Knesset honored for employing disabled

Next week, a short film about the Knesset’s mentally disabled workers will be screened for the first time.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Trivia pic Knesset (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Trivia pic Knesset
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
The Knesset will receive The Shalem Fund Award of Excellence for integrating mentally handicapped people among its employees, the organization announced Sunday.
The Shalem Fund works to develop and expand services for people with intellectual disabilities in local councils and funds research and educational programming to encourage mentally disabled artists.
The Knesset has been employing workers with intellectual disabilities since 2006. Fifteen workers have been integrated in the Knesset in jobs that match their capabilities, with the help of Shekel and Elwyn, organizations that provide services to people with special needs.
The disabled workers receive salaries and rights that are equal to those of other Knesset employees. In addition, they participate in the same activities as other Knesset workers, including a yearly adult education workshop, International Women’s Day and staff trips.
Shalem Fund director-general Reva Muskal commended the Knesset, saying it serves as an excellent example that those with mental disabilities can be integrated in regular workplaces.
She called on government ministries to learn from the Knesset’s example.
Muskal explained that employment raises the quality of life for such people, both economically and socially, and gives them the opportunity to reach their potential.
Next week, at the Shalem Fund Awards ceremony, a short film produced by the Knesset Channel about the Knesset’s mentally disabled workers will be screened for the first time.