How can you have a seat at the table if you can’t even get through the door?
This question feels even more pressing when you consider what it’s like to live with disabilities, the looming climate crisis, and the constant threat of disasters.
The unjust reality is that disabled folks (that’s 1 in 4 Americans!) are at a higher risk during and long after a disaster. That’s not just because we have specific functional needs – it’s because we’re living in a world that wasn’t designed for us. In a disaster situation, that can mean barriers to evacuation, lack of accessible information, and inadequate support systems.
Data shows that the majority of disabled people who evacuate during a disaster never return to the same home.
For example, according to U.S. Census data, 59% of Deaf evacuees reported never going back. Evacuation can lead to folks becoming permanently institutionalized and/or facing a cascade of other problems. But none of this is inevitable. And – in fact – we believe we can tell a very different story moving forward.
Disabled folks are geniuses at adapting.
For us, being prepared isn’t some hobby or obsession, it’s an everyday necessity. Because of this, we’re already super skilled at anticipating our specific needs, and using our knowledge for real-world problem solving. That can make us naturals at disaster prep! Our dream is to build a world where disabled leaders are working with their communities to be prepared for whatever comes. Because, the truth is, you don’t just protect yourself when you take time to prep – you help make safety possible for everyone.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all at once, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.
We made Why We Prep as a guide to help you with step-by-step accessibility planning for disaster scenarios. Just remember, above all, you are the expert on your own needs, and you are worth the time and care it takes to be prepared.
Thanks for letting us be a part of your preparation journey. Together, we’re building a network of enabled disaster response.
Start here with our accessible flyers – free to print and share!
Want to go further? Check out these great resources.
- Disaster Preparedness Plan for People With Disabilities checklist – a checklist to help with your disaster prep plan
- National Weather Service
- FEMA app – receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more.
- Heat Safety Tool App – gives you the heat index
- NJ Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet – a comprehensive list of hazardous substances
- Odor Wheel – helps you understand different types of hazardous substances by smell
- FEMA Regional Disability Specialists – provides regional and local support and technical assistance about disability inclusive practices and inclusion of people with disabilities and people with access and functional needs throughout emergency management operations.
Do you have a question or idea? We’d love to hear from you.
Contact Jason Hallmark, Climate Justice Coordinator, at jason@peopleoverpetro.org
All illustrations by artist Michelle Sayles
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