NISKO SMART supports war victims with disabilities

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed this week, serves as a reminder of a reality that has lasted for over a year. The Iron Sword War brought the issue of how individuals—soldiers, security forces, and civilians, including victims of terrorism—cope with the profound changes in their lives. For those affected, including people with disabilities like limb amputations, blindness, and mental or cognitive impairments, adapting to a new reality is both challenging and life-altering.

Alongside nursing support and obtaining disability benefits, the need for personal independence solutions has become evident. Ensuring that people with disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, can maximize their autonomy is critical. The solution: technological accessibility, helping them perform daily tasks, improve their quality of life, and create more independent daily routines.

Placing the Individual at the Center

The dramatic rise in the number of Israeli soldiers injured during the Iron Sword War (over 12,000 wounded) further highlighted the understanding that the real challenge begins after rehabilitation—when the adjustment to a new routine starts. This need led to the creation of the TECH FOR HEROES initiative: to give back, support, and honor those who have paid with their bodies and minds for the safety of the nation. From the motto "More Independent Lives with Smart Technology," the TECH FOR HEROES project was born.

The project is a collaboration between Beit Issie Shapiro, the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and Restart, which formed a technological accessibility network to support soldiers dealing with disabilities caused by physical or mental injuries. A partnership with NISKO SMART’s Smart Home Solutions Division was formed to provide tailored solutions.

A professional team from the project assesses requests with sensitivity and professionalism, considering each person's background and specific technological needs. The goal is to identify and provide personalized solutions that meet the needs of those affected. After understanding the needs, solutions are located and funded by the project.

For some participants, NISKO SMART's smart home solutions are implemented. In the soldier's home, a comprehensive mapping process is conducted directly with them. Their precise requests and needs in daily life are examined, and the selected technological tools are installed by trained electricians from NISKO SMART, who specialize in installing these tools in homes of people with disabilities.

When TECH FOR HEROES Met the Story of Adi

One of the many heroes of the war is Adi Timor. Adi, a paratrooper and commander in the reserves, lost his leg in a battle in Gaza due to a landmine explosion.

After about 8 months of rehabilitation, Adi returned home. Even during this time, he did not forget or give up on his great love for the sea and kite surfing. Adi fulfilled his dream and returned to surfing despite all the challenges. The TECH FOR HEROES project was moved by his story and chose to salute him and support him.

An in-depth mapping of Adi’s home environment, rooms, and entrances, adapted to his needs and new daily routine, led to the installation of NISKO SMART’s smart accessibility solutions.

The system includes a mini hub that controls and connects all the smart devices in the house without relying on Wi-Fi, touch smart switches that allow for lighting, blinds, water heater control, and more—all controlled via an app or voice commands. By Adi’s bed, a smart adhesive switch was added with scenarios for waking up, disabling alarms, and general shutdown.

The NISKO SMART team continued to support Adi with comprehensive training on how each device works.

Adi shares his experience: “My mom directed me to Beit Issie Shapiro, and then I started the process. They came to me the day before the installation, asked what I needed, I sat down and explained my difficulties. The next day they arrived prepared. With the smart electrical system, I can focus on the things I want and not waste time on things an ordinary person would do.”

Is there a specific feature that helps you the most?

“It’s a combination of everything. These tools reduce my effort. For anyone considering smart home assistance, I believe that at this stage of rehabilitation, it’s essential. When you’re just starting to be independent in your apartment and you’ve just left the hospital, you need to focus on what really matters! Every task you can shorten is important. The smart home system gives you time to focus on other things, like physical therapy, which is much more important right now. I truly believe others in my situation should focus on how to handle basic tasks. We’ll return to a better state in the future, but for now, that’s not something to worry about. The smart home takes care of that. With more donations, more soldiers will benefit.”

Kobi Shaked, Head of the Smart Home Solutions Division at NISKO SMART, concludes: “For me and for the entire NISKO group, there is no greater privilege than seeing Adi’s smile after the installation and knowing that we helped make his daily routine more independent and accessible. From our side, we will continue doing everything to install these smart home solutions in the homes of more soldiers. Proper representation for people with disabilities is a moral obligation and our collective contribution to returning a huge ‘thank you’ to them.”

More About the Project

TECH FOR HEROES puts the individual at the center. This new program for the wounded is an evolution of a previous initiative. JDC-Israel Beyond Disabilities, the division of the Joint Distribution Committee responsible for promoting independent living for people with disabilities, developed the "Smart Homes" program in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare and Health, with the assistance of Beit Issie Shapiro.

As mentioned, the program provides technological solutions for people with disabilities to help them manage daily challenges. People with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental disabilities have already received life-changing technological solutions that aid in independence, security, and self-sufficiency.

The smart tools now available to Adi Timor are examples of the mobility and accessibility revolution that will eventually be available to other soldiers, enabling them to take a significant step toward a more independent routine. “Serving the heroes as quickly as possible, so they will need minimal involvement”—this is the privilege, and it is also our duty to be part of it.

The TECH FOR HEROES project involves NISKO SMART, Beit Issie Shapiro, the Joint Distribution Committee, and Restart. The project is aimed at wounded IDF soldiers and security forces who qualify as persons with disabilities and meet the criteria. To apply for the project, click here.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every year on December 3, encouraging support, integration, and safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities.

In collaboration with NISKO