About the project
Our project is intended to serve as the first incubator of its kind for pioneering projects in Arab society, bringing together people with and without disabilities, Arabs and Jews alike, with the aim of empowering thousands of persons with disabilities and their families
The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is designed to appeal to both sections of the population: persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities.
Persons with disabilities will enjoy empowerment activities including occupational personal development skills.
Also, the multi-purpose activity spaces will be a lever for the principle of reverse integration. Persons without disabilities from all sectors would be invited to participate in training and workshops, and thus, to be exposed to the world of persons with disabilities, and will even integrate into joint activities with them, such as workshops for school students, training for professionals, seminars, and lectures for different audiences.
Persons without disabilities from all sectors, Arabs and Jews alike, will be invited to the center to be exposed to the world of persons with disabilities, their skills, and the challenges they face. The goal in addressing both parts of the communities is to strengthen the relationship between them, which is necessary nowadays.
Multipurpose Entrance lobby
Reception, diverse seating areas and a display space for art exhibitions of artists with and without disabilities, which connects to the multi-purpose spaces
Multipurpose activity spaces
In these activity rooms, diverse trainings and workshops will be held, offering the development of personal, occupational, and artistic skills, as well as courses promoting healthy lifestyles. All activities aim to increase the chances of persons with disabilities to integrate into the labor market, either as employees or self-employed and in society in general.
Furthermore, we plan a cooperation with high-tech companies, that will help in building a program and guiding workshops that strive to integrate people with disabilities in high-tech. Alongside to high-tech cooperation, the AlManarah CIL will nurture the talents of people in areas such as music, theater, sports and more.
In addition, there will be support groups for parents and families of persons with disabilities in the belief that the family is an equally important resource in the process of forming an independent life for the person with the disability.
Accessories and Gadgets Shop
The store will include an exhibition of assistive equipment and essential gadgets to increase the independence of persons with disabilities, including equipment that is displayed in the model apartment and the educational kitchen.
Educational Kitchen and Model Apartment
The rooms below will be built as the way of managing an active daily life. As part of these facilities, there will be training with a rehabilitation guide, along with the use of essential gadgets and accessories, which will provide the participants with skills to develop independent daily life in their apartment.
Center for Assistive Technology
The center includes computers and assistive technology equipment, to teach persons with disabilities to use technology independently.
Professional Recording Studios
One large studio with cameras for producing podcasts that serve as a voice of persons with disabilities to inspire the public with their stories.
An additional smaller recording studio will be provided for the recording of audiobooks used to expand the ArabCast Books Library.
Counseling Room
Intended for emotional therapy and/or rights consultancy.
The room creates a safe and intimate environment (including acoustic insulation) for the people asking for the service.
In conclusion, The CIL will be a beacon for persons with disabilities and their families and will help them get out of the circles of darkness and exclusion towards the light of integration and mobility. Thus, turning them from a burden into an asset!
