Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!

 

Your Local Community Isn’t Ready to Evacuate People with Disabilities

A group of abandoned wheelchairs and mobility aids lies haphazardly in the foreground against a backdrop of red light, indicating an emergency or fire. The "Two Palms Nursing Center" sign, with two small palm trees in green, is prominently visible, alongside a pedestrian crossing warning sign on the right. The scene conveys an intense and somber mood, highlighting disarray and neglect.
Abandoned wheelchairs outside the Two Palms Nursing Center in Altadena, Calif., serve as a stark reminder of the systemic barriers faced by People with Disabilities during emergencies. This image underscores the urgent need for inclusive and accessible community planning to prevent further tragedies.

The tragic deaths of People with Disabilities during disasters, such as the Los Angeles wildfires and the 2023 Hawaii wildfires, highlight systemic failures in emergency planning and response. Research shows that People with Disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable due to barriers like limited access to transportation. These preventable tragedies underscore the responsibility of local governments and communities to remove barriers and prioritize inclusive, accessible planning. Read on to discover how community-driven efforts can transform emergency preparedness and save lives.

Systemic failures in local and state emergency planning continue to place People with Disabilities at unnecessary risk. A 2019 audit of California’s disaster planning revealed critical failures in providing accessible resources, including transportation and shelter. Despite devastating wildfires, many counties failed to collaborate with representatives of People with Disabilities. Removing these barriers requires local leaders and communities to adopt inclusive practices that fully incorporate accessibility into community planning. Learn how building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities can drive meaningful change.

Grassroots efforts like Sustain Our Abilities' Day for Tomorrow emphasize the importance of community collaboration in disaster preparation. Initiatives that encourage neighbors to connect and identify potential barriers can help create an inclusive environment. Advocates like Sheri Byrne-Haber emphasize the importance of focusing on removing barriers to accessibility rather than making assumptions about People with Disabilities. By fostering these connections, communities can build inclusivity and preparedness into everyday life. Explore how your actions can contribute to this effort.

Inclusive community building during emergencies means removing barriers and embracing collaborative approaches. Engaging with People with Disabilities, recognizing their knowledge, and incorporating accessible resources, such as visual, audio, and tactile tools, can create effective disaster plans. Responsible community planning ensures that everyone can participate in safety efforts, making a lasting impact. Discover how inclusive practices can help your community be better prepared for future challenges. 

Advocate for these positive changes in your community!

Read the Full Article: Your Local Government Isn't Ready to Evacuate Disabled People
by: Julia Métraux

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