Nature without barriers: Lotem transforms outdoor experiences for people with disabilities

In a country increasingly dominated by urban development, the desire for green spaces and connection with nature is a shared Israeli experience. However, for individuals with physical and emotional disabilities, accessing these natural havens has historically been a significant challenge. This gap is being bridged by Lotem (Making Nature Accessible), an organization founded in 1991 that transforms outdoor experiences for people with disabilities.

Amos Ziv, the founder and director, recognized this unmet need over 30 years ago. While planning tours, he encountered visually impaired individuals and realized the potential for creating meaningful nature excursions accessible to them. "Nobody was doing this 30 years ago," he stated, emphasizing that nature experiences are a necessity, not a luxury, especially for those who have faced confinement during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security threats.

“

Everyone deserves to experience nature. It’s a necessity, not a luxury. Israelis have been cooped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then the missile and drone attacks from Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and elsewhere. They locked themselves in shelters and safe rooms. But they have to have space. But going on a trek to nature areas is not simple for the disabled. It’s not a luxury but a necessity.

Lotem operates nationwide with offices in Yokne'am, Jerusalem, and Beersheba, offering a diverse range of activities. These include nature experiences, trips, workshops, and specialized groups that combine education, community building, and experiential learning. The organization meticulously personalizes programs to address the unique physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of each participant, ensuring everyone can engage with the natural world.

During times of national crisis, Lotem extends its reach, operating in over 25 locations, including hotels and kibbutzim hosting evacuees. The organization serves more than 100,000 individuals annually, including those with physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory disabilities. Its nature-based retreats also provide crucial support for trauma survivors, terrorism victims, and soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, fostering empowerment and healing through the restorative power of nature.

“

I’m good at organizing things, so I thought I could arrange trips in nature in various parts of the country that were accessible and be meaningful for them. Nobody was doing this 30 years ago.