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Israel's Military Inclusion Program Inspires New U.S. Corps of Honor

(Israel21c) Abigail Klein Leichman - Chris Neeley, whose son has Down Syndrome, is starting an American version of Israel's military inclusion program, Special in Uniform, so that young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities can serve their country. Neeley, a major in the U.S. Army National Guard, is a special-education administrator and chair of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. "When I saw what the Israeli Defense Forces did to include them among their ranks, I realized this innovative approach could be a model for the United States," he said. Neeley has visited some of the 28 bases where about 450 Special in Uniform soldiers are stationed. "I was blown away. I talked to the commanders about how the integration has helped relieve some of the garrison responsibilities like logistics, food services, medical services, transportation and administrative jobs so you can move soldiers without disabilities to the frontline. I saw how the IDF trains young people with autism to read satellite imagery and see things you and I can't see."
2020-10-08 00:00:00
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