shmaya in Tiberias

Shmaya was founded in 1981 by Mr. Moshe Epstein, formerly principal of HID school for deaf children in the United States. With time, due to the increasing number of hearing-impaired children arriving from Israel, the organization relocated its activities to Israel and expanded to dozens of branches and services throughout the country.

Today, Shmaya serves approximately 12,000 individuals with disabilities annually. Shmaya operates a network of rehabilitative facilities and activities across Israel for children and adults with disabilities, including: rehabilitative daycare centers, multifunctional daycare centers, kindergartens for hearing-impaired children, therapeutic educational centers, rehabilitative afternoon programs, supported and sheltered employment centers, group homes, and cultural and leisure programs with classes, lectures, trips, tours and vacations both in Israel and abroad.

Shmaya works in full cooperation and with the support of the Bituach Leumi (Israel's National Insurance Institute), the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, local authorities, health funds, and many other valuable partners. Shmaya is recognized as one of the top providers of high-quality services.

Shmaya is driven by a powerful vision:

To create a world in which disability is not an obstacle, but an opportunity for growth and development.

This vision represents a transformative approach in the field of disability care, placing emphasis on the individual capabilities and potential of every person.

We see the person beyond the disability, and provide them with a professional toolkit through innovative approaches that help them break barriers and fully realize their skills and abilities, despite – and even because of – their limitations.

Shmaya's vision is not just a theoretical concept, but is manifested daily in the organization's activities. The countless success stories of people with disabilities who have managed to realize their potentials and thrive in all areas of life with Shmaya's help serve as tangible evidence of this vision, and the power of the professional and devoted care we provide.

We believe that inside every person, regardless of their disabilities, lie limitless possibilities!

Shmaya works tirelessly to fulfill this belief and to open a window to a world of possibilities and success for people with disabilities.

After years of extensive work across various cities in Israel, Shmaya identified a critical need to establish a multidisciplinary center that would serve as a one-stop-shop for residents of the North, and provide support to individuals with disabilities throughout their entire life cycle, from birth to old age.

The essence of the project lies in constructing new infrastructure that not only meets the needs of the city and its residents, but also brings about profound and genuine change in society as a whole.

The impact of the multidisciplinary center is expected to be wide-ranging and deep, benefitting both the residents of the North and the entire Israeli society. Its establishment will mark a significant step forward in promoting the rights of people with disabilities and improving their quality of life.

This is a project not to be missed.

ראש הוועדה הקרואה בועז יוסף בהנחת אבן הפינה

ח"כ שירלי פינטו בטקס הנחת אבן הפינה

השר לפיתוח הנגב והגליל בטקס הנחת אבן הפינה

נתי אלפסי ראש מועצת מגדל בטקס הנחת אבן הפינה

ירונה שלום מ"מ מנכ"ל ביטוח לאומי

The establishment of Beit Shmaya in Tiberias marks a significant milestone in the struggle to reduce disparities and promote personal welfare in Tiberias and its surrounding cities. The center, currently under construction, aims to address the critical shortage of health, welfare and cultural services, with a focus on vulnerable populations, particularly people with disabilities.

The center will consolidate essential infrastructures for people with disabilities of all ages and communities, allin one huge building. Its overarching goal is to demonstrate to the world that disability is not a limitation.

Every child and adult has their own voice, and they deserve to express it powerfully and proudly.

Hydrotherapy Pool

Providing rehabilitative hydrotherapy and emotional and developmental therapies for individuals with disabilities.

Vocational Advancement Center

Providing knowledge, tools and skills for meaningful employment and optimal integration into the workforce, enabling non-integrated adults to enter the work market as contributing and meaningful members.

Social Club for Adults

Providing adults with disabilities accessible welfare and leisure activities such as art workshops, inspiring lectures, film screenings, and more, with the goal of alleviating loneliness, creating social ties, and practicing social interactions that can then be implemented outside the center as well.

Rights Advocacy Department

Operating a rights advocacy system that will provide responses to general and personal inquiries, as well as oversee rights advocacy processes from beginning to end. The program will include meetings with professionals, a phone hotline, support of ongoing processes and initiation of new processes – all to ensure that every person with a disability will be aware of their rights and entitlements and utilize them to their utmost benefit.

Rehab Clubs for Children

Creating an inclusive environment for children with disabilities. The clubs serve as an accepting and professional place where children can meet other children with similar disabilities and develop important skills. The activities are led by professional pedagogic counselors and with ongoing guidance by a team of social workers. An age-appropriate self-advocacy program fosters open discussion about the disability, promoting resilience and building social competence.

Rehabilitative Daycare Centers

A therapeutic educational system for children with developmental delays or severe disabilities, aiming to support their growth and development while addressing their unique needs.

There are numerous benefits to establishing a rehabilitation daycare center within a multidisciplinary institution for individuals with disabilities, allowing collaboration among treatment teams and providing holistic access to the children's care. In addition, the children and their parents will enjoy exposure to additional services offered at the facility, such as clubs, libraries, and social activities.

Hearing Institute

The Hearing Institute will offer services to individuals suffering from hearing impairments, including periodic hearing tests to detect possible deterioration, fittings for hearing aids from internationally leading companies, additional accompanying accessories for said hearing devices, and comprehensive support throughout the adaptation and adjustment process.

Therapeutic Educational Center

The multidisciplinary center will include an integrated learning space, featuring a learning center, library, and computer room equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The staff will include professional counselors skilled in leading groups and individuals with disabilities. Participants will receive tailored guidance, relevant lectures, and personalized direction to advance intellectually, academically, vocationally, emotionally and socially.

מעונות יום שיקומיים

מרכז למידה

בריכה טיפולית

המכון להתפתחות הילד

מכון שמיעה

Major public institutions in Israel are our partners in this monumental and inspiring project, expressing their support for the construction of the Center through substantial financial contributions estimated in millions of shekels.

The Bituach Leumi (National Fund) – a leading social-governmental organization in Israel for the welfare of vulnerable populations;
Keren Kayement LeYisrael (JNF Israel) – which leads advanced initiatives for the Israeli public;
Class Action Settlements Fund – a legal foundation under the General Custodian's Office in Israel that supports social projects promoting health, welfare, and social services.

These prominent organizations have recognized the immense potential inherent in the project and its significant contribution to the disabled community, and their support reflects their confidence in the project's necessity.

To complete this vital project as soon as possible and to begin providing the professional services to the thousands of residents awaiting a meaningful resolution to the significant challenges they currently face, additional funding is necessary.

We are currently completing the foundation stage, confirming the project as a concrete reality, and gearing up for erecting the structural framework across all four levels, interior construction, design, and outfitting of all wings.

Now is the ideal time to extend your support and collaborate in the ongoing construction process.

This is where we appeal to you with our request:

Please, join us in leading this unique project to promote the well-being and success of individuals with disabilities.

With your support, we will succeed in revolutionizing the accessibility of available, high-quality, and professional welfare services for the residents of the North.

The magnificent facilities will serve as a hub of warm and caring assistance, a source for promoting growth and success, a place that will shine a new light into the dark tunnel of relentless struggle; a home where people facing difficulties and challenges will find courage and emerge stronger, confident in their ability to succeed in life despite their disabilities, and to integrate into society as successful and meaningful equals!