B.A. in Education and Social Sciences Accessibility and Disability

Program Highlights

Studies focus on four primary types of disabilities, with students choosing two of them.

Develop an understanding of how people with disabilities experience every part of life from birth to old age and an education for both research and practical applications.

Students will be entitled to two certificates during the program to allow them to seek out meaningful employment opportunities: the Accessibility Coordinator certificate and the Mental Health Guide certificate.

Overview

What certificates does the Accessibility and Disability program offer?

Accessibility Coordinator Certificate (2nd year) – Accessibility coordinators are required in any organization with over 25 employees. This role provides information about accessibility and works to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. The accessibility coordinator is responsible for knowing the organization’s legal obligations and communicating them to management as needed.

An accessibility coordinator also handles various requests from people with disabilities regarding any accommodations in the workplace and other matters. The accessibility coordinator is also the designed individual to manage the issue of accessibility within the organization.

Mental Health Guide Certificate (3rd year) – A mental health guide’s role is central to the progress of individuals dealing with mental illness. The guide accompanies the individual and helps them establish a routine and lead an independent lifestyle in accordance with rehabilitation plans and in coordination with other staff members.

In obtaining this certificate, students become familiar with mental illnesses and treatment methods, including medication, rehabilitation, integration and recovery, and recovery-oriented strategies that make up the foundation of psychiatric rehabilitation. Students also learn new models for balancing mental health in patients, evidence-based interventions to promote recovery and aspects of dual illnesses where both mental health and addiction are factors.

Who is this degree right for?

This degree is for anyone looking to establish a career in the field of education, care, and support for children and people of all ages with disabilities, including:

Those interested in disabilities and accessibility from the perspective of leading social change for the better in our society.
Those interested in the modern innovations in the field that are constantly being developed here in Israel.

This program also provides opportunities for part-time work in the field during your studies.

What makes Ono Academic College the right choice for this specialization?

Ono Academic College is the only institution in Israel that offers a degree in Education and Social Science – Accessibility and Disability Studies, as this program represents a new approach in Israel as the attitude of our society toward children and people with disabilities changes.
Ono Academic College is the only institution to offer a program focused not only on special education from ages 3 to 21 but instead the entire life cycle of people with disabilities from birth to old age. Out of the 1.5 million people with disabilities in Israel, just 300,000 are children. This program recognizes people of all ages, many of whom live with invisible disabilities.
Graduates of this program will have the strong educational foundation needed to better understand the people they work to help in society through accessibility and inclusivity. Graduates also develop knowledge and tools useful in educational fields, such as art therapy, CBT, parent training, and more.
Ono Academic College imparts not just academic knowledge and tools but also practical hands-on experience. As a result, our graduates are better prepared to launch successful careers and improve their communities.

Topics of Study Include:

First Year

People With Disabilities in the Circle of Life
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Special Education
Developmental Psychology
Informal Education
Introduction to Sociology
Narrative as an Educational Tool
Services and Frameworks in the Field of Disabilities
Education and Multiculturalism
Management and Leadership in Educational Organizations
Introduction to Learning Technologies
Learning Strategies
Research Literacy – Qualitative Methods
Sign Language
Sensorimotor Development
English (placement by level)
A range of practical experiences, tours, workshops

Second Year

The Transition to Adulthood and the Circle of Life
Invisible Disabilities
The Autistic Spectrum: Characteristics and Working Principles
Art as an Interventional Educational Tool
Child – Family, Community
Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Dealing with Trauma Situations
Psychopathology
Accessibility Coordinator Certificate
Descriptive Statistics and Quantitative Research
English (placement by level)
A range of practical experiences, tours, workshops

Third Year

From Self-Advocacy to Community Advocacy
Parental Guidance
Rehabilitation, Integration, and Recovery in Mental Health
Mental Guide Certificate
CBT
Disability and Risk
Career Preparation
English (placement by level)
A range of practical experiences, tours, workshops

*Example curriculum – subject to change

Skills you'll have upon graduation

Facilitating groups through advocacy/social skills for children and people with disabilities
Managing the integration of a child or person with a disability into education, society, and leisure.
Carrying out training and education for people with mental disabilities within Ministry of Health rehabilitation programs.
Providing employment support for people with disabilities.
Fulfilling the role of organizational accessibility coordinator.

I Believe

Dr. Nitsan Almog Head of the program

Our graduates will be the professionals of tomorrow. They come from all corners of Israeli society, and only they can lead a real change within it. The practical experience in this program opens up a variety of employment opportunities for them, working with children and people with disabilities in a variety of educational and social settings in Israel, and some of our graduates are already working in these frameworks with great success.

Our Program Graduates Speak

"At Ono, I combined studies and practical work. They encouraged me to study and to develop professionally."

Itay Shahror

"Experienced and patient lecturers, interesting studies, and flexible hours created a wonderful learning experience. The teachers were there for me and supported me. The tools I took with me include understanding the subject of disability as a whole and tools for life, such as planning time correctly and setting goals in order to conquer them. In my third and final year, I chose to practice at the Alotef Daycare in Netanya, where I experienced the field, which let me graduate more mature and professional. It was amazing - I developed real connections with the staff and, of course, with the children as well. I highly recommend this program, don't hesitate."