Background
The service recipient is a 29-year-old law student.
On 7 October 2023, he was called up for reserve duty and joined the fighting in the Gaza border region. On 8 October 2023, he was injured by shrapnel and completely lost his vision. He spent an extended period in a rehabilitation unit.
During hospitalisation, he began receiving initial rehabilitation services, including orientation and mobility training, white-cane use, and smartphone accessibility skills. After being discharged, he joined a technological training program in Migdal Or’s vocational rehabilitation unit, where he began learning computer accessibility skills such as touch typing, screen-reader use, and keyboard shortcuts to support independent functioning.
In parallel, he continued rehabilitation aimed at strengthening his smartphone skills and using dedicated accessibility apps to improve daily independent functioning.
At a certain stage, he independently chose to stop the rehabilitation process, stating that he no longer felt it was necessary. At the same time, he increasingly relied on an assistant (usually his partner) for mobility and orientation, to the point that he stopped using the white cane and other functional techniques.
At the start of his technological training, he demonstrated persistence and motivation despite understandable frustration caused by the need for intensive practice. However, after taking a two-month break for his law internship, he had difficulty returning to consistent training and practice. As a result, it was decided to discontinue the program, and the rehabilitation process was halted before achieving its full potential.
Analysis
Two key issues emerged in this case:
1. Stage of acceptance of disability
It appears that at the time he arrived at Migdal Or, the service recipient was not yet ready to commit to a structured process intended to strengthen his functional independence following the loss of vision. In our professional assessment, rehabilitation can be renewed successfully once he demonstrates readiness, insight, and an understanding of what is required to rebuild independent functioning and reduce reliance on others.
2. Influence of support services
Rehabilitation authorities such as the Ministry of Defence provide extensive support mechanisms, including high assistant allowances, multiple personal assistants, and various forms of functional support and volunteers. While these services are vital, in some cases they may unintentionally delay the development of independent functional skills. When support becomes a substitute for rehabilitation rather than a bridge toward independence, the individual’s potential to achieve full functional ability is limited.
This case highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between all rehabilitation bodies to ensure a holistic approach and a comprehensive plan tailored to the individual’s personality, stage of disability acceptance, needs, and abilities.
Current status
He is currently preparing for the Bar examination.
If you would like to watch more about Matan’s story, below is a short news interview (YouTube). The film is in Hebrew. You may be able to switch on English subtitles using YouTube’s subtitle/CC settings, although the translation may be imperfect and may include some inaccuracies. The video focuses on Matan’s rehabilitation journey and his resilience as he adapts to life after losing his sight.
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- This article was written by the Migdal Or Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Winter 2026 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News