About us
Avnei Derech - Our Vision
Avnei Derech aspiration is to promote an inclusive and accessible social structure,
that enables people with disabilities to experience independent and autonomous lives,
while being provided with appropriate support for their individual needs.
We pursue this vision through policy change, the development and operation of innovative services, raising awareness, and transforming public discourse.
Our Service Approach
Daily life Independent functioning is essential when living within a community. Yet, it is not the main goal of the association’s programs. In order to encourage our participants to express themselves fully, we focus on autonomy including the ability of each individual to take responsibility for how he chooses to live and make decisions for himself or herself, grounded in an understanding of each one's own abilities, challenges, desires, and boundaries.
Even when external support is needed, personal autonomy involves the right to choose the types of assistance required to achieve one’s goals, and the ways in which this same support is provided and integrated into daily life.
We strive to create the optimal balance between autonomy and independence, enabling individuals to take focus and control over their own lives. Our support continues over time, adapting to life’s circumstances and to the personal goals each individual defines for himself or herself.
The programs of “Avnei Derech” Association are unique as they provide the space to experience, make mistakes, change direction, and discover each person’s own path.
Serving Israel’s northern periphery, we remain present and consistent, in times of routine and emergency alike.
Our values
Human Dignity
In all of our work, we respect every individual as unique, free, valuable, and entitled to equal rights within society.
Person-Centered Services
All our programs are guided by the individual’s needs and desires, with services tailored to each person - placing them at the heart of the process.
Autonomy
We are committed to the right of people with disabilities to lead their lives according to their own will, values, and choices.
Professionalism
We operate as a knowledge-based organization — dedicated to expertise, continuous learning, critical thinking, and embedding social-justice perspectives in our daily practice.
Equality of Rights and Opportunities
We believe every person with a disability holds equal value in society.
Fulfilling this principle requires providing appropriate tools, supports, and resources to realize their rights and opportunities.
Accessibility
We aim to influence and shape systems so that people with disabilities can fully access, participate in, and benefit from all areas of life.
Innovation
Our work culture is dynamic, creative, and flexible - encouraging initiative and critical thinking to create a more inclusive and just reality.
Avnei Derech
Timeline
The Idea Takes Shape
The organization’s founders Shirly and Inbal have formerly led outdoors youth clubs for children and teens with disabilities. They witnessed how reduced were the options available to young people leaving the education system – options often limited to sheltered frameworks or remaining at home. This situation brought up a new vision: a life-preparation program for young autistic adults that would help them to live age-appropriate experiences and undergo training for an autonomous life.
The Organization is founded
“Avnei Derech” was established with the goal of launching the first preparatory program of its kind for young women and men on the autism spectrum.
The group is set
weekly social meetings self-led by the group of participants interested in the program.
This marks the start of shared exploration and the unique spirit that would define the future initiative.
Launch of the Program
With the support of the Wohl Foundation, a former health clinic building in Kiryat Shmona was converted into a dedicated residential facility, and the “Avnei Derech” Preparatory Program was officially opened.
Launch of a Military Inclusion Program
The wish of one of the participants to serve in the military, leads to the creation of a support program for voluntary service in the IDF. This initiative evolved into the national “In Uniform” Program following a Ministry of Welfare tender award in 2021.
Tené Kiryat Shmona is Born
Graduates of the Life-Prep Program express a need for continued support while living independently.
The Tené Program offers a flexible support system for adults living in rented apartments, along with tailored services.
“Avnei Derech” Receives the ZERO Project Award
The ZERO Project is an international initiative that honors innovative programs promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Defense Minister Award for the “In Uniform” Program
Leisure Programs Begin
Starting with the “Shvilistim” (Israel Trail Walkers) group, followed by a growing range of meaningful group activities.
Services expand: Haifa
Together with participants moving from Kiryat Shmona to the “big city,” the Tené Program and a new preparatory track for IDF soldiers are launched in Haifa — the Haifa branch begins to take shape.
Employment Programs Begin
The association wins a Ministry of Welfare tender for job placement and support services, launching the Employment Program.
United Nations Advisor Status - The organization receives an official Human Rights Advisor Status at the UN.
Dolev Program Opens
Initially a satellite of the life-prep program in Kiryat Shmona, Dolev becomes a separate full program - a community housing track offering backup for adults with disabilities and behavioral challenges.
“Keeping the Continuity”
Remote services launched during the COVID-19 period, with activities and workshops adapted to the situation.
Poland Journey
An initiative from participants within the Life-Prep, Tené, and leisure programs. Together with staff, they organize and embark on a moving delegation to Poland to explore the legacy of the Holocaust.
Evacuation of the Northern Programs Following the Iron Swords War
With the outbreak of the war, our service recipients and staff — most from communities near the border — were evacuated. The association’s programs first operated from Kibbutz Tirat Zvi and later from Kibbutz Ami’ad.
We are proud to say that throughout a year and a half of evacuation, services across all programs never stopped, but adapted and transformed to remain relevant.
“Efshar La’azor” (Here to Help)
A national support network formed during the war, assisting over 300 people with disabilities. Established in partnership with Tnu’a La’Atzmaut (The Movement for Independence).
Tené Expands to Hof HaCarmel – Pardes Hanna
Responding to rising demand, the Tené program opens a new branch in the Carmel Coast region.
Back home!
After a year and a half in displacement, all programs return north.
We are proud that our services have never stopped, not even during the war, and it was always clear: we are going back home!
New Branding for the Association
We refreshed our brand to reflect our values and spirit, thanks to the outstanding talent of our designer, Gal Amir.
Launch of the “Preparation for Life” Program in Hefer valley
A new Life-Prep Program near Ruppin College, offers support for both independent living and academic or vocational education.
“Nagish Lachem” Initiative Launches
A new initiative in which our participants are employed, receive professional training, develop enrichment-day workshops and content, and serve as facilitators.
“There’s openness - who we are is who we are. I feel more secure being myself.”
G., Shvilistim Group
"I disconnect from my phone because everything around me is new.
At home, it’s always the same, so I’m on my phone to look for something different.”
A., Dolev Program
“Meeting others on the spectrum helped break down the negative stereotypes I had.”
M., Kiryat Shmona Life-Prep Program
Board of Directors
Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Prof. Neta Ziv
Co-founder of Bizchut – The Israel Human Rights Center for People with Disabilities and served as Chairperson of the organization between 1993–1996. Researcher and lecturer in academia in the fields of Disability Studies and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Board Member
Shirley Kenny
Co-founder of Avnei Derech L’Chaim (Milestones for Life). Holds a B.A. in Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, with certification in career development counseling. Brings extensive experience in coordination and management of welfare programs for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Board Member
Segev Yerovam
Member of Kibbutz Ortal. Formerly managed leading agricultural companies in the north and currently serves as CEO of the Galilee Development Company. Leads development and community initiatives in the Hula Valley, Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights, and serves in a variety of public roles as board member and director.
Board Member
Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli
Lecturer and researcher in the fields of the Internet and the information society. Heads the Sagi Center for Internet Research, Senior Research Fellow at the Samuel Neaman Institute, and advises governmental and international bodies on topics such as e-government, online learning, learning in the information age, crowdsourcing, open information, and more.
Board Member
Ronen Gil
Social activist since youth. Among the pioneers of the autistic community in Israel, working to promote the critical approach to disability and its academic branch – Critical Disability Studies – in Israel and worldwide. Co-founder and current Chairperson of Merhavim Shel Shiyachut (Spaces of Belonging).
Board Member
Chen Gershoni
Co-founder of ASY – the Autistic Community in Israel. Active in Autscape, the European autistic-led organization. Published a personal column, Diary of an Autistic, on the Maariv NRG website. Took part in the documentary High Functioning (Channel 8). Writes about autism and society, and performs in music groups with autistic and neurodivergent musicians.
The Team
Roee Gardi
"Dolev" Program, Social Worker
Yasmin Tahor Shargill
Emotional Therapist
Roni Moalem
Team Development Facilitator
Eran Yosub
"In Uniform" Coordinator, Central district
Inbar Artzi
Haifa Preparatory Program Coordinator
Edith Brum
Intake and Placement Coordinator
Omer Rozenblit
HR Coordinator
Sapir Nardia
“In Uniform” Coordinator, Haifa
Noa Liran
Employment Program Coordinator, Haifa
Marina Ognev
Bookkeeper
Lee-an Mizrahi
Haifa Preparatory Program Social Worker
Jessie (Yiska) Langer
“Tene” Coordinator, Kiryat Shmona
Yana Aronovich
“Tene” Coordinator, Haifa
Hila Bar
“Tene” Haifa, Social Worker
Dani Karin
"Dolev" Coordinator
Bar Admoni Elkayam
Employment & Higher Education Coordinator
Ortal Arbel
"Tene" Coordinator, Pardes Hanna
Adam Drori
Maintenance, Safety & Accessibility Coordinator
Adir Dadon
"Nagish Lachem" Coordinator
Or Cohen
“Tene” Program, Social Worker
Tali Radin
Rupin Preparatory Program Coordinator
Avishai Sarel
IT Coordinator
Shir Bar-on
Preparatory Instructor, Kiryat Shmona
Shir Antin Belete
"In Uniform" Facilitator, Haifa
Raz Yarden
Employment Facilitator, Haifa
Ruslan Rozhnev
"Tene" Facilitator, Haifa
Ron Rachel Kita
Preparatory Instructor, Haifa
Saar Cohen
"Dolev" Instructor
Niv Tal
Preparatory Instructor, Kiryat Shmona
Ma'ayan Gil
"Tene" Facilitator, Haifa
Moria Zamiri
Preparatory Instructor, Kiryat Shmona
Tal Mali Fisher
"Tene" Facilitator, Haifa
Zohar Bendrihem
"In Uniform" Facilitator, Haifa
Hagar Blumberg
"Tene" Facilitator, Haifa
Daniel (Dini) Mark
Preparatory Instructor, Kiryat Shmona
Gal Irani
"In Uniform" Facilitator, Haifa
Almog Dahan
Preparatory Instructor, Kiryat Shmona
Shani Gold
Employment Facilitator, Haifa
Yaniv Levi
"Dolev" Instructor
Amir Gilo
Leisure Instructor
Avnei Derech for Life - On the Map
Click on a region to view the programs available in that area.
Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee
Haifa District
Pardes Hanna and Hefer valley
Avnei Derech for Life in the Media
אוטיזמעניין - סרט קצר
פסטיבל דוקאביב - גליל
November 2025
סרט קצר - פרי יצירתי של מאיה גוטרמן, מנכ"לית העמותה, בליווי ובהנחיית יעל קיפר ורונן זרצקי, במסגרת פרוייקט "כנפיים" של סדנת הקולנוע במרכז לאמנויות ע"ש אפטר-ברר בשיתוף פרויקט הקולנוע הגלילי.
Autistic People's Perspectives on Parental Diagnosis Disclosure
PubMed
July 2024
A Grounded Theory
“Yihiyeh Beseder”
Galei Tzahal
May 2025
Head of the “In Uniform” Program interviewed.
Article - Autistic People's Perspectives on Parental Diagnosis Disclosure: A Grounded Theory
“At Your Own Pace”
Radio Kol HaGalil HaElyon
December 2024
Avnei Derech Preparatory Program featured on a radio show.