A series of meetings dedicated to promoting a return to independent and integrated living for war-injured individuals with disabilities.
Background
following the events of October 7th and the “Iron Swords” war, tens of thousands of new individuals have entered the circle of disability. Adapting to their new lives amidst the new challenges—physical, psychological, and bureaucratic—makes it difficult for the injured to return to normal life. They often experience feelings of depression, frustration, helplessness, and isolation.
Accessibility Israel is working to change this situation through various unique projects delivered by its professional team. One of the most important projects in the current period is the “The Day After” program.
Program Goal
The “The Day After” program aims to assist war-injured individuals in returning to independent life despite their disabilities—more quickly, more easily, and more effectively. The program was created based on the personal experience of Yuval Wagner and many others who entered the circle of disability during their lives. Their return to independent life took many years.
Yuval often shares the difficult challenges he faced post-injury—from medical struggles, personal psychological battles, social and occupational challenges, to eventually regaining a quality of life that includes hobbies, sports, leisure, culture, art, and shopping. On this background, and with the understanding that many people are not aware of the challenges they may face, let alone the existing solutions, tools, rights, and services available to them, the “The Day After” initiative was born.
As part of the program, participants will receive guidance, supportive tools to navigate their new lives, information on rights and services they are entitled to, and valuable knowledge from professionals and experts. They will also gain essential information in urban, governmental, legislative, and technological areas. All of this is intended to help them reintegrate into society and return to enjoying life in a way that allows them to continue dreaming, achieve their purpose, and improve their quality of life.
Program Structure
• Full course: 11 sessions, each session lasting two hours
• The program is not a therapeutic course.
Program Team
• Program Director
• Social Worker
• Lead Instructor with the same disability as the participants
• Each session will feature experts based on the session topic
The program is free of charge, thanks to the generous donations of the Seneca Trust, the Jewish United Fund of Chicago, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Accessibility Accelerator, the Wills Committee at the Ministry of Justice, Bazan Group, and Oil Refineries Ltd.
Thanks to the program, we have trained approximately 150 participants in 7 courses conducted in various rehabilitation departments. The courses took place at:
- Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital
- The Neurological Department at Sheba Medical Center due to head injuries and severe functional impairments resulting from the conflict
- Beit Lohamei HaGetaot for a group of IDF veterans recognized with PTSD, with the current war exacerbating their mental and functional conditions
- Sheba’s Day Hospital for patients completing rehabilitation and beginning life after rehabilitation with both mental and physical disabilities
- Blinson Hospital, in a department specifically established for victims of Operation Iron Swords.
Course Program
Preliminary Meetings
Introduction to participants, alignment of expectations, and assessment of suitability for the program.
Session 1: Opening Session
Overview of Accessibility Israel, challenges in public spaces, and personal stories of individuals with disabilities.
Session 2: Rights
Meeting with Ministry of Defense representatives to learn about participants’ rights, including benefits and entitlements.
Family members are welcome to attend.
Session 3: Technologies, Assistive Devices, and Home Accessibility
Presentation of assistive technologies, devices for independent living, and home modifications in collaboration with key organizations.
Session 4: Post-Service Travel
Practical guidance on how to travel with a disability and manage inaccessible locations.
Session 5: “Beat the Expert”
Discussion of accessibility laws, public spaces arrangements, and the role of accessibility coordinators and support agencies.
Session 6: Storytelling – Self-Presentation
Techniques for presenting oneself and new life circumstances to family, friends, and the community.
Session 7: Continuing Storytelling – Self-Presentation
Further development of self-presentation skills for various social and professional environments.
Session 8: Returning to Work
Guidance on workplace accommodations, resources for job placement, and support for war-injured individuals seeking employment.
Session 9: Sports
Introduction to adaptive sports, where to practice, and types of accessible sports available, along with a meeting with an athlete.
Session 10: Moving Forward After “The Day After”
Overview of ongoing support programs and resources to help participants transition into life after rehabilitation.
Session 11: Closing Ceremony
Program summary, distribution of participation certificates, and farewell gifts.
Family members are welcome to attend.
