Feel the accessibility – 2013

Thousands of visitors took part in “Feel the accessibility” event organized by the “Access Israel” association on Friday May 24 at the Tel-Aviv Port. The “Access Israel” association, which improves the quality of life for disabled and handicapped people, organized an event “Feel the accessibility 2013″ where everyone could get an unique insensitive experience. The purpose was to let people feel what disabled persons feel. So visitors got a chance to take a part in special sport activities, showing the equality of people with disabilities and the huge potential such persons have.

Thousands of Tel-Aviv promenade visitors, witnessed the basketball game between veterans of hospital network Maccabi Tel-Aviv VS the National Israeli team of wheelchair users.

Audience not only enjoyed watching the game, but also took part in some kinds of accessible sports. Such as tennis, rugby, bike riding (being blindfolded and accompanied by a guide), obstacle course for a wheelchair users, and so on.

Moreover, visitors could participate in a variety of workshops, gaining experience in understanding different types of disabilities.
“Try and feel” – a series of fun activities for the whole family, simulating the perception of disability – included a lot of interesting practices too. Visitors got a chance to be a part of blindfolded ice cream tasting, tried to make tattoos shaped like finger language elements, dance with headphones for the hearing impaired, took a walk with guide-dog or rode a bike with closed eyes guided by a lead.

In addition, at the end of event there was aircraft flying over the harbor, which was operated by pilots with disabilities. As well special flotilla “Kiaakim”, yachts and sailboats sailed along the coast during the entire event.

The event was also attended by the Israeli famous people – politicians, public figures and athletes. They all came not only to support «Feel the accessibility» event but also to take active part in it. Organizers of this event are thankful to the Tel-Aviv port, Israeli Disabled Sports Association and all the rest who helped and visited this event.

Source: aisrael.org