Welfare Ministry Halts Vote on Disability Services Law Amid Dispute

The Israeli Ministry of Welfare has withdrawn proposed regulations for the implementation of the Law on Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities, following a dispute with MK Michal Waldiger, chairwoman of the Knesset's Labor, Social Affairs and Health Committee. The core of the disagreement centers on the ministry's desire to exclude individuals with cognitive impairments stemming from mental health conditions from the law's purview.

The ministry argues that these individuals already receive services through the Ministry of Health and its "rehabilitation basket" program, as mental health falls under its responsibility. They fear that allocating significant resources to this group under the welfare law would detract from services for individuals with disabilities who have no other recourse, such as those with autism, intellectual disabilities, and various physical and cognitive impairments.

Conversely, Waldiger insists that the law should encompass individuals with mental health conditions when appropriate services fall under the Welfare Ministry's domain. The ministry estimates that including the approximately 15,000 individuals with mental health issues and cognitive decline could add an additional 1 billion shekels to the law's 2 billion shekel budget, citing potential future growth in this population.

Dr. Adit Sarusi, policy advocacy lead at the "Access for All" organization, criticized the proposed exclusion, stating that the focus should be on an individual's functional limitations and needs, not the origin of their disability. This distinction, she argued, contradicts the law's principle of providing services based on individual needs and functional levels.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Social Workers' Union announced partial sanctions due to the anticipated workload increase from implementing the law. They claim the state is not providing adequate personnel and resources to handle the additional tasks, despite supporting the law's goals. The Welfare Ministry rejected this, stating they have allocated necessary resources and personnel, questioning the union's motives.