Israeli NGO Launches Accessibility Model to Support Two Million PTSD Sufferers
According to the latest State Comptroller report, approximately two million Israelis are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the October 7 attacks and war. In response to these unprecedented figures, the Israeli NGO "Access Israel," a leader in accessibility advocacy, is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative to create a practical accessibility model for public and commercial spaces tailored to trauma survivors and those with invisible disabilities.
The project involved unique roundtable discussions bringing together PTSD sufferers, professionals, and senior representatives from health, transportation, culture, hospitality, employment, and public services sectors. The goal is to translate firsthand testimonies and needs into a professional, applicable, and sustainable implementation model. Additionally, Access Israel conducted a comprehensive survey of about 300 PTSD sufferers to directly identify public space barriers.
Survey results revealed key environmental and social obstacles that cause sufferers to avoid leaving home or seeking services: crowding was the most significant barrier for 45.4% of respondents, followed by noise and poor acoustics (23.8%), and physical and psychological challenges related to waiting in lines (20.9%). Other issues included long phone wait times (15.9%), bureaucratic forms (15.2%), and difficulties communicating with service providers (12.9%).
A critical finding was the urgent need to change public waiting areas, with 76.5% expressing interest in quiet seating zones. Preferences included classic quiet areas (54%), sensory and emotional sensitivity-adapted zones (17.2%), and trauma-specific accessible waiting areas (10.3%). Encouragingly, the most important solutions identified are feasible and primarily digital or organizational: pre-scheduling less busy times (20.9%), establishing quiet rooms (20.5%), reducing noise and improving acoustics (20.2%), providing advance information on quiet hours (18.2%), and training staff on PTSD awareness (17.9%).
Yuval Wagner, chairman of Access Israel, emphasized that current public spaces silently exclude thousands of invisible PTSD sufferers. He noted that simple accessibility measures could significantly improve their ability to leave home, access services, and participate actively in society. In a unique collaboration, IKEA Israel has become the first company to implement these accessibility principles, piloting a dedicated program at its Netanya store, with plans to expand nationwide.
Access Israel is calling on other organizations, including local authorities, businesses, banks, health funds, hotels, retail chains, and cultural venues, to join as pioneers in adopting these new accessibility standards through the NGO’s consulting and training process. Everyday situations like long supermarket lines, sudden noise in malls, crowded buses, or security checks can trigger severe distress for PTSD sufferers, who often remain unseen and misunderstood due to the invisible nature of their condition.
