The Blogs: Read the Room: A Letter to Israel’s Educational Leaders on Disability Inclusion

June 15, 2026 - 13:03

In a recent blog post, Perri Schwartz addresses a direct and heartfelt message to Israel's educational leaders, urging them to truly "read the room" when it comes to disability inclusion. Schwartz argues that while many schools claim to support inclusive education, the reality often falls short, leaving students with disabilities and their families feeling isolated and unheard. The letter emphasizes that inclusion is not just about physical access or placing students in mainstream classrooms. It requires a fundamental shift in attitude, curriculum, and daily practice.

Schwartz points out that educational leaders must move beyond token gestures and instead actively listen to the voices of disabled students, their parents, and disability advocates. She calls for a reevaluation of how schools communicate, how they train teachers, and how they design learning environments. The message is clear: true inclusion means creating a culture where every student feels valued, respected, and capable of success. The blog challenges leaders to take responsibility, to admit where they have fallen short, and to commit to real, systemic change. It is a call for empathy, action, and a genuine partnership with the disability community, rather than simply checking a box.