Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Jerusalem-based nonprofit Israel Elwyn launched its “Different but Equal” campaign earlier this month, aimed at promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.
The campaign, inspired by a project involving people with Down syndrome, encourages members of the public to wear mismatched clothes “symbolizing the idea that everyone is different – and that is what makes everyone equal,” the group said in a statement.
Instituted by the United Nations in 1992, the day seeks to “build a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable world,” according to the UN.
“Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world – from conflicts and climate disasters, to poverty and inequalities – because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in 2024.
Organization sees day as opportunity for unity
While legislation exists in Israel to ensure equality for people with disabilities, many still face barriers to full inclusion.
“Throughout the year, we work to raise awareness and to help remove the practical and social boundaries faced by individuals with disabilities, often based on outdated conceptions, to ensure their right to be accepted into all spheres of modern-day life,” said Margalit Piller, CEO of Israel Elwyn.
“This International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an opportunity for the broader Israeli public to join us and demonstrate solidarity with the more than 1.6 million people who live with disabilities, and who simply dream of being treated like everyone else.”
As part of the initiative, the organization also announced a public performance by artists with disabilities at Tel Aviv Savidor Station.
“We appear on many different stages and always receive great feedback from our audiences,” said Maayan Amber, a member of the band. “This particular performance is even more special because it will help us show the general public our abilities and prove to everyone that disability won’t stop us from realizing our dreams.”
Israel Elwyn serves thousands across the country
Founded in 1984 as an offshoot of the American nonprofit Elwyn Inc., Israel Elwyn is one of the country’s largest disability service organizations. It currently serves more than 5,000 individuals across Israel.
The organization provides a range of services, including after-school activities, transitional programs for young adults, military support initiatives, and more. It also operates cultural and recreational programming, such as the Community Living Services Theater Group, which includes actors with intellectual and physical disabilities. These performers gain experience in dancing and acting with the help of professional stage artists.