Shalva provides round the clock programming to thousands of children and adults with disabilities. to save children's lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. And we never give up. Discover Shalva's work for Israel's children with disabilities
Believing that the care of children with disabilities should not be left to the family alone, Shalva’s founders Malki and Kalman Samuels created a therapeutic environment in which children with disabilities could grow and thrive. This approach was based on the Samuels’ own experience with raising their son Yossi who was left blind, deaf and acutely hyperactive as the result of a faulty vaccination.
Yossi’s disabilities took their toll on his family. Providing him with constant loving care, they became exhausted and isolated. Many professionals and well-intentioned friends suggested placing Yossi in an institution. But Malki refused and vowed to G-d that if He helped Yossi, she would dedicate herself to helping other children with disabilities and their families.
When Yossi was eight, Shoshana Weinstock, a deaf special education teacher penetrated Yossi’s wall of silence via Hebrew fingerspelling. She taught Yossi his first word, “shulchan” – Hebrew for table – thus creating a relationship analogous to that of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. Malki recalled her promise and with Kalman’s help, Shalva was founded in 1990.
Shalva’s programs are all authorized by Israeli government ministries and are certified to provide professional care for every category of disability. Shalva partners with academic institutions, government bodies, and communities worldwide to advance the field of disability care and to create unique opportunities for inclusion. Shalva’s excellence in operations, management, best practices, financial accountability and transparency receive esteemed recognition.
Shalva’s programs are all authorized by Israeli government ministries and are certified to provide professional care for every category of disability. Shalva partners with academic institutions, government bodies, and communities worldwide to advance the field of disability care and to create unique opportunities for inclusion. Shalva’s excellence in operations, management, best practices, financial accountability and transparency receive esteemed recognition.
