From involuntary dependence to resilient agency: First wartime responses and evacuation experiences of people with disabilities in Israel.

Abstract

Human-made disasters such as terrorism and war deepen structural inequalities and disproportionately affect people with disabilities, who are often overlooked by designers of ableist infrastructures and emergency systems. Grounded in the social and affirmative models of disability, this study explores the experiences and coping strategies of Israeli people with disabilities evacuated from the Gaza border after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, 12 in-depth interviews revealed two main themes: involuntary dependence and resilient agency. Participants described navigating inaccessible environments and exclusionary services, yet also mobilized personal and community resources to foster resilience. The findings showed that systemic exclusion increased involuntary dependence but also emphasized the agency and collective efforts of people with disabilities. They call for emergency and rehabilitation planning that centers lived experience, dismantles barriers, and recognizes disability as a valued sociopolitical identity during crisis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).