Resources and Service for the Blind

Certification of Blindness

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provides all services for the Blind in Israel. In order to be eligible for these services, an oleh must receive certification of blindness. First, the oleh must go to the local Lishkat Revacha (Department of Social Services) to receive a form requesting certification of blindness. This form must be taken to the oleh's eye doctor, who will do an evaluation and fill out the form.  The oleh then presents the form, along with his teudat zehut and a passport picture to the social worker at the local Department of Social Services. An eye doctor from the Services for the Blind Department will then be sent to do an evaluation on the oleh and report back to the Department of Social Services. Within three months, the oleh will receive an answer from his social worker at the Department of Social Services. If approved, the  blind  person is then eligible for a variety of discounts and  may apply for disability certification from the National Insurance.

Activities for the Blind

There are two libraries for the Blind in Israel – one in Netanya and one in Tel Aviv. There are day centers or activity centers located in several cities that provide activities, chugim, and extra curricular classes (such as art and music) for the Blind. These centers can be found in Ashkelon, Beit Shemesh, Chadera, Haifa, Herzelia, Holon, Jerusalem, Kiryat Shmoneh, Maalot, Nahariya, Netanya, Petach Tikva, Ramat Gan, Rechovot, Tel Aviv, and Tiberias. There is an Ulpan for the Blind in Tel Aviv. Additionally, there are several training courses for computer use for the Blind throughout the country.

Discounts for the Blind

Once the Department of Social Services has approved an oleh as blind, the oleh is eligible for several discounts. Blind olim receive an 80% discount on property taxes, are exempt from radio and television taxes, and receive discounts for phone installation and service charges. The Blind are also provided with free public transportation and free parking (the oleh will receive a triangular handicapped sign for his car so that parking is free). Additionally, the Blind may mail books on tape  to addresses outside of Israel at no cost, and there are some discounts on computer applications for the Blind.

Helpful Sites

A list and description of agencies providing services for the Blind:

http://www.tiresias.org/agencies/countries_i/israel.htm#israel

The Center for the Blind in Israel:

http://www.blinds.org.il/eng/index.htm

The Central Library for the Blind in Israel:

http://www.clfb.org.il/index-e.htm