Issue: December 1996 Designer: D. Reisinger Size: 25.7mm x 40mm Plate #: 288 Sheet of 15 stamps Tabs: 5 Printers: Government Printers Printing Method: offset

Disabilities affect all sectors of the population: men and women, young and adult, rich and poor, the well and the poorly educated. UOAD incorporates 27 associations of all types of disabled people -- those with congenital defects as well as those with disabilities resulting from illness and injury. The UOAD is an apolitical organization, representing all disabled people regardless of religion, race or sex. Its main goals are to integrate and advance disabled and exceptional people, promoting equal opportunities and full involvement in society. To achieve these goals, the UOAD operates in many ways, mostly in the domains of education, publicity, legislation, and the operation of three Information Centers in Tel Aviv, Daliat-el-Carmel and Be'er Sheba.

While the state handles such issues as health, education and welfare, and supports people with disabilities by offering various services such as welfare allowances and rehabilitative public utilities, the most pressing problem is the enforcement of existing laws.

The UOAD recently won petition No. 7081/93, presented by the High Court of Justice. The President of the Supreme Court, the Honorable Judge Barak, said in his pronouncement of the verdict: "The purpose of the legislation is to enable the integration of people with disabilities into society. Its purpose is to allow them to participate fully in all domains of life, to realize the basic value of equality and to grant them equal opportunities. The purpose is to allow them independence, to protect their dignity and freedom, by ensuring their equality and involvement in society."

This stamp represents the attitude and aims of the disabled population in Israel and of UOAD. Its issue, like other positive developments in the country's general attitude towards persons with disabilities, demonstrates awareness of the importance of integrating the disabled and encouraging their increased involvement in society not only as the receiving party, but as people wishing to contribute their own talents.

We hope that Israel will swiftly and determinedly approach the goal of ensuring equal opportunity and full societal involvement for people with disabilities.