At the turning points, you have someone to consult
I am Dr. Alon Zamir, a gerontologist. For about twenty years I have worked with people with developmental disabilities and their families: in the classroom, in community housing and in research. When a big decision has to be made, I help you understand what is right for the person themselves, and when needed, I put it in writing for a committee or a court.
Language
Meetings are held in Hebrew or English. A meeting in Russian is possible with interpretation, by prior arrangement.
A track for new immigrants and migrant families
In the first five years in Israel, bureaucracy, language and committees are twice as hard. Families in these years have a track at a substantially reduced fee: an introductory call, guidance and written opinions.
A rights map for the transition
Every transition opens new rights and services, and it is hard to know what you are entitled to and where to turn. In one or two meetings, at a fixed price, we go over your situation together, and at the end you receive an organised document: what you are entitled to at this stage, in what order to apply, and which documents to prepare. This is guidance, not filing claims; the price is set in advance at the introductory call and is never a percentage of what you receive.
The transitions I accompany
- From school to adulthoodEligibility and placement committees, appeals, and what happens after age 21: which framework, and whether it fits the person.
- From the family home to community housingIs the placement right, what support is needed, and how to make the move without breaking what already works.
- When parents grow olderWho will decide when the parents no longer can: guardianship, a supporter in decision-making, a lasting power of attorney.
- From the community to a nursing settingIs the move really necessary, or is there a way to stay at home with the right support.
- My specialisationEnd of life, grief and the death of a parentHow to break the news, how to take part in saying goodbye, what happens to home and routine after a parent dies, and decisions about care at the end of life. This is the subject of my research.
How it works
- Introductory callUp to 20 minutes, free of charge and without obligation. We work out together what the question is, and whether I am the right person for it.
- MeetingWhen the question is about functioning or a decision, I meet the person themselves, in a familiar setting and at their pace, together with those who know them.
- Only what is neededSometimes a consultation is enough. Sometimes a written opinion for a committee is needed. In court proceedings, the opinion is submitted through your lawyer.
Even without a lawyer
- For special education and welfare committees, you can commission an opinion directly.
- If you have no legal representation in court, I will refer you to the Legal Aid department of the Ministry of Justice, which represents people in guardianship proceedings free of charge, subject to its criteria.
Workshop for parents: “What will happen after us”
Four meetings in a small group, for ageing parents of adults with developmental disabilities: future housing, who will decide and how, a lasting power of attorney and supported decision-making, and preparing your son or daughter for separation. The workshop is held in Hebrew.
Free guide
How to prepare for an eligibility committee, and what to know before guardianship proceedings. Read the guide
Book an introductory call
Lawyers and representing bodies: legal information, the structure of the opinion and fees are on the main site, in Hebrew.
Main siteDr. Alon Zamir · Jerusalem · Main site (Hebrew)