Yoav Kraim – Chairman, National Council for the Rehabilitation of the Mentally Ill in the Community, Ministry of Health, Israel Co-Director, Unit for Social Change, Beit Issie Shapiro Lecturer, the Department of Occupational Therapy, Ono Academic College, Israel
The lecture describes the process of self-advocacy groups of people with intellectual disabilities, the way they went through and their participation in the Knesset committee, in which they expressed their will to decision-makers in Israel.

Dr. Roth describes a research study based on an inclusive methodology that sought to explore concepts of independence and dependence among adults with complex learning difficulties and examine whether they are connected to 3 areas: relationships, initiative and views on self value and quality of life. 

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

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.

The lecture focuses on the importance of self-advocacy for people with autism, as it presents itself in the advanced reforms made in Hungary, such as the “Eight Points” project, and the establishment of the first NGO in Hungary, which is directed and governed by people with autism.

The lecturer describes how his life changed when he joined the movement for self advocacy: he embarked on a journey towards independence, self advocacy and integration in his community’s life in South Africa Efraim is an inspiration to other people with cognitive disabilities.

In her lecture, Ms. Sabrina Donina describes a study which examines a method intended to define ways to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities who live away from home, with the collaboration of the residents, their families and their therapists.

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.

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).

Dr. Benjamin Hozmi – Academic Director, Beit Issie Shapiro
The purpose of the article is to deepen the understanding of the emotional implications of learning and functioning disabilities, on the emotional world of those who experience them. In the article, Dr. Benjamin Hozmi, who established the Inclusive University, describes the program as an empowering and enriching tool that addresses the emotional needs of adults with learning disabilities, and enables them to experience remedial learning through peer groups in an academic institution.