The Association of the Deaf in Israel, a mutual-help association of the Deaf and for the Deaf, was established in 1944 for the purpose of advancing the welfare of Deaf individuals and the Deaf community, and promoting the rights and the culture of the Deaf in Israel. The aim of the Association and its members is to make optimal use of the varied abilities of the Deaf, and to work towards consciousness-raising in the hearing world. The ADI provides direct services to the deaf population of Israel, which includes approximately 10,000 individuals whose primary mode of communication is Sign Language, and an additional 100,000 who are hard of hearing. In addition to the central offices and clubhouse in Tel Aviv, the ADI operates several branches (in Jerusalem, Haifa, Netanya, Kalansawa, Petah Tikva, Ashkelon, and Kiryat Gat).