Jchoice.Org

The camps not only allow the kids and teens to participate in activities from which they would normally be precluded because of their disabilities, but they also help teach important social and physical skills. The week away gives the participants much needed time out of the house, an opportunity to connect deeply with their peers, and programming that helps them learn to deal with and overcome their physical pain and impediments. 

Our objectives are:

• To help physically-disabled young people develop specific life and social skills

• To provide a regular social outlet for those who may not have other options

• To delay out-of-home placement for disabled youth by allowing family members a "break" in their ongoing caretaking.  

• To create a change in society's attitude towards people with disabilities via activities, lectures and community events in schools and elsewhere.

• To help graduates of the House of Wheels find meaningful employment.

• To coach participants in the House of Wheels to use services and cultural opportunities in their communities.

• To work towards full integration of people with special needs in the community.

Though House of Wheels receives approximately 20% of its funds from the State of Israel, and does charge minimal fees from the participants that are able to pay, the rest of the budget comes from the generous contributions of private individuals and foundations. In order to continue providing the wide range of programs and support for the 350 participants we serve annually, we need to raise funds for programming, transportation and more every year.

Our approach is also unique in Israel in that, while there is a great focus on fun, our main goal is to provide participants with the life skills they will need as they grow up. We help them learn to understand their capabilities, and their disabilities and challenge them to overcome and manage their conditions.

"M's self-confidence has skyrocketed. You have helped him open a new window to the world and brought light into his world. Today, M is much more independent and believes in his abilities.  Meeting others his age also dealing with physical disabilities has also helped him develop critical social skills and significant friendships."

From Ilana, mother of Mika –

"If someone had told me two years ago that my daughter would happily participate in programs without us, sleep away from home, go rafting, etc, I would have laughed…"

From a Participants in the Beduoin branch –

"How fun – we got to go boating – thanks so much Beit HaGalgalim – there are no words to describe the amazing camp- and despite the difficulties, we returned with a tremendous sense of satisfaction."