The paper is based on a small scale study carried out in Spring 2001 in the countries most affected by the destruction of former Yugoslavia: Croatia, Bosnia and restructured Yugoslavia (now comprising only Serbia and Montenegro). It examines how war itself has impacted on adults and children with disabilities, their families and on pre-war services. The roles of international Non- Governmental Organisations with remits in the areas of disability, health, social services and education, and of emergent local NGOs are considered. Education is examined in relation to national culture and to inclusion, both before and after the wars. Some attempt is made to link inclusion of adults and children with disabilities to inclusion in its broader societal conception. Findings are based on data from interviews carried out with policy makers at ministerial level, higher education personnel and representatives of parents and disabled people's organisations, backed by statistical data and document analysis.