone based medium for providing people with mentall illness and
developmental disabilities access to immediate support and assistance during times of high stress and emergency.
Using electronic devices, SafetyNet provides the members with 1) virtual and non-virtual peer-counselling opportunities,
(group chats, Facebook groups, WhatsApp conversations and social events) 2) professional assistance and support
related to emergencies and guest presentations and speakers on various topics.
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OUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED
:
I
SRAEL
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OUNTRY
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COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING
:
I
SRAEL
F
ACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE
The pilot program aimed to provide 120 people with mental illness with the right services and support within the
first year. With the outbreak of 2014 Operation "Protective Edge", within two weeks of the program launching, 110
people with developmental disabilities had joined the program and the original goal was reached. With the