The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce the relaunch of its newly renovated Learning Center for the Blind, a pioneering initiative dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired students. Established in 1996, the center has been a cornerstone of empowerment for students with visual impairments, ensuring equal access to education, integration into society, and successful entry into the workforce.
Link to photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oeswJbLGfc3nATGPkwqOyWJsmqUm4ZbB?usp=sharing
The inauguration ceremony took place on January 1, 2025, at the Mount Scopus campus, just days before International Braille Day on January 4—a global event celebrating the importance of Braille as a means of communication for the blind and visually impaired. This timing underscores the center’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, aligning its mission with the broader global effort to promote the rights and opportunities of the visually impaired community.
Originally designed to serve 70 students, the center now accommodates 130 blind students across all faculties and 30 additional students in pre-academic programs. Students benefit from a range of services, including academic support, employment preparation, and personal development. The center operates on the Mount Scopus campus, with an extension at the Edmond J. Safra Campus (Givat Ram) and services for students on the Rehovot campus.
One of the distinctive features of the center is its inclusive approach, with 37% of students from the Arab sector, a significant representation compared to the general student population. This reflects the center's commitment to addressing unique challenges and fostering diversity.
The Learning Center for the Blind provides:
- Individual study rooms and fully equipped workstations.
- Advanced assistive technologies, such as screen-reading software and magnification tools.
- An academic library featuring Braille, recordings, and magnification equipment.
- Assistance with exams through readers, transcribers, or computers.
- Courses on assistive devices, mobility, and orientation.
- Guidance for navigating university campuses with trained guides.
Students also receive academic counseling, dormitory accommodations, and workshops to prepare for job searches. An impressive 70% of the center’s graduates successfully integrate into the job market, excelling in fields such as education, social work, medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture.
The center operates with the support of Alah, in collaboration with Hebrew University, the National Insurance Institute’s Disability Services Development Fund, and generous donors, including Aryeh Zahavi, a donor from Switzerland, and contributions from a bequest fund.
“The Learning Center for the Blind embodies the Hebrew University’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for all,” said Moshe Oved, Director of the Learning Center for the Blind. “This renewal reaffirms our dedication to fostering a supportive environment for students with visual impairments, enabling them to achieve their academic and personal goals.”
The relaunch of the Learning Center for the Blind marks a significant milestone in Hebrew University’s ongoing mission to break down barriers and empower the next generation of leaders.
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.