Over the past several years, Israeli society has been witness to a quiet, yet deeply important, transition in the role of people with disabilities in society.
The transition to independent living in apartments in the community, rather than in segregated settings as in the past, is certainly not just a practical one but signals how our overall perception of individuals with disabilities has thankfully changed.
This shift has been made possible by many partners – including the Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry as well as organizations like Israel Elwyn that are responsible for implementing these changes on a day-to-day level.
As a result, people with disabilities have been moving out of large institutions that reflected a more segregated and limited lifestyle and are now living among us all in our neighborhoods and communities. Like everyone else, people with disabilities are able to live diverse and inspired independent lives, going to work every morning and returning home to enjoy community activities that many of us typically take for granted.
What is typically viewed as “routine” provides a life of meaning, purpose, and personal responsibility in truly life-changing ways.
As noted, access to gainful employment is a critical part of this process. Like most people who go to work, a job is primarily motivated by the pursuit of financial independence. But as with others, for people with disabilities, going to work provides a sense of purpose and recognition that they are an accepted and critical part of their communities.
The result of this inclusion benefits society at large. In addition to providing someone with gainful employment, employers and colleagues are offered first-hand glimpses into what we at Israel Elwyn have long understood – that a person with a disability can thrive and contribute to the workplace.
This respect and acceptance for others who might be different can and does enhance the overall workplace environment in ways that makes coming to work each day more interesting and meaningful for employees and management.
The hidden power of disability in the workplace
As a major player in Israel in the area of job placement and support provision, we at Israel Elwyn are witnesses to many inspiring success stories. Employers tell us that their employees with disabilities come to work each day motivated to contribute and prove themselves.
Whereas many people view getting out of bed and coming to work as an obligation, for many employees with disabilities, going to work is welcomed and a source of excitement and recognition.
This outlook is being increasingly recognized by employers as a means of motivating everyone in the workplace. For this reason, many employers have come to see their employees with disabilities as a major source of inspiration for everyone.
Alongside these positive changes, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that people with disabilities continue to face distinct challenges in how society-at-large accepts and perceives them. While those perceptions are typically driven by lack of awareness rather than malice, they are nonetheless painful to witness.
Our mandate as a society must be to understand and embrace the potential and positive contribution that individuals with disabilities can and do represent in so many areas of daily life. This understanding has motivated a national campaign by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs with a basic, yet critical, message for how to interact with the individuals with disabilities: “Just be you…”
There is no need to overthink or be overly sensitive when interacting with people who may be different.
The ministry’s campaign – which has been featured in major media outlets, including on television – emphasizes that one should interact with people with disabilities with the same compassion and respect with which they would with anyone, by just being oneself.
The underlying vision behind this campaign is motivated by what professionals and people with disabilities at Israel Elwyn have long known: individuals with disabilities are no different than anyone else.
We are fortunate to live in a time when these changes are being recognized, and we should strive for a world where accessibility for all is a fact of life.
So, to ensure that individuals with disabilities are welcomed and embraced by all, “Just be yourself.” You’ll be surprised at just how good that feels. And most of all, you’ll be contributing to a society that values each of us, every day.
The writer is CEO of Israel Elwyn, Israel’s largest nonprofit organization making a profound impact on the lives of over 5,400 individuals with disabilities.