The lecture explains why planned communities and hostels are not the right solution for people with disabilities, and presents solutions that involve living in the community.

Valery Zilcha – Attorney, Coordinator of The Forum of Organizations and Parents for Children with Disabilities Coalition, Beit Issie Shapiro
Valery Zilcha describes the activity of The Forum of Organizations and Parents for Children with Disabilities that advocate for improved legislation, rights and benefits for people with disabilities in Israel.

Mr. Kathleen Lync, Ireland’s Minister of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability, describes in her lecture the transition from institutional living to life in the community for people with disabilities that occurred in Ireland in consideration of the wishes of the people themselves. 

In her lecture, Dr. Zaretsky describes a case study of an organization which has designed and incorporated a client-oriented approach. She recommends expanding the application of this approach, in order to promote the joint vision of equality and inclusion of all.

The lecture illustrates the impact of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities achieved by service providers for the benefit of people with disabilities.

Sigal Peretz Yahalomi describes the process the AKIM organization went through as it moved from a parents organization to an individual-focused organization that is based on a societal approach that relates to the person’s will, aspirations, needs, liberties and inclusion in the community as part of the protection of human dignity and liberty.

The lecture describes a plan for how to deal with emergency situations for people with disabilities, their families, officials in charge of emergency response and administration representatives.

Dr. Dana Roth, Head of Research and Evaluation Unit, Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel
Dr. Dana Roth’s article is a review of Bryen D. N. & Bornman J. (Eds) book “Stop violence against people with disabilities: An international resource”. Pretoria University Law Press (PULP).

The lecture focuses on the transition of people with mental disabilities from institutional living to community living in light of the UN’s convention.

Adv. Valery Zilcha – Coordinator of The Forum of Organizations and Parents for Children with Disabilities Coalition, Beit Issie Shapiro
Inbal Aviv – Community Social Worker, Beit Issie Shapiro
The article relates to dilemmas arising in the coalition’s work with regard to the connection with professionals in general, and health professionals in particular.