Sapir Goes Deep Purple

The Student Center at Sapir radiated a cool purple against the night sky of the Western Negev. No, it wasn’t the background to a rock concert, but a declaration of solidarity. Sapir joined 150 institutions around the country who lit up their buildings in striking color to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, first proclaimed by the United Nations 30 years ago.  A million and a half Israelis have some form of disability. At Sapir College we believe they have an equal right to participate fully in public and community life.  This means equality in physical access, employment, education and housing. Other notable landmarks that went deep purple included government offices, the Chords Bridge in Jerusalem, community centers and even airplanes. At Sapir, support for disabled persons is more than an artistic gesture.  Our accessibility center helps integrate students with a wide range of disabilities, from sight and hearing impairments to PTSD, learning disorders and mental health challenges. Ariella Daniel-Hellwing, director of the center, puts things in perspective.  “The purple night,” she says, “is a signal event to raise awareness. But at Sapir, we work for equality all year long. About 23% of our students have disabilities.  We’re proud of their achievements.  They make this campus a better place.”