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Noori Payne
Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images
Introduction
Introduction
More than 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability (WHO, 2021), a number that is increasing every day. Despite this, most environmental policies fail to plan for our population's most vulnerable individuals - leaving them to experience the brunt of resulting social and structural harms.
1 in 4
In the United States, 26% of the adult population lives with a disability, corresponding to 1 in 4 individuals or 61 million adults. The U.S. South has the highest percentage of people living in the disabilities (CDC, 2018).
Health and service differences of adults in the United States
Image from CDC, 2018
Adults with disabilities experience health and service differences that can impact their lives in many ways. Common disability types include mobility (13.7%), cognition (10.8%), independent living (6.8%), hearing (5.9%), vision (4.6%), and self-care (3.7%).
These health and service differences can impact evacuation and disaster response in different ways.
Populations experiencing disability
Image from CDC, 2018
While 1 in 4 adults in the United States live with a disability (CDC, 2018), some demographic groups are particularly impacted:
2 in 5 older adults (age 65 years or older) have a disability
2 in 5 American Indians/Alaska Natives identifying as non-Hispanic have a disability
1 in 4 women have a disability
Accessibility Barriers in Disaster Response
Accessibility Barriers in Disaster Response
Illustration created by Noori Payne in Canva
Physical
Individuals with mobility or visual impairments may struggle to leave an area quickly since accessibility tools (such as elevators) may stop operating in the event of a fire.
Illustration created by Noori Payne in Canva
Transportation
Many individuals who experience a wide variety of disabilities rely on public or private rideshare services to move locations. These services would not have sufficient capacity in the event of many emergencies.
Illustration created by Noori Payne in Canva
Communication
Verbal instructions may fail to reach hard-of-hearing individuals during emergencies and it is unlikely that translators will be present. Communication barriers also inhibit learning about resources and reconnecting with loved ones.
Illustration created by Noori Payne in Canva
Cognitive & Emotional
Individuals with cognitive impairments may be more likely to become overwhelmed in chaotic circumstances, and may struggle to follow safety instructions.
For individuals with disabilities, only 1 in 5 felt able to rapidly respond to a disaster event
For individuals with disabilities, only 1 in 5 felt able to rapidly respond to a disaster event
Environmental Justice for All
Environmental Justice for All
Natural disasters are expected to increase and worsen with climate change. Rates of disability have also increased, with impacts that can be made worse by climate change. For example, heat waves can make travel conditions more uncomfortable for individuals in wheelchairs.
It is important to consider how individuals with health and service differences are impacted by natural disasters, such as wildfire and climate change more broadly. Individuals can experience more than one type of disability, therefore designing accommodations that work for all is critical for supporting environmental justice.
"Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."
"Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."
-Environmental Protection Agency
It is important to reject narratives that carry the implicit assumption that we want a healthy natural environment for the purpose of avoiding disability, which perpetuates disability stigma by failing to question our underlying biases and prejudices for traits that are desired - and traits that are feared. Environmental justice should not include the goal of eradicating disability; but rather, improving the safety and well-being of ALL individuals regardless of their health and service differences.
Principles of Disability Justice
Principles of Disability Justice
1. Intersectionality
All components of a person’s life make up their identity and determine their experiences.
2. Leadership by those most impacted
People who have disabilities know what is best for themselves. When given the opportunity to lead, they can help build a richer, more equitable system.
3. Anti-Capitalist Politics
Human worth is not determined by productivity or capital. Our value system must exist separate from the ever-increasing demand for economic production.
4. Cross-Movement Organizing
Since disability intersects with all other forms of identity and marginalization, people with disabilities must be represented in the leadership of all social justice movements.
5. Recognizing Wholeness
People who have disabilities are whole, valued, and worthy. It is important to honor and embrace disability, without imposing our own fears onto someone else's lived experience.
6. Sustainability
Bringing change to failing social structures is challenging and time-consuming. Efforts need to safeguard advocates' energy, drive, and patience.
7. Cross-Disability Solidarity
Each affected person, no matter how they relate to their disability, must feel that their voices are heard.
8. Interdependence
We must work together to meet each other’s needs.
9. Collective Access
Everyone must be included in ways that are accessible for them. Access needs are different for everyone and must be respected.
10. Collective Liberation
The disability justice movement works to create a world where every person is free, respected, and valued for exactly who they are. We must make sure that no one is left behind.
Existing Efforts and Resources
Existing Efforts and Resources
Oregon's Disability Emergency Management Committee was formed in 2020 to develop inclusive practices for emergency preparedness and response plans.
A series of national resources from federally funded programs have been gathered to create emergency preparedness and response plans that are inclusive of people with disabilities.
As the cornerstone of disability protections, the ADA upholds a variety of legal standards as well as provides guidelines for how to meet those standards.
This national public service campaign was developed to help Americans prepare for potential disasters and emergencies.
Oregon's Health Authority has also implemented the REALD to improve data collection and care for individuals with health and service differences.
Potential Solutions
Potential Solutions
Ensure that people with disabilities are represented in all disaster planning discussions
Increase national data collection efforts on adults with disabilities to improve understanding of what needs are not being met
Provide accessible emergency shelters that follow ADA guidelines
Train all first responders and emergency planners in how to work with people with disabilities
Consider instituting voluntary, confidential registries of persons with disabilities who may need individualized evacuation assistance or notification
Provide disaster survivors with technological and instructive support as they navigate applying to relief aide programs
Connection to Other Pages
Connection to Other Pages
Explore similar topics related to this page developed by other students:
References
References
Engelman, A., Craig, L., and A. Iles (2022). Global Disability Justice In Climate Disasters: Mobilizing People With Disabilities As Change Agents. Health Affairs, 41(10), 1496-1504. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00474
Gaskin, C. J., Taylor, D., Kinnear, S., Mann, J., Hillman, W., & Moran, M. (2017). Factors Associated with the Climate Change Vulnerability and the Adaptive Capacity of People with Disability: A Systematic Review. Weather, Climate, and Society, 9(4), 801-814. Accessed from https://doi.org/10.1175/wcas-d-16-0126.1
Jampel, C. (2018). Intersections of disability justice, racial justice and environmental justice, Environmental Sociology, 4:1, 122-135, DOI: 10.1080/23251042.2018.1424497
Kosanic, A., Petzold, J., Martín-López, B., & Razanajatovo, M. (2022). An inclusive future: disabled populations in the context of climate and environmental change. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 55, 101159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2022.101159
Kruger, J., Hinton, C., Sinclair, L., and B. Silverman (2018). Enhancing individual and community disaster preparedness: individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Disability Health Journal, 11(2), 170-173.
U.S. Department of Justice (2006). Civil Rights Division. An ADA guide of local governments: making community emergency preparedness and response programs accessible to people with disabilities [Available from: http://www.ada.gov/emergencyprep.htm].
World Health Organization. (2021). Disability and Health Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
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