Israeli Program Helps Parents of Special Needs Children Return to Workforce with Renewed Confidence
Many parents of children with special needs in Israel face severe challenges maintaining employment due to intensive caregiving demands. Adi, an English teacher and educational counselor, had a clear career path until her son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, leading her to reduce work hours and eventually stop working altogether due to behavioral and sensory regulation difficulties. She is one of many parents struggling to balance work and caregiving, with about 1.7 million people with disabilities in Israel, including 338,000 children and youth, and half of their parents unable to work despite 93% wanting to.
The nonprofit organization Kesher - The Home for Special Families has developed a program to help these parents re-enter the workforce. Led by Dana Kotik Shzifi, the program focuses first on restoring parents' self-belief and aligning their personal and family needs with realistic employment goals. Participants receive emotional support and practical tools such as resume building, job searching, and networking. The program also highlights how caregiving has developed valuable skills like time management, problem-solving, and flexibility.
Parents like Carmit Rotman and Ayelet (pseudonym) share how the program transformed their outlook on work and self-worth after years of instability and isolation. Carmit, a mother of two with disabilities, found community and renewed hope, while Ayelet had to leave a job she loved due to her son's needs but is now cautiously returning to work with new expectations.
Kesher's CEO Damian Kalman emphasizes that employment is not just financial but also about belonging and independence. Since the program's inception, 85% of participants have secured jobs or are actively seeking work. The initiative aims to strengthen families by empowering parents, which in turn positively impacts children with disabilities. Carmit now feels she can be both a good mother and pursue a professional future, reflecting the program's success in restoring balance and purpose.
