Little heroes

Independent living for children and youth with a cognitive disability or Autism Children and youth with a cognitive disability or Autism face challenges, not all stemming from the disability itself. Instead, they arise from society's indifference to these children and their families. As they carve out a place in the world for themselves, children with a cognitive disability or Autism won't let the disability hold them back. Their normative surrounding, however, judges them because of their disability. Consequently, the children struggle to form friendships with normative peers, affecting their social integration. A child or youth with a cognitive disability or Autism doesn't get to dream of a future in employment, higher education, or even the otherwise mandatory Israeli National Service. A child with a cognitive disability or Autism is viewed as less-er and treated unequally. The narrow view made room, over the years, for a stubborn misconception that children with a cognitive disability or Autism mature to dependant adults burdening their families and society. That explains why no efforts were invested in enriching their lives best possible, just like their non-disabled peers. In other words, Israeli society has given up on these kids, on their ability to integrate into education, employment, or the National Service. Integration of youth with a cognitive disability or Autism: Employment and National Service Little Heroes is an Israeli non-profit striving to socially integrate children and youth with a cognitive disability or Autism. We have been doing so for the past two decades, enriching the lives of more than twenty thousand children and hundreds of volunteers. When reaching the age of eighteen in Israel, teens enroll in mandatory national service. Most choose to enlist in military service. In Israeli society, completing the military service is an Entry ticket into mainstream society. Youths with a cognitive disability or Autism are exempt from any national service due to their disability. A significant step towards social integration is deprived of them while many of the youths dream about serving their country and being ushered into mainstream society. Little Heroes unveiled this inequality, especially its snowball effect on this group's life trajectory. Recently, we launched a pioneering integration program. It provides eighteen-year-olds with a cognitive disability or Autism with vocational training preparing them to join the military service in their trained vocation. The value doesn't stop here: the now-young-adults enter adult life with skill and experience upon completing the service. They are independent and ready to lead their life. That's why we call them little heroes. The program's ultimate target is to directly impact the lives of over one thousand boys and girls. Our program is possible thanks to a collaboration with the Israel Defense Force (IDF). We launched the Little Heroes Big deeds donations campaign to raise 300,000ILS necessary to fund the entire program. If we create the opportunity, they'll do all the hard work. We ask that you help us reach our fundraising goal by making a one-time or recurring contribution to our cause. Thank you.