“Our kids couldn’t just join activities at the local community center, so what were they supposed to do after school and during vacations?” Beth Steinberg and Miriam Avraham — mothers of children with developmental challenges — asked that very question as they identified a glaring societal void and then moved to fill it.
Shutaf, the Jerusalem-based organization they created, practices an inclusionary model of informal programming mixing kids, teens and young adults across the spectrum of developmental abilities. Beginning with a summer camp attracting 10 participants in 2007, Shutaf now offers year-round programming serving more than 300.
In the process, Shutaf (Hebrew for “partner”), is elevating inclusionary programming in Israel and beyond. The organization recently released a best practices guide for formal and informal educators who, Beth says, “share our mission to make the world a more inclusive place for people of all abilities.”
Our funds support staffing and a summer music program.