From Helen Keller to Stevie Wonder, blind and visually impaired people have left their mark on the world, not allowing their disability to stand in the way of their accomplishing great feats. The Learning Center for the Blind works to support blind and visually impaired students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with an impressive 70% of the Center’s graduates successfully integrating into the Israeli job market.

 

The Revitalized Center

Just days before World Braille Day, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem relaunched the newly renovated Learning Center for the Blind on January 1st. 2025. The Center is an initiative dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired students. Established in 1996, the Center has been a cornerstone of empowerment for students with visual impairments, ensuring equal access to education, integration into society, and successful entry into the workforce.  

 

Originally designed to serve 70 students, the Center now accommodates 130 blind students across all faculties and 30 additional students in pre-academic programs. Students benefit from a range of services, including academic support, employment preparation, and personal development. The Center operates on the Mount Scopus campus, with an extension at the Edmond J. Safra Campus (Givat Ram) and services for students on the Rehovot campus.  

 

Resources and Accessibility 

The Learning Center for the Blind provides the following resources and assistance for blind and visually impaired students:

 

• Individual study rooms and fully equipped workstations.  
• Advanced assistive technologies, such as screen-reading software and magnification tools.  
• An academic library featuring Braille, recordings, and magnification equipment.  
• Assistance with exams through readers, transcribers, or computers.  
• Courses on assistive devices, mobility, and orientation.  
• Guidance for navigating university campuses with trained guides.  

 

Students also receive academic counseling, dormitory accommodations, and workshops to prepare for job searches. 

 

Commitment to Inclusion

The Learning Center for the Blind has proven to be an incredibly effective inititative, with 70% of graduates successfully integrating into the job market, excelling in fields such as education, social work, medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture.  

 

"This renewal reaffirms our dedication to fostering a supportive environment for students with visual impairments, enabling them to achieve their academic and personal goals," Moshe Oved, Director of the Learning Center for the Blind

 

“The Learning Center for the Blind embodies the Hebrew University’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for all,” said Moshe Oved, Director of the Learning Center for the Blind. “This renewal reaffirms our dedication to fostering a supportive environment for students with visual impairments, enabling them to achieve their academic and personal goals.”  

 

The Center operates with the support of Alah, in collaboration with Hebrew University, the National Insurance Institute’s Disability Services Development Fund, and generous donors, including Aryeh Zahavi, a donor from Switzerland, and contributions from a bequest fund.  

 

For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the University, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the University’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.