The procedure of Accessibility in Israel is going through a tremendous change in the past ten years, beginning with the legislation of an equality law in 1998. This process is meant to change and promote the lives of people with disability, some of which were not addressed before, such as people with sensual disability, mental health disability etc'. The fundamental alteration is that the concept of disability has been broadened to understanding that the components of disability are wider then "just" physical disability aspects. The expansion refers to components of building foundations, landscape and services given.

Currently regulations which have been written are either legislated or in a state of being legislated. Although the process of legislation has not been completed, it is important to point out that progress is in an advanced state and the meanings and values which the legislator is intending to implement can already clearly be identified.

In terms of accessibility in Israel, this present time is a time of assimilating and internalization. A process which may be similar in ways to the British- Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and in the USA- American with Disabilities Act (ADA) still, the implementation and some of the characteristics may be found to be different.

 

Our team- Gisha Tova, is composed of expert architects and consultants with significantly large knowledge in terms of disability and accessibility. All of our consultants have experience of many years in a large variety of projects of different types. Our outlook is highly incorporated with the process coming into being in Israel, leading fascinating cooperation between experts coming from the engineering professions and those coming from a rehabilitation and treatment background. The object of our multidisciplinary team is to provide professional focused accessibility solutions matching the type and characters of the building and service being referred to. This multi disciplinary cooperation enables us to supply the best solutions possible referring to the building, the potential users with or without disability and legislation.

 

·        Accompanying projects in the process of accessibility, providing an initial survey to begin with. Escorting the process until completed and accessible for all according to legislation and the specific characteristics of the specific place.

·        Consulting towards accessible compatibility for existing or newly planed buildings, foundations and sites. The treatment includes guidelines for planning and implementations.

·        Treatment of accessibility permits in the municipality and authorities.

·        Consultation for accessibility in the vocational environment, this includes ergonomics for people with disabilities. This consultation is done by experts with professional knowledge in the needs of people with or without physical, sight and or hearing disabilities.

·        Consolation for spaces with particular or specific designation, such as lecture halls etc'.

·        Consultation in the subject of service accessibility.

·        Supervising the accessibility process.

·        Included in our team are some of the top experts in Israel today authorized in Accessibility for Buildings, Foundations the Surroundings and Service. Our experts take into consideration the needs of people with physical, sensory and cognitive disability. An approach that improves the usage of the surrounding for all.

·        We are providers for the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior, Health maintenance organizations, the Jewish National Fund and consultants for Tel Aviv's municipality accessibility committee for licenses.

·        Our experts match the accessibility process so that it may be adapted to specific needs and characteristics according to the legislation and specifications that apply on the place in concern.

·        The experience accumulated in our office is significant, practical and done through deep understanding of planning and implementation procedures.

 

·        Accessibility surveys done for private and public companies.

·        Colleges, schools and day care centers.

·        Visitor centers and sites such as Mount Hertzel.

·        Hospitals, senior citizens home and clinics, such as the emergency room in Ashdod.

·        Projects designated to population with disability.

·        Government offices, such as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the Ministry of the Interior etc'.

·        Theaters, such as Cinema City, Globus etc'.

·        Train stations in Afula and Tel Aviv.

·        Banks, such as Leumi Bank, Hapoalim Bank, Discount Bank and U.

·        Hotels all over Israel.

·        Department Houses and urban building scheme.

·        Shopping centers such as IKEA and Home Center.

·        Sport centers, Country Clubs and pools.

·        Synagogues.

·        Judaism Ritual Baths.

·        National Parks, Amusement parks etc'.

 

Our office has been founded in 2001 giving consultation in the field of accessibility by Registered Architect Ariel Gradsztajn. Architect Ariel Gradsztajn is an Authorized Experts of Accessibility in Building, Foundation and the Surrounding certified by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. Architect Ariel Gradsztajn took part in the promoting the law concerning people with disabilities. Architect Ariel Gradsztajn is a provider for:

·        The Ministry of Health.

·        The Ministry of Defense.

·        The Ministry of Interior.

·        Israeli Health Maintenance Organizations.

·        The Jewish National Fund.

·        Consultant for Tel Aviv's municipality accessibility committee for licenses.

 

Tal Zimnavoda is an Occupational Therapist since 1991, completing her MA in 1998. A Practical Engineer Architect and an Authorized Experts of Service Accessibility certified by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.

Tal Zimnavoda was part of a work group which was gathered together in order to consolidate and promote the new accessibility regulations in the Ministry of Justice. Tal has years of experience in Assistive Technology, is currently teaching Universal Design and Assistive Technology in Tel- Aviv University and is part of a work group established in order to promote accessibility in the campus.  

Tal Zimnavoda is a provider for:

·        The Ministry of Defense.

·        Social Security - National Insurance.

·        The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.

·        Israeli Health Maintenance Organizations

·        Manager of the course studying towards being an Authorized Experts of Service Accessibility in Tel- Aviv University.

 

 

We shall be happy to assist in any question that may arise,

Office: +972-9-8944663

Cell Ariel: +972-52-8413839

Cell Tal: +972-50-2023837

Mail: archiel@zahav.net.il

Website: www.gishatova.co.il