Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Purpose This study examines how disability welfare organisations in the Noto Peninsula responded to the 2024 earthquake, focussing on operational continuity, adaptive strategies and their contributions to community resilience under conditions of severe disruption. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from 12 disability welfare organisations, including facility-based providers and external support organisations. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis through an iterative, data-driven process to identify key themes. Findings Organisations rapidly resumed core services despite infrastructure disruptions, staffing shortages and economic losses. Some facilities operated designated welfare shelters (DWSs) alongside routine services and adapted staffing and service delivery to changing conditions. Beyond service provision, organisations functioned as local support hubs, assisting communities and supporting recovery efforts. However, business continuity plans (BCPs) often failed under conditions beyond prior assumptions, highlighting the importance of flexible frontline adaptation, staffing support, and integrating shelter management into preparedness planning, while demonstrating the contribution of disability welfare organisations to disability-inclusive community resilience. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence from Japan's highly institutionalised disability welfare system, demonstrating how community-based disability welfare organisations adapted under severe disruption and functioned as local resilience assets beyond routine service provision.
Koyama et al. (Wed,) studied this question.