What is the difference between the Israeli society and Ukrainian one?

In our country innovations are introduced “from below”, to the people and the elite often lives same as before. In Israel, on the contrary, they try everything on themselves, and show an example to the conservative part of society.

Do you remember I’ve told you about the Knesset - the greenest parliament of the world? A new initiative of the Israeli parliament has stricken me: yesterday the Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein announced job opening to work in the Parliament for people with cognitive disabilities. The Knesset is increasing a number of positions for these people by 25%! This is a world precedent, there is nothing like that in the world. Yes, people with disabilities work in public institutions of other countries, but only in Israel people with cognitive disabilities were invited to work. The speaker expressed the hope – did not order or make - that other agencies and authorities would follow the example of the Israeli parliament.

20 employees with different disabilities, such as Down syndrome, autism, as well as employees with a high percentage of disability, undergoing rehabilitation under the program of the Ministry of Defence, work at the Knesset at present. Previously, they were considered volunteers, but a few years ago, all of them were officially taken on to the staff. These employees work in the printing office of the Knesset, in the post office, as operators of the central telephonic communication in the Knesset and assistants of secretaries.

5 new and special vacancies were approved for the positions of assistants to administrative workers. Even the application forms were made unusual in the Knesset: they were made in such a way that they were more “humanized”. For example, instead of the standard column “second citizenship” it is said in the form: “If you are a citizen of another country, write the name of this country.” Instead of the “father’s name” it is written “what is the name of your dad”, and in the “special form application” it is said: “You have to write a phone number where you can be reached. Please, enter at least one number.” As they say – everything is for people.

Working instructions are written in simple and clear language: in the form it is described in details, how to send the necessary documents in the Knesset, what to do if the response is not got within two weeks, etc.

Such an example of decent attitude and respect for people with disabilities is admired, and certainly worthy of emulation.