Rights for the Disabled in Israel / זכויות לנכים בישראל
About three years ago I broke my leg. Since then I have been working on and off on this post. I decided to finish it - yes, even during attacks on us by Iran -- because the daughter of friends of mine broke her ankle while heading downstairs toward a protected area during an attack.
It seemed appropriate to post this, since, unfortunately, some of our friends and neighbor, and needless to say, our soldiers, will be added to the list of disabled people in Israel. The issues and solutions I propose here are not political, or at least they should not be. They are just common sense.
I was in a cast for a month and a half and I on crutches for about two months. Thanks to this experience, I understand the conditions of the disabled in Israel a little more. And yes, now I really understand all the protests and roadblocks by the disabled that we suffer from time to time. Watch the video below for an example of a protest that didn't bother the public as much as usual.
Here are my complaints, not only against the government but also against our brothers and neighbors:
Lack of ramps to places without elevators. With crutches I was able to go down the stairs little by little. God help me, if the stairs were wet! And what happens to those in wheelchairs?
The bus stops are not car parks! And even temporarily! The buses cannot approach the sidewalk at all when vehicles block their way. In such a situation it is very difficult for someone who walks on crutches to get on the bus from the road. And it's not possible at all for a wheelchair.
Maybe someone is taking a little longer than usual to cross the road and the vehicle in front of you has stopped for him. No need to beep right away. But wait at least a minute before getting upset about the situation.
Moisture is the only way! Those who walk with crutches can bypass a place that is wet, or where there is a puddle. But if this is the only way, he can fall and get hurt and even die from the fall.
Do not touch a disabled person to help him without asking first. There is a possibility of startling him and causing him to fall. And maybe he doesn't want your help. Maybe his doctor or physical therapist wants him to do what is needed on his own.
I repeat: do not touch a disabled person to help him without asking first. And don't treat him like a little child! Treat him as an ordinary person because he is indeed an ordinary person. He just has limitations.
When someone crosses the road slowly and the vehicle in front of you stops for them, there is no need to beep immediately. But please wait at least half a minute before getting upset because of the delay. I did see that drivers doing this, gave me what was presumably an apology wave, when they saw the situation.
The positive side of it, people wanted to help me, they let me sit in seats designated for the disabled without having to ask.
I also want to thank Yad Sarah, the non-profit organization in Israel which lends out medical equipment.
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