About Us

Who We Are

AKIM'S Vision

An Israeli society offering maximum inclusion and opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities in all facets of life – housing, employment, education and recreation.

AKIM Israel is the Israeli national organization for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, operating as a person-centered organization

Founded in 1951, AKIM Israel acts to realize the rights, promote a better quality of life, and improve the welfare of some 35,000 people with intellectual disabilities and approximately 140,000 family members and legal guardians. We operate in 65 branches and 88 municipalities nationwide, managed by parents and volunteers in the Jewish and Arab sectors.

Our Goals

Transforming Israeli society into a better place for people with intellectual disabilities.

AKIM Israel strives for the “inclusion” of people with intellectual disabilities in their communities in all aspects of life

We offer legal advocacy through parental and self-advocacy leadership. In partnership with the Welfare Ministry and local authorities, we operate some 100 frameworks throughout the country. Our programs address community living issues, vocational programs, work in the free market, army service and national service, kindergartens and after-school activities, enrichment activities, recreational programs, summer camps, dental care services, and more.

AKIM’s Programs & Services

With your support, our programs and services act to directly enrich, influence and enhance the lives of Israelis with IDD and their families. We work at the national and local levels to bring our caring person-centered approach directly into communities across Israel.

Through the department of Advocacy for Inclusion within the community, AKIM provides support and assistance in all aspects of life for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Support for Families

Going to work and feeling part of a significant daily activity is an important element of every person’s life; even more so, when the person has an intellectual disability.

Employment & Career

As part of AKIM’s vision of inclusion, it established a unique collaboration with one of the greatest tools for integration and solidarity in Israeli society, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).

IDF Service: Equal in Uniform

AKIM sees creative expression and culture as keys to a healthy lifestyle and important elements of leading a meaningful life.

Culture & Leisure

Our Voice – Driven by the concept of nothing about us, without us, AKIM’s aim is to give a powerful voice to the individuals that need it most. Participants learn about their rights and gain the skills necessary to express their needs and raise awareness in the community.

Self Advocacy

AKIM firmly believes that every person has a basic right to live within the community, in a housing structure that suits his/her various and changing needs over the years.