Bizchut

Bizchut, The Israel Human Rights Center for People with Disabilities works to advance the rights of people with all disabilities: physical, intellectual, mental and sensory, and to enable full inclusion and participation in all areas of life. Our name Bizchut (literally ‘by right’ reflects the belief that all people are entitled to equal rights and that society must provide accommodations for people with disabilities as an entitlement, not as a function of charity or pity. Bizchut was launched as a project of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel in 1992 but soon after became an independent organization. We are the address for all persons with disabilities or relatives whose rights have been violated because of disability, for professionals and organizations working in the field and for decision makers in the Knesset and government. Bizchut works for and on behalf of adults and children with all kinds of disability regardless of age, gender, socio-economic, religious or ethnic background. Bizchut, The Israel Human Rights Center for People with Disabilities has been promoting equality and inclusion in Israeli society for persons with disabilities in all areas of life since 1992. Bizchut is the first and leading organization in this field in Israel. Our Public Hotline provides free personalized assistance to around 2,000 people every year. We give workshops and trainings to thousands of persons with disabilities, relatives and professionals. We make information on essential rights and benefits accessible through information leaflets and media exposure. In parallel to our work in the field, we initiate legislation and lead strategic precedent setting litigation to change policy relating to persons with disabilities. • Enactment of the Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Law • The accessibility revolution • Reduction in the use of restraints in psychiatric hospitals • A pilot (anchored in law!) that provides supported decision-making services instead of guardians • A series of petitions on inclusion of children with special needs in regular schools • Legal action challenging discrimination against persons with disabilities in the workplace and in public places • Assistance to individuals who want to move from institutions into their own homes These are just some of our achievements! Prizes awarded to Bizchut include: • Midot Effectiveness Prize for Social Activity (2015) • The Gorney Prize for Public Law for Human Rights Organizations (2014) • Zero Project Award for grounding breaking work in legal capacity (2018) In order to maintain our independence, we don’t take government funding. So that everyone can benefit from our services, we do not charge for assistance or legal representation.