From Mandate to Practice: Disability Rights in Israeli Health Services
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From Mandate to Practice: Disability Rights in Israeli Health Services

This abstract examines the implementation of Israel's 1996 Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law, specifically focusing on the 2005 Amendment No. 2, which mandated accessibility in public services, including healthcare. This legislation required significant alterations to health facilities and service delivery to ensure equal participation for individuals with disabilities. As the Director of the National Occupational Therapy Service at the Ministry of Health, the author was tasked with operationalizing this law, necessitating the development and enforcement of accessibility policies and guidelines across all health institutions. This role involved driving systemic change, not only in service provision but also in societal attitudes within the healthcare sector. The objective was to eradicate discrimination and foster a culture where accessibility is integral to healthcare delivery. The author's acceptance of this responsibility, alongside their occupational therapy leadership, stemmed from the profession's core principles of promoting equitable community participation. This abstract highlights the challenges and strategies involved in translating legal mandates into practical, transformative changes within a national healthcare system, emphasizing the role of occupational therapy in advocating for inclusive practices.