Following an unusual event during transportation in Qalansawe, The Shalem Fund realized the importance of training and was involved in an awareness rising day with drivers in the Arab sector. The goals of the day were to provide information and emphasize the importance of the positive impact that can be achieved by drivers and carers working with special needs populations of all levels of functioning. The event which took place in March this year in Qalansawe was attended by approximately 200 drivers from 7 Arab towns. The seminar is a first-of-its-kind in the region in general, and in the Arab society in particular
The success of the day was thanks to the collaboration of welfare and education managers and the staff from municipalities and towns in the region, the Regional supervisors, Beit Issie Shapiro and the Shalem Foundation
Among the issues presented were valuing a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, safe transportation, the Law for the Helpless and the duty of reporting. The discussion of these significant subjects led to exposures, reflection and joint brainstorming for new approaches
Zmirawi Wiam – social worker and welfare officer for intellectual and developmental disabilities in Qalansawe, was a key partner in the planning of the seminar with Latifah Mansur, district supervisor of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Social Affairs, stated that : knowledge is power and is the key for change, the seminar greatly contributed to changing attitudes which will contribute to a change of behavior towards a person with special needs. The day lead to increased knowledge in this field and has "opened eyes" to the needs of the entire population with special needs, and for the services provided to them. In addition, the seminar resulted viewing others with acceptance and respect, re-emphasizing to professionals, carers and drivers, that respect and responsibility are obligatory for them in their contact with students and toddlers with special needs, their families and supervisors
The Shalem Fund assisted in planning and financing this seminar
