Caring for people with disabilities in the Haredi community: Adjustment mechanism in action

This study aims at examining the change in caring for individuals with developmental disability in the Haredi (Jewish ultra-Orthodox) community in Israel. Using qualitative methods, we examined the setting up and operating of educational, residential, and recreational facilities for this population. Of the 31 such facilities in two Israeli cities, 16 were randomly selected. The findings revealed three central issues expressing the process of a gradual change in the attitudes and in the forms of caring for persons with disabilities in this sector: (a) social crisis as a catalyst for change; (b) the Social model and rehabilitation principles; and (c) the role of the rabbis in the change process. These issues were explained based on the concept of 'adjustment mechanism'.