The experiences of Palestinian Arabs with disabilities in Israel

Abstract

PurposeIsrael ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has subsequently worked towards putting disability-empowering policies and facilities in place. This study explores the experiences of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel with disabilities in everyday life including education, employment and accessing disability facilities and services.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores the challenges and experiences of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a disparate group of Arab men and women with various forms of disabilities.FindingsThis research indicates that Arabs with disabilities are either unable to access them or do so with great difficulty relative to their Jewish counterparts. The findings suggest that this is due to one of two reasons: first is institutional discrimination by Jewish and Arab staff, and second is structural discrimination as facilities and services are specifically designed for the Jewish majority and their areas of residence as opposed to Arab residential areas.Originality/valueGuided by intersectional theory, this article explores how the multiple identities of Arabs with disabilities living in Israel are co-constituted and ordered by different social and political structures which inform their daily lived experiences. This research illustrates that in Jewish politics and institutions, Arabs with disabilities in Israel are “otherised” by being flatly identified as Palestinians; yet, within their Arab communities, they are “otherised” by being reduced solely to their disability. This article examines how this variation in ordering and reduction can lead to specific experiences and forms of discrimination that requires multi-dimensional approaches and ways forward.

Childhood disabilities and the cost of developmental therapies: the service provider perspective

“…That being said, the situation is not entirely unique to Qatar. Financial accessibility to developmental services as well as other social access issues tend to be a typical and very serious barrier for PWDs around the world (Amin et al, 2024 ; Badran et al, 2023a , 2023b , 2023c ; UNDESA, 2018 ). In Qatar, however, cost is compounded with inadequate insurance coverage and low capacity which greatly exacerbates the situation (Sharpe & Baker, 2007 ).…”

Wheelchair Accessibility: Bridging the Gap to Equality and Inclusion

“…• Education and Employment: Wheelchair accessibility in educational institutions and workplaces is crucial for ensuring equal access to education and employment opportunities. Accessible classrooms, lecture halls, and workspaces enable wheelchair users to fully participate in educational and professional settings [6]. This accessibility paves the way for individuals with mobility impairments to pursue higher education, acquire skills, and achieve their career goals, thereby reducing disparities and promoting inclusivity in academic and professional domains.…”