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The Shalva National Center
The Shalva National Center is one of the largest centers for disability care and inclusion in the world . The center was officially opened in September 2016 in response to a growing need for advanced rehabilitative services for individuals with disabilities and in recognition of Shalva ’ s pioneering program development in this field . The campus includes an expansive inclusive playground and a main building which is 200,000 square feet in size . Each of the eleven stories of the Shalva National Center serves Shalva ’ s different programs . As such , the center has some of the largest and most advanced disability accessible facilities ; including an inclusive sports complex with a hydrotherapy swimming pool , a semi-Olympic swimming pool , gymnasium , and fitness room . The center also has facilities which are open to the public ; such as an auditorium , seminar rooms , and a café . In addition to housing Shalva ’ s rehabilitative programs , the center is an inclusive workplace and adults with disabilities work in many of the facilities . The building was intentionally designed to serve as a natural hub of inclusive interaction which is manifest in the ongoing daily activities as well as the building ’ s unique and beautiful interior design . In times of national crisis , the Shalva National Center serves as Israel ’ s national emergency center for people with disabilities and can host up to 1,200 individuals in disability accessible safe rooms .
Shalva was founded in 1990 by Kalman and Malki Samuels , whose son , Yossi was rendered blind and deaf , among