AKIM

In Hebrew, AKIM is an acronym for the "Association for the Habilitation of the Intellectually Disabled". AKIM, founded over 60 years ago is now the largest and most comprehensive provider of programs and services for the intellectually disabled-serving 34,000 children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens throughout Israel. AKIM provides these services through our extensive network of 64 branches throughout Israel managed by 300 professionals, 2,000 volunteers and thousands of active parents.

AKIM believes that every individual, including those with intellectual disabilities, deserves to have rich, fulfilling lives, and access to education, housing, employment and leisure activities.

AKIM cares for all Israelis-Jews, Christians and Moslems. AKIM provides exceptional care and services for the intellectually disabled in minority populations throughout Israel. Currently, AKIM seeks to provide expanded services for those intellectually disabled in the Bedoin community of Rahat-the largest Bedouin town in Israel. In a community of 50,000 at least 400 have an intellectual disability (170 are children between the age of 6 and 21), and another 200 individuals with an undiagnosed disability. Rahat does not have an infrastructure to deal with this population. AKIM plans on opening a Rahat branch which will enable diagnostic assessments, vocational training and placement, leisure activities, and guidance programs for the parents and their family members.