Disability during military service in Israel: raising awareness of gender differences

Abstract

Women in Israel are required by law to serve in the national army. While disabled women veterans constitute about 6% of the total disabled veteran population, their injuries during service are similar to those of men, and include injuries sustained during combat, in training, or in traffic accidents. To date, no attempt has been made to study this unique population. The current research employs the social model of disability and examines gender differences among Israeli Defense Forces veterans who became disabled during their military service, in the areas of mental and physical health, perceived stigma, and social support. Findings show that disabled women veterans report significantly lower social support, lower monthly salaries, and experience more discrimination than their male counterparts. No differences were found in other variables. This research is an important step toward raising the awareness of gender differences, and its findings stress the need for additional studies which will provide further information regarding this distinctive population.

Can interpersonal contact help improve attitudes toward soldiers with intellectual disability? An Israeli study

“…In Israeli society, the transition from adolescence to adulthood occurs most frequently in the course of mandatory military service in the IDF (Scharf et al 2004), which is an integral part of social life (Koren et al 2015). Until recently, individuals with ID were automatically exempt from the IDF (Security Service Act 1986), reinforcing the stereotype that these individuals are unable to reach normative milestones (Taller 2001).…”

“…), which is an integral part of social life (Koren et al . ). Until recently, individuals with ID were automatically exempt from the IDF (Security Service Act ), reinforcing the stereotype that these individuals are unable to reach normative milestones (Taller ).…”