Israel - Guiding People with Special Needs

This project collaborates with a non-profit organization established in 1991 whose mission is to promote and integrate people with special needs into their local communities. For over 20 years, this organization has been working to improve the quality of life of individuals with special needs of all ages, regardless of religion, race or nationality, by providing them with high quality support and rehabilitation services. 
 
This organization operates on the belief that every individual has the right to develop to his/her greatest potential and applies a combined physical, social, psychological and paramedical approach to do so. Serving newborns to seniors with a range of intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities, this organization stands by its vision that individuals with special needs have the right and ability to live a life of dignity and independence while being active participants in the community. 

Orientation (included): Orientation will take place in Tel Aviv on Sunday upon arrival. 

• Volunteer preparation and travel directions to the program
• Expert advice for traveling in Israel during and after your volunteer placement
• Walking tour of Tel Aviv

Rehabilitative Daycare for Children with Developmental Delays: This daycare center serves over 45 infants and toddlers with developmental delays, providing them with individualized treatment and rehabilitation services and support for their family members.

Duration: Minimum 4 weeks
Age of clients: 6 months – 3 years old 
Volunteer times: Sunday-Thursday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm; Friday 8:30 am -1:00 pm

Tasks:

• Play and entertain children
• Assist staff in any capacity

Sheltered Workshops: These workshops provide adults with special needs with training and employment according to each individual’s abilities and needs. The ultimate goal is to prepare the clients for employment and integration into the community. 

Duration: Minimum 1 week
Age of clients: 21+
Volunteer times: Sunday - Thursday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Tasks: 

• Assist clients with their work, including packaging jewelry, educational materials for kindergartens, etc.

Leisure Program / Social Clubs: This program is adapted to the needs of adults with special needs and provides leisure and enrichment activities, such as movies, plays, cooking classes, holiday celebrations and more. 
 
Duration: Minimum 1 week
Age of clients: 45-50 years old
Volunteer times: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Tasks: 

• Assist staff in any capacity
• Participate with clients during various activities, such as cooking and arts-and-crafts

Adult Rehabilitation and Nursing Daycare Centers: Rehabilitation and nursing services cater to individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, many with chronic diseases and genetic syndromes requiring regular nursing care. Many clients use wheelchairs, have acute speech and language disabilities and rely on augmentative and alternative communication assistive technology and aids. 

Duration: Minimum 4 Weeks
Age of clients: 21+
Volunteer times: Sunday - Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tasks:

• Assist clients in the garden
• Assist clients in use of assistive technology
• Accompany clients on outings to the grocery store, on a bike ride, etc.
• Assist staff in any capacity

Afterschool Program: This program is intended for children with varying levels of intellectual and development disabilities, many with additional problems such as physical disabilities, autism, behavior challenges, chronic illnesses, etc. The program is designed as a complementary framework to the regular school hours and provides recreational and social activities, as well as therapies in the afternoon. 

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks
Age of clients: 6-21
Volunteer times:  During the school year 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm; during holidays and summer vacation (July/August) 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Tasks:

• Play and entertain children
• Assist staff in any capacity
• Engage with children during arts-and-crafts, soccer, baseball, baking, music, drama, etc.

A typical day: After breakfast at your hostel, you'll either have free time to explore Tel Aviv, go to the beach, relax or start at your morning project (depending on which project you choose). After a break for lunch, you'll resume volunteering at your project, before preparing dinner at the hostel or enjoying one of the many restaurants in the surrounding area. For most projects, you'll have Fridays and Saturdays off to spend as you wish. 

Holidays: Please note that the months of September/October have several holidays that may affect your trip. 

Please take note of this program's minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Basic English
• Police clearance

Following registration we can assist you in booking a tour for a number of incredible destinations that you can visit during your time off (additional fees apply). Visit ancient Petra and Wadi Rum on a 2-day tour or explore Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea in one day. Please note that tours are subject to change.

Thanks to Israel’s small size, you could travel from the northernmost to the southernmost point of the country in a single day. If you prefer to stay in the city, Tel Aviv will certainly keep you occupied with its lively markets, nightlife and independent cafés and eateries. If one thing is for sure, Israel has incredible hummus so make sure you head over to Abu Hassan in Jaffa for the country’s greatest hummus. If you consider yourself an art lover or just looking for a unique experience, you’ll enjoy Tel Aviv’s flourishing art scene. Go gallery hopping and be sure to put the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Dvir Gallery on your list. Don’t forget to visit the Carmel market (“shuk Ha’Carmel”) and bargain like a true Telavivian.