AKIM Israel is the national organization for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, operating as a person oriented organization (PCO), i.e. it represents individuals with intellectual disabilities and their relatives while upholding human rights and freedoms. The organization nowadays represents some 35,000 people with intellectual disabilities, and approximately 140,000 family members and legal guardians.

Since its founding in 1951 the association acted to realize the rights, promote a better quality of living and improve the welfare of people who have intellectual disabilities and their relatives, using legal advocacy and advocacy within the community.

AKIM works towards inclusion of people with IDD in the community empowerment of people for self-advocacy and integration into society. Based on its vision, the association promotes positive attitudes towards the people through AKIM’s headquarters, 65 branches and activity centers deployed in 88 towns and communities in Israel, in both Jewish and Arab sectors, managed by parents and volunteers. 

AKIM Israel provides families with emotional support, legal consultation and information about their rights using the department for realization of rights, Parents for Parents call center and the legal clinic for rights of people with intellectual disabilities in partnership with the Herzelia Inter-Disciplinary Center. Furthermore, AKIM provides families in need with financial support through the AKIM Fund. Alongside its advocacy work, AKIM in partnership with the Welfare Ministry and local authorities operates some 100 frameworks throughout the country that address issues of education, community housing, employment, recreation and culture and military enlistment. Furthermore, AKIM constantly updates and equips the frameworks, in partnership with the Disabled Persons’ Service Development Foundation funded by Social Security, the Shalem Foundation and public donations.