Kivunim is an organization founded by and for young people with motor and sensory challenges. It aims to facilitate their successful independence and integration into Israeli society as equals. Kivunim works to affect change on individual, family, community and societal levels. The organization's main goals are to help special needs youth successfully separate and live independently, and to influence policy adoption based on the lived experiences of those with special challenges. Kivunim programs involve volunteerism, informal education, rehabilitation, leadership development, and require participants to practice life skills outside their homes.

1. KIVUNIM: New Directions for Special Needs Youth Breaking Through to Integrated Independence

2. Summary & Mission KIVUNIM was founded by and for young people who live with serious motor and sensory challenges. Kivunim works to affect change on the individual, family, local community, and societal levels. We work towards an Israel that recognizes people with special needs as strong and capable. We dream of seeing the holistic integration of special needs people, as equals, into Israeli society.

3. Main Goals To facilitate the successful separation and enduring independence of young people with special needs. To design and influence policy adoption that relies on the knowledge of people with the lived experience that policies seek to address.

4. Working Assumptions Diff -Ability, NOT Dis ability. People living with special challenges know best what they themselves need. Program participants should not be program participants forever! People with special needs have what to give; they are strong and capable, not weak or needy.

6. How

7. Key Learnings Life skills/independent living practice leads to self-confidence and optimism in program participants. Simultaneous processes – with individuals, families and caregivers, surrounding communities and on the policy level leads to change that is sustainable. The combination of Study, Volunteer/Activist Work, Community Living with Peers and Opportunities for Reflection leads to success on multiple levels.