AKIM International

28/09/2026

Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Sukkot from AKIM Israel! 🍋

Across Israel, AKIM communities are decorating their sukkahs and celebrating together, including the AKIM family at Beit Gil in Karmiel.

We’d love to see your sukkah too! Share a photo with us in the comments.

24/09/2026

🌿 Sukkot reminds us that a community is strongest when there is room for everyone.

Just as the Sukkah brings people together under one roof, inclusion means creating communities where people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to learn, work, lead, make their voices heard, and participate fully in every part of community life.

Our Annual Report shares how we are putting that vision into action across Israel, and what we are working to build next.

This Sukkot, we invite you to read the report and join us in building a society where everyone has a place and every voice matters.

Chag Sukkot Sameach from AKIM Israel!

Link for the report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F6L1DQUM2EnAbZds7pmvQ9HUcePUnQg7/view?usp=drive_link

20/09/2026

As Yom Kippur approaches, we reflect with gratitude on the community of friends and supporters who stand with AKIM Israel and people with intellectual disabilities across Israel.

Your partnership helps create more opportunities for inclusion, choice, and full participation in community life.

May this Yom Kippur bring reflection, hope, and peace to us all.

גמר חתימה טובה 🕊️

09/09/2026

🍎🍯 Shana Tova from AKIM Israel!

As we welcome a new year, we celebrate a year of opportunity, inclusion, and above all, voices being heard.

Across Israel, people with intellectual disabilities are learning, working, creating, living in their communities, and taking their place as leaders and decision-makers.

“Nothing About Us, Without Us” is more than a principle. It is a movement that AKIM is proud to lead in Israel and beyond.

The partnership of our friends and supporters helps us expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and continue pushing for greater inclusion and change.

As we look to the year ahead, hear from our CEO, Sigal Peretz-Yahalomi, as she reflects on the year behind us and shares what we look forward to building together. ▶️

May the new year bring peace, hope, and new opportunities for us all.

שנה טובה ומתוקה 💙

04/09/2026

Summer at AKIM is about equal opportunities to participate, connect, explore, and enjoy new experiences.

When special education frameworks close for the summer break, AKIM Israel’s local branches throughout Israel host day camps and summer programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

From day trips and recreational activities to social events, shared meals, community outings, and overnight camps, participants have opportunities to spend time with friends, discover new places, build connections, and take part in a full and active summer.

These programs also provide important continuity and support for families during a period when many regular services are unavailable.

With continued support, AKIM can expand these opportunities and ensure that more children and adults with intellectual disabilities can experience a summer filled with friendship, connection, and meaningful experiences.

30/08/2026

We are proud to share that AKIM Israel’s Kolenu (“Our Voice”) self-advocacy program has been shortlisted for the Zero Project Awards 2027!

Through Kolenu (“Our Voice”), self-advocacy groups across Israel empower people with intellectual disabilities to strengthen their voices, advocate for their rights, influence decisions that affect their lives, and take an active role in their communities and in public life.

Being included among innovative solutions from around the world is an important recognition of the program and, above all, of the leadership and impact of our self-advocates.

Thank you to the Zero Project for recognizing this work and for advancing disability inclusion and political participation worldwide.

Nothing About Us, Without Us.

The Zero Project Awards 2027 Shortlist 🗺️🌱

159 innovative solutions from 59 countries across six continents have been shortlisted for the Zero Project Awards 2027. In addition, 10 inclusive arts initiatives from 9 countries have been shortlisted for this year's Zero Project Arts Awards. The call for nominations focused on the topics of Independent Living, Political Participation, and Assistive Technology (AT).

All shortlisted nominations received the Zero Project Shortlist badge certifying their achievement, and an exclusive invitation to the global Zero Project Conference 2027, which will be hosted at the United Nations Office at Vienna from February 10–12, 2027.

This year’s research output highlights a rise in projects led and ideated by women with disabilities. The shortlist also reveals a high number of local, community-based, small-scale projects designed for quick and easy replication. The curb-cut effect is evident across sports, play, and technology, producing solutions that remove barriers for everyone, not just persons with disabilities.
While artificial intelligence is increasingly utilized by innovators, the standout feature of these projects is their human-centric approach—where AI complements rather than drives the solutions, and persons with disabilities directly lead the development of the tools they need and want.

We congratulate all shortlisted innovators for their contributions to disability-inclusive innovation. Thank you for working with us toward a world with .

➡️ Explore the interactive map highlighting all shortlisted nominations:https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17z9zM6d_4c9s0DEL4SSVIPdpS76QQ14&usp=sharing

🖇️ Learn more about the Zero Project Awards 2027 Shortlist: https://zeroproject.org/zerocall27-shortlist

30/08/2026

Sometimes, the most powerful message is also the simplest: recognize your own worth and celebrate who you are.

Lia Tzur, an actress with AKIM Israel’s Other Theater, reminds us of the importance of self-love, acceptance, and taking pride in all that makes each of us who we are.

Creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to express themselves, develop confidence, and share their voices is at the heart of AKIM’s work. Through theater, the arts, and inclusive community programs, participants have spaces where they can explore their talents, connect with others, and be seen and heard.

Moments like these reflect what inclusion can look like: having the confidence and the platform to say, “This is who I am, and I’m proud of it.” 💙

26/08/2026

In honor of International Dog Day, we’re celebrating AKIM’s “Equal in Canine Studies” program at Ono Academic College, part of the AKIM College Network. 🐾

The program gives students with intellectual disabilities access to academic and professional training in canine studies, building practical skills, confidence, and opportunities for the future.

Meet Gal, a graduate of the program, as she shares the special connection she has with dogs and the unconditional love they bring.

And today, we want to meet your four-legged friends too! Share a photo of your dog or simply tell us their name in the comments. 💙🐶

24/08/2026

Some things in this world just need to go! 🗑️✨

We sat down with the amazing actors of AKIM’s “The Other Theater” to hear their take on what needs to disappear from our daily lives. Their answers are funny, real, and so relatable, you’ll be nodding along to every word!

Watch the full video and tell us in the comments: what’s one thing you think the world could do without? 👇❤️