Background
10% of Israel's population lives with disabilities. This population suffers from harsh discriminatory practices in most spheres of life. One explanation for this predicament is that disabled people are not aware of their rights. Even when they become aware that they do have rights, they often find it difficult to realize them.
The Hotline
The Public Information Hotline logs dozens of calls each month from people with disabilities, their family members, professionals, various organizations, and the general public requesting information about the rights of the individual with disabilities in Israel. The inquiries span a wide range of subjects and relate to all types of disabilities. We field cases where a person's rights have been violated due to his/her disability, or where discriminatory action has been taken based on a person's disability. At times we are able to resolve the inquiry by simply providing the caller with relevant information about rights of individuals with disabilities and how to secure them. At times, circumstances call for Bizchut's deeper involvement, ranging from correspondence with relevant parties to petitions to the courts.
Examples of caller inquiries
Individuals with disabilities turn to us when they encounter discrimination in the workplace or when they are prevented from enjoying public services because of inaccessibility. Parents of children with disabilities turn to us to confirm the rights that their child is entitled to under the Special Education Law, whether they study in special settings or are integrated into mainstream educational frameworks. Parents also approach us with safety concerns regarding their children's school transportation and whether the safety precautions required by law are in fact being followed. Families of individuals with disabilities contact us to ensure that their son, daughter, brother or sister will be able to live within the community and not be sent off to an institution.
When should you call the Hotline?
Call us if you feel that your basic rights are being violated:
- You have been fired from your job aa a result of a disability, or your employer refuses to promote you because of a disability, regardless of the fact that your job performance is satisfactory.
- The school bus of your child with disabilities does not adhere to legally required safety requirements.
- You wish for your daughter with disabilities to live in a local community housing framework but she has been referred to an institution.
- You are kept from entering a public area due to access problems.
- Your child is not receiving rights entitled to him under the Special Education Law.
When and how should one turn to the Hotline?
Telephone inquiries:
The hotline accepts telephone inquiries Monday - Thursday between 9:00 -17:00. The hotline phone number is 02-652-1308.
In cases we can't answer your call immediatly, you are welcome to leave a message with your name and number and a Bizchut Hotline representative will return your call as soon as possible.
Written inquiries:
You are welcome to write to us at:
Bizchut
P.O.B. 34510
Jerusalem 91000
You can send faxes to:
02-652-1219, Attention: Public Inquiries for Bizchut
You can email us at:
mail@bizchut.org.il
Important note:
Due to the numerous inquiries we receive, there is occasionally a delay in handling your inquiry. However, we are committed to responding to all inquiries received as quickly and helpfully as possible.
