"THE OTHER" IN THE LIGHT OF INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION IN THE ISRAELI EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND SOCIETY: A "SIGNIFICANT OTHER" INDEED?

Abstract

The article examines the concept of "The Other" bearing the meaning of "different", rather than the meaning of "whoever is not myself", in the light of Integration and Inclusion in the Israeli Educational System and Society. For this sake two new concepts have been coined: "different-other" and "significant different-other". The literature analysis indicates that according to the Integration Model and the idea of Normalization, the reference to "The Other" as a human being rather than "a special needs person" is minimized, while the ideological basis of Inclusion matches a holistic and pluralistic view which encourages the uniqueness of the "Different-Other" and leads him towards a meaningful life. The analysis of examples in the Israeli society yields that despite advanced legislation and awareness towards individuals with special needs, the current situation does not meet the criteria of Inclusion. The educational reality indicates that no restructuring of the system, as a major criterion of Inclusion, has taken place, although the principles of early identification, intervention and monitoring are already implemented. The overall insight from the article is that despite the strive towards equity and equality in legislation, efforts should be channeled to persuade the public that the "Different-Other" is first and foremost a human being, and it is the duty of the society to view him as a "Significant Different-Other" rather than a "Different-Other"