Following payment of a token fee, the transmitters are lent for an unlimited period of time and are installed, repaired and serviced by volunteers free of charge.[13] Yad Sarah has installed its alarm transmitters in kindergartens and nursery schools free of charge, to provide contact in the event of a terrorist attack.[2]
Services for the homebound[edit]
Legal aid for the elderly[edit]
Lawyers, social workers, and legal and social-work students volunteer their expertise to draft wills, mediate property and landlord issues, mediate family disputes, advise on insurance rights and pensions, and advocate in cases of elder abuse, all at low cost. In addition to Yad Sarah's regular volunteers, students, bar and bat mitzvah groups, and other visitors to Israel often lend a hand at the wheelchair-repair center in Jerusalem.[28]
Awards and recognition[edit]
Yad Sarah received the Kaplan Prize for Efficiency in 1990[29] and the 1994 Israel Prize for its special contribution to society and the State of Israel.[30] The organization is reimbursed for this service by Israel's National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) and the patient's health insurer.[13]
Wheelchair transportation[edit]
Specially equipped vans are available to transport persons in wheelchairs to doctor's appointments, Yad Sarah center activities, social occasions, or errands.[6] These vans also bring disabled individuals to and from polling places on election day.[21] Yad Sarah provides airport pick-up and return for disabled tourists as well.[22]
National emergency alarm system[edit]
Yad Sarah introduced the first emergency alarm response service in Israel.[23] According to an independent survey, one out of every two Israeli families has been helped by Yad Sarah.[6][7][8] The organization serves Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze,[2] as well as tourists with disabilities.[9][10] Its menu of free or nominal-fee services include lending of medical and rehabilitative equipment, oxygen service, wheelchair transportation, national emergency alarm system, services for the homebound, legal aid for the elderly, geriatric dentistry, day rehabilitation centers, a play center for special needs children, and an education and recreation club for retirees.[2][6][7] At any given time, 18,000 wheelchairs are in circulation.[17] Equipment loans are free of charge;[13] borrowers leave a refundable security deposit and can use the equipment for up to three months.[7][9][18]
Worn or damaged items are repaired and refurbished at four regional warehouses staffed by volunteers.[13] Yad Sarah receives donations of new and used equipment from local and foreign donors,[19] and some communities have organized used equipment drives on the organization's behalf.[17]
