The Kaleidoscope Advocacy Project

Helping You Find Special Education and Other Special Services in Israel

The KaleidoscopeAdvocacy Project was developed by The Rosh Pina
Mainstreaming Network with the appreciation of the many challenges
that aliya brings. Preparation for aliya and the process of adapting to a
new country demand much physical and emotional energy as well as appropriate guidance.
Families with special needs members face the additional challenge of finding
appropriate services - educational, vocational, medical, residential and social.

The KaleidoscopeAdvocacy Project helps families meet this challenge by:

1. identifying appropriate services such as schools, workshops, and group homes,
2. interfacing with government and private agencies with special services,
3. offering guidance to the families, and
4. advocating for the family and its special needs member in their absence
   and throughout
   their adjustment period.

Combining the right elements will help you succeed in finding the special services
that you need.

Following is a list of some of those basic elements:

1. Advocates

There are many professionals available to help you and to advocate on your behalf.
They include social workers, and special educators at

1. Nefesh B’Nefesh
2. The Kaleidoscope Advocacy Project, and
3. Parents Who Have Come on Aliya with a Child with Special Needs

Contact information of individuals who can help you navigate the system:

Name__________________ Position___________    Telephone #___________ E-mail____________
Name__________________ Position___________    Telephone #___________ E-mail____________

Comments:_________________________________________________________________________
Questions:__________________________________________________________________________

1. Knowledge of Israel’s Special Education System

It is important to know that the system here today is very similar to the one that you will find in the
US. Seek out a setting similar to the one that your child is succeeding in now. Are you looking for a:

1. self-contained school,
2. parallel special education class within the “regular” school (Kita Mikademet), or
3. a resource room (Mora mitakenet)?

Keep in mind that most of these settings are available within the general state school (mamlachti)
and the religious state school (mamlachti dati) tracks.

Schools that I am considering:
1.____________________________________________
2.____________________________________________
3.____________________________________________

Comments:_________________________________________________________________________

Questions:__________________________________________________________________________

1. Updated Evaluations

It is recommended that the following evaluations be not more than a year old.

1. Psychological
2. Pedagogical
3. Medical
4. IEP

Prepare three copies of each and send two to the advocate who will be working on your behalf when you are not here
(in Israel). S/he will forward copies to the prospective schools and to the placement committee
(vaadat hasama) which will, together with you and/or your advocate, choose the most appropriate placement for your child.

1. Permission Slip

Be sure to sign a permission slip giving your advocate power of attorney to distribute
the necessary information
and to represent you at the placement committee. 

1. Other Services

Be sure to inquire about other special services that your child may be eligible for.

1. Bituah Leumi ( National Insurance Program)
2. Revaha
3. Kupot Holim

For more information about The Kaleidoscope Advocacy Project, please contact us at:

The Rosh Pina Mainstreaming Network
Tel/Fax: 02- 940-9501
E-mail: rpmn@netvision.net.il