Campaigns and activities
Some legislative measures have already been taken – for example public buildings have to include certain criteria for the general disabled – slopes where stairs are, handrails brightly coloured by steps, marking on the ground, marking on glass doors, etc. New city buses contain a ramp for wheelchairs instead of stairs.
Urban buses announce the location of the upcoming bus stop, as well as trains.
A group within the Ministry of Justice is responsible for improving conditions for the handicapped, including the visually handicapped and all people with physical disabilities.
Yes – some tangible results have been achieved and some improvements made.
There are penalties but the blind and organizations of and for the blind do not receive any monetary compensation – but compensation in ‘kind'. If we are talking about a transport company being penalized, blind organizations, may, for example, receive the use of transportation for trips and outings at no cost.
The main aid is still the long cane with a few optical aids, in addition.
Canes are on sale at the auxiliary aids store of THE CENTER FOR THE BLIND IN ISRAEL at subsidized prices.
Yes, full training is provided.
Canes are subsidized at 90 percent of the retail price and the blind are allowed to make use of this subsidy twice a year.
Goods in the store of THE CENTER FOR THE BLIND IN ISRAEL are under warranty for one year from the date of purchase.
Yes – the white cane is fully recognized as a sign of visual impairment and respected as such.
Yes – there are various research programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem being undertaken by a group, including VI people, dedicated to this task, as well as in the Haifa Institute of Technology.
One on One training takes place in schools by instructors qualified to do this work. Adults and the elderly who go blind are taught in their home environment by qualified rehabilitation teachers, and those who are employed are taught how to reach their place of employment safely.
Training instructors go through an extensive course given by Inspectors and are classified as qualified at the end of the training course. There is no official certificate on completion of the course, although the teachers are under strict supervision at the beginning of their work.
Instructors of The Lighthouse Rehabilitation programs enter the homes of the newly blind to give instruction and support – e.g. teaching women to use their kitchens and move around their homes and local shops, etc.
THE CENTER FOR THE BLIND IN ISRAEL provides computer training courses, plus other services – see www.ibcu.org.il where there is a section in English showing the services provided to the visually handicapped and their families.
No.
Publicity is given on the needs of the visually handicapped on an ongoing basis. On June 6 (6/6) Blind Day was held throughout Israel with various activities with the purpose of identifying with the visually handicapped.
They are taught how to act with, and react to, the visually handicapped in varying situations.