Israel’s accessibility movement turns to hidden trauma
Accessibility Israel is launching what it says is a first-of-its-kind effort in Israel, and possibly worldwide, to define public-space accessibility for people with post-traumatic stress. The initiative follows warnings from the State Comptroller that about 2 million Israelis are at high risk of developing PTSD after the October 7 attack and the ensuing war.
The article opens with the experience of social entrepreneur and lecturer Ami Haziza, who says a line in a sports store can feel like danger. He described being mocked after using a queue exemption, and said he left exhausted and humiliated in front of his child. Haziza, who served as a Golani fighter in Gaza and on the Lebanon border, said, “The invisible injury is first invisible inward.” Even now, he said, he sits in cafés with his back to the wall and scans exits.
The group held roundtables with trauma survivors, experts, business owners, public officials and service providers from health, transport, culture, hotels, events, restaurants, employment and public services. Founder and chairman Yuval Wagner said, “We tried to create a breakthrough,” adding, “Just as we once defined accessibility for wheelchairs, we will define accessibility for trauma survivors.” The plan is to build practical solutions, pilot them in selected organizations through consultation and training, and later seek legislation for businesses and service providers.
The initiative also includes people whose trauma stems from sexual violence and other experiences. Maya Ben Chaim, 53, a mother of three and social activist, said her PTSD is tied to shame and that “when you learn to bring the shame into the light, you can shine.” Aviatar Haliwa, 26, an Alexandroni fighter from Beersheba wounded in June 2024, said his routine tasks became difficult after he developed flashbacks and disconnection. Proposed measures include advance information, quiet hours, flexible arrivals, calmer waiting areas, seating near exits, quiet rooms, service-dog areas, clearer signage and staff training.
