Finally ! New military, National Service Options for Israelis with Autism

In light of recent data about the rise in autism among Israelis, the government has helped create three new programs to allow young Israelis with autism to integrate into military and national service settings along with their peers.

According to data released by the Welfare and Social Services Ministry, the number of people recognized as autistic by the government’s autism services department is rising by 20% rise annually. In 2014, some 77.5% of Israelis with autism were aged 24 or under.

The new programs will allow high-functioning people with autism to integrate into military or national service in a track that will suit their needs. One of the programs, called “Hiburim” (“Connections”), is organized in partnership with the Israeli Asperger Association and allows young people with autism to join a specialized track in the military that provides guidance throughout their service. Hiburim also provides skill and social training courses prior to enlistment to prepare the young people for the challenges they may face in the army.

The program is in its pilot phrase, and six young Israelis have completed it so far. A further 10 are enrolled in the next cohort.

The second program, “Ro’im Rahok” (“Seeing Far”), offers computer training courses in subjects including deciphering aerial photographs and software quality assurance. After completing the courses, the participants are drafted to the military as a group, serving in the same unit.

The Ro’im Rahok program is a collaborative effort organized by the Welfare and Social Services Ministry’s autism services department, Ono Academic College and the National Insurance Institute. There are 50 participants enrolled in the program, with 90 expected to enroll in the coming round.

The third program is for young people with autism interested in completing national service as an alternative to military service. It helps participants integrate into a two-year service track in roles suited to their needs. The program is organized by the Shlomit, Aminadav, and Bat Ami non-profit organizations, which help coordinate national service placements.

Last year, 65 people completed the program. This year, the number has gone up to 88, with 26 participants continuing on to an additional year.

Welfare and Social Services Minister Haim Katz said, “We must allow those with unique needs the widest range of opportunities to contribute to and feel included in society.”

Meanwhile, the Knesset plenum approved Wednesday in a preliminary reading a bill supporting welfare services for people with disabilities. The bill was initiated by Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid and MK Meir Cohen (Yesh Atid). The Knesset also passed a second bill on the issue initiated by Yisrael Beytenu MK Orly Levy-Abekasis‎.

Lapid, who has an autistic daughter, shed a tear at the bill’s passing.

“Today, I have spoken on behalf my own daughter in this hall, where you have come together to give a voice to those who have no voice,” he said. “This week, [daughter] Yael was in Gadna [pre-military training], in uniform for the first time.

“I looked at her and thought to myself that she was fulfilling her duty to the country. Today, the [Knesset] has fulfilled its duty to her.”

Lapid and Cohen’s bill ensures that people with autism will be eligible for benefits, welfare services and education services in accordance with their level of functioning. It was additionally proposed that a council be established to advise the government on all matters related to the integration and advancement of people with autism in society.

The bill presented by Levy-Abekasis‎ allows autistic Israelis to be evaluated by a rehabilitation committee to asses their needs and opportunities for integration, especially regarding eligibility for special programming. The bill also includes a mechanism to appeal committee decisions.

Katz stressed the importance of a unified Knesset when it comes to disability and disadvantaged community issues.

“It is up to us to provide an adequate response for the autism-spectrum community, though not at the expense of other groups,” he said.

“In the coming weeks, we will present a great government bill that will secure the rights of autistic people along with those of all people with disabilities.”

Finally ! New military, National Service Options for Israelis with Autism