100 Years of the Technion – 15 Years of Partnership with Israel Elwyn

The Technion is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and we at Israel Elwyn are delighted and proud to be part of this journey. Over the years, we have established meaningful collaborations that bridge academia and the community, driven by the belief that education, innovation, and society can and should go hand in hand.

Here are some of the projects that illustrate our partnership:

Exposure Days as Part of the “Being a Doctor” Course

For over 15 years, medical students from the Technion’s Faculty of Medicine have participated in special exposure days at Israel Elwyn’s Haifa and Northern Israel Programs. Throughout the year, 16 groups of students meet the individuals we support—infants, children, adolescents, and adults—to gain firsthand insight into their lives, the challenges they face, and the tailored solutions designed to meet their needs. These encounters go beyond theoretical learning; they provide an opportunity to experience, understand, and internalize the essence of medicine with a humanistic and compassionate approach.

Shoval Program – Equal in Education

Recently, the third cohort of the unique Shoval program completed its studies, making this an opportune time to reflect on its successes. To date, approximately 50 individuals with disabilities have participated in the program, receiving a unique glimpse into diverse academic fields such as medicine, psychology, and computer science. The program is led by medical students from the Technion, who assist participants in broadening their horizons and acquiring meaningful tools for the future.

Health Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At a time when health became the central focus of our lives, Technion medical students stepped up to help by leading a series of sessions on healthy living for individuals at Israel Elwyn’s Adult Day Centers. Participants learned about the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and oral hygiene—crucial topics that contribute to improving personal health and overall quality of life.

Engineering Innovation for an Accessible Community

Beyond medical collaborations, Technion mechanical engineering students have engaged in exciting projects aimed at developing technological solutions for people with disabilities. Among their achievements are devices that assist with drawing and enable independent drinking. Each of these developments promotes independence and enhances the quality of life for the individuals we support.

Social Hackathon – Technology Serving the Community

A few years ago, Israel Elwyn participated in a social hackathon held at the Technion in collaboration with the Social Incubator. During the event, students, professionals, and technology experts worked together with people with disabilities to develop innovative solutions that align with their goals and create accessible technological tools. The partnership between Israel Elwyn and the Technion demonstrates that when academia and the community collaborate, real, meaningful, and long-term change can be achieved. We look forward to continuing this shared journey and to future projects that will emerge.

Written by: Yifat Pinto Kahana, MSW, National Director of Volunteering