Principles Document:
The Approach to Integration in Leisure
"Beyond the Voice" is an organization that aims to promote integration into the world of leisure in Israeli society. It promotes the creation of quality shared leisure frameworks for people with and without disabilities.
The "Beyond Voice" concept is based on three principles:
1
Individual rights and state obligations
An individual right, whatever it is, establishes an obligation on the state to uphold it. Thus, the equal right of each and every one to leisure activities establishes the state's obligation to exercise it.
2
Self-realization that is not an act of charity
All human beings, wherever they are, are entitled to self-realization, including in leisure activities, under accepted conditions, quality, and means, which are not considered acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, or any expression of a "beautiful" emotion.
3
Law and practice
Alongside the institutional arrangement for implementing these principles (such as that existing in the Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities Law, 1998 and in additional legislation), practical development of tools and work methods dedicated to integration is required.
The "Beyond Voice" approach is that these three principles should guide public policy and practical action in every area of life in Israel, including educational institutions, community systems, the labor market and government bodies.
The "Beyond Voice" association promotes this approach through the establishment of choirs for adult singers with and without disabilities. The "Beyond Voice" model was developed by professionals in the fields of music and society, and can be applied as a tool for creating recreational communities that promote integration in other areas.
Five practical principles for leisure activities that promote inclusion
1
Regular meetings -
Optimal integration occurs through meaningful interaction between people with and without disabilities on a regular basis and over time. Therefore, integrated leisure activities occur on a regular basis, as opposed to integration events, which are special and separate opportunities.
2
Mutual and joint contribution -
Integrated leisure activities are based on the strengths and talents of the participants, in a particular subject. All participants have a stake in the success, of each and every one of the others, and of the group as a whole.
3
Uniform measures of success -
Integrated leisure activities provide all participants with an opportunity to succeed, measured by accepted tools in the field of activity. This is in contrast to relative success, which is aimed at people with disabilities, in a segregated space.
4
Natural acquaintance -
In every human activity, there is a process of natural acquaintance between people, alongside the professional and organized component. Integrated leisure activities require special attention to the process of natural acquaintance.
5
Customized communication -
In addition to adjustments related to professional content and physical accessibility, integrated leisure activities also require adjustments to interpersonal communication for all participants.
Authors of the document: Uri Shahar and Nevi Gal-Arieli