Ahada is a grassroots countrywide self-help organization of parents with challenged children in Kibbutzim, Moshavim and towns. Ahada is an independent recognized organization under the auspices of The United Kibbutz Movements. Ahada functions with full cooperation from the various departments of the United Kibbutz Movements, in particular, the Welfare and Legal departments. Ahada is in contact with all the various organizations that exist in Israel who deal with challenged people, both those with physical or mental disabilities, with Bezcut organization, whose primary role is to push the Law for Equality for handicapped people through the Knesset. Ahada is administrated by a Directorate and a Secretariat, holds one day seminars and a yearly conference of all its members. Ahada has 650 enrolled members, the large majority members of Kibbutzim. Ahada has an ongoing School for Parents with a strong support group, ongoing projects for Education in High Schools in the after school hours, a Bar-Mitzvah project which integrates handicapped children in a yearly Bar-Mitzvah program, and other varied projects. AHADA publishes a monthly newsletter containing relevant information about, rights, laws, new medication, seminars, protected housing frames and has a 24 hour open telephone line for immediate contact. Ahada is represented on the Law and Rights Committee in the Knesset. Its members are kept up to date on legal issues affecting the handicapped and Ahada gives information to parents on their legal rights. Ahada is a strong advocate of the handicapped in Israel and keeps in contact with all relevant organizations in Israel and overseas. Ahada advises its members regarding future security for their children who are not members of the Kibbutz, offers an "agreement" between the parents and the Kibbutz which establishes legal rights for their children, advice regarding social security, pensions and establishing special funds, advice on protected housing for the disabled and works with dignitaries on each Kibbutz to change the Laws and Regulations of each Kibbutz regarding children who are categorized as "Dependant on their Parents" Ahada's future goals are to provide a secure future for handicapped children and adults in Kibbutzim, Moshavim and developing towns and to provide community group homes for disabled adults. Ahada is constantly working towards these goals and has established an ongoing contact with several Jewish communities overseas with whom we are working in unison to further the handicapped person. Ahada was awarded a special award in 1999. The Trump Family Award recognized Ahada for its outstanding services to its members and it advocacy for the handicapped nationally. Ahada's Administration Directorate Ahada Directorate United Kibbutz Movements