We all live in the digital age. We surf the internet, stay connected on social media, shop online, and pay bills with a single click. Is the digital world genuinely accessible to everyone?
Chimes Israel’s “Smart in Digital” program, a collaboration between JDC (The Joint), the National Digital Agency of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Welfare, and TechBuddy, directly addresses the need to make the digital world accessible to all.
This groundbreaking initiative helps individuals with cognitive and communication disabilities acquire practical skills, increase independence, and build digital capabilities.
Participants in the program learn a wide range of practical digital skills—from the basics of using a smartphone or tablet, to operating essential apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, and Moovit, to learning about digital safety, including how to identify spam and suspicious messages.
The course comprises 12 group and five one-on-one sessions that offer practical tools for financial, personal, and social independence through digital education. So far, they have conducted more than 20 courses nationwide, benefiting over 320 participants, and this is just the beginning.
At our Rosh HaAyin center, our clients and staff from our supported employment center participated in the program together. The shared learning experience created a sense of closeness and mutual understanding. Best of all, it enables the staff to continue supporting participants in practicing their newly acquired skills in real-life situations.
“The Smart in Digital course opened a door for us to the digital world, and allowed us to see it through the eyes of the people we support,”said Reut, a Rosh HaAyin staff member who completed the training. “Everything was explained clearly and accessibly. We learned practical tools, discovered new possibilities, and were excited to see how technology can truly make daily life easier for our clients. It was an enriching and empowering experience, and another way for us to support those we serve.”
“It was great. I learned so many things I didn’t know—including what apps are and how to download them,” said Asaf Barak, one of the program participants. “I really hope the course continues. Now I know how to use the camera to search for things in Gmail. I receive a message from an unknown number or something suspicious on WhatsApp, I know not to open it — it’s likely spam. That’s even a new word I learned!”
The “Smart in Digital” program is another meaningful step in our mission to empower people with disabilities, increase their independence, and help them become full participants in the ever-evolving digital world.
