Machsi Oz (Former Beth David Institue)

Imagine being unable to hear or see. How would you communicate? Get out of the house? Attend school or find work? Deaf-blindness is one of the most difficult disabilities a person can face. We rely upon our hearing and sight to communicate with and navigate within the world, and the loss or impairment of both essentially shuts out the world. For the estimated 1,600 individuals with deaf-blindness this causes terrible isolation and loneliness as well as dependence on others. With your help The Center for Deaf-Blind Persons of the Beth David Institute can continue to be the first and only Israeli center that provides specially tailored services and programs that meet the needs of Israelis with the dual disability of deaf-blindness. Through our programs and services deaf-blind Israelis learn to realize their full potential, to live rewarding and independent lives as far as possible and to integrate into the hearing-sighted world. Our deaf-blind, blind, deaf and hearing-sighted staff members provide a powerful and empowering example of integration into the workforce, working together with equal rights and salaries.Programs include a Computer Learning Center, in which deaf-blind Israelis learn to communicate directly and freely with the hearing-sighted world, to access and use information online. One on one instruction is provided with specialized software and hardware. Each year these skills open up the hearing–sighted world to 30-35 deaf-blind individuals, making the difference between dependence on others for life versus living independent, fulfilling lives. The need to be able to leave the house at will and understand what is going on around them is met by Support Service Providers (SSP’s). SSP’s are individuals that we train and employ to go out with deaf-blind people regularly one on one to a location of their choice. This allows them for the first time to shop, visit friends etc. freely, making their own decisions with full and objective information about their surroundings and without being dependent on their family or friends. For a deaf or hard of hearing adolescent, the shock of learning that they have Usher Syndrome (the leading cause of deaf-blindness) and are gradually going blind comes as a devastating shock. Timely and appropriate long-term intervention, provided by Role Models who are successfully coping with deaf-blindness, prepares these children for independent life as best as possible. Deaf-Blind Israelis need long-term emotional support, friendship and encouragement. Our Social Recreation-Rehabilitation Club and Support Groups meet these needs for each sub group of the population. The largest group draws a weekly crowd of 40-50 deaf-blind adults aged 35-80, who come from across the country in transportation that we organize and fund. They access fascinating presentations in sign language, experience interesting workshops and events, go on trips and enjoy vitally important human contact. Our two Support Groups for Young Adults with Usher Syndrome meet monthly with 10- 15 individuals, aged 18-30 and 30-45. Meetings provide emotional support and information on topics such as accessing rights, technological innovations and success stories. The younger adults have better vision, on one hand, but need more help learning to adjust to life with Usher Syndrome, on the other. The Women’s Support Group helps 12-15 participants meet the unique challenges of life as deaf-blind women, including raising children, marriage and working. A similar number of deaf-blind olim (immigrants) are creating a vital support network to help meet the challenges of life in a new country. You Can Make a Real Difference!Please Donate Now to Change Lives Note: The Beth David Institute also operates a second, completely separate project - a Warm Home for Life for 80 intellectually disabled and developmentally delayed women.