Since childhood, I've paid careful – and astonished –attention to the development of equipment that helps people retain or regain their mobility and other physical functions. I noticed, early on, that inventions enhancing physical functions such as bending or reaching give orthopedic (and other) patients the ability to cope with the needs of daily living without relying on helpers.
Even more than that: those who use special equipment in order to stand, to get around and to perform tasks (such as washing dishes or driving) are successful. The various devices "simply" free them to use their talents. The result is that some people who are regarded as "disabled" because of their physical limitations have achieved great accomplishments that others, who have healthier bodies, haven't.
As a youngster, I had a dream, a castle-in-the-air type of dream, to help people with disabilities realize their abilities. I wanted to take the prefix off that word, "disabilities". I wanted to help people who were immobile to become mobile, to have better lives. As a boy, I had at least a thousand ideas how I could translate my dream to reality.
In 2008, I took the first step toward taking my castle out of the air and making it a reality. I formed a registered organization, what the Israelis call an "amuta", a foundation that is not-for-profit. This amuta, which I call Yad L'Neche, is giving substance to my dream. And, the great demand for its services amazed me. I was astonished at the number of people with disabilities in this country of ours!
I was in for another surprise. I discovered that giving another person really meaningful help is relatively simple. Anyone can help.
Executive Director
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