‘Equal in Uniform’: People with Intellectual Disabilities in Military Service in Israel

ABSTRACT

Although many nations advocate for the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all realms of life, these individuals are nevertheless still frequently excluded. One field of life that has rarely been considered central for inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities is military service. A unique programme was developed that provides an opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to serve in the military in Israel. The centrality of the military within Israeli society, along with the aims and phases of the project are described, and brief evidence of the impact of the programme is provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Army
• civil service
• development
• inclusion
• intellectual disability
• military
• participation
• project description