The Knesset Committee, the Israeli legislature located in Jerusalem, is hosting Dr. Peter Blanck, Chair of the Burton Blatt Institute in conjunction with International Day of People with Disabilities. Dr. Blanck will present a lecture on the Rights of People with Disabilities: Comparisons Around the Globe, and will highlight disability advocacy, rights, policies, developments and research in Europe, Norway, China, India, Japan, United States, and Israel. Accompanying Dr. Blanck to the Knesset will be James Schmeling, COO and Managing Director of BBI, and Gary Shaheen, Managing Director for Program Development for BBI.
Peter Blanck is the Chair of the Burton Blatt Institute and University Professor at Syracuse University. Blanck has authored many books and research projects and was involved in the Implementation of the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA). He is also member of various organization managements for the disabled, such as NOD (National Association for People with Disabilities) and DRLC (Disability Rights Legal Center). Blanck and his team are applying their evidence-based research and practice to pave the way for creative policy and broadening of services for people with severe mental and physical disabilities under the agreement with Minister Isaac Herzog of Israel’s Ministry of Social Welfare.
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3 was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. The theme of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilize support for the dignity, rights, well-being and full and equal enjoyment and participation in society by persons with disabilities. Each Knesset committee is focusing on an aspect of disability within their area of responsibility.
In addition to the events at the Knesset, Blanck, Schmeling and Shaheen are continuing their research, technical assistance, and outreach work with Israel’s Ministry of Social Welfare. The project’s focus is on employment for people with intellectual disabilities, emergency preparedness for Israelis with disabilities, and access to society under Israel’s new access law. “The work in Israel advances the civic, economic and social participation of Israelis and Americans with disabilities, and represents one aspect of BBI’s contribution to Chancellor Cantor’s Scholarship in Action vision,” says Dr. Blanck.
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