Lawrence, who lives alone, woke up the next morning to find her morning caregiver in a panic. The caregiver urged Lawrence to prepare an emergency bag for possible evacuation due to the danger in the area. After helping Lawrence gather essential items like medication and catheters, the caregiver had to leave to tend to her own home that was at risk.
Feeling anxious throughout the day, Lawrence found herself on the edge of an evacuation zone that night. Unable to evacuate on her own, she reached out to her boyfriend in Culver City for assistance. Lawrence emphasized the importance of having her medical supplies with her to function properly during the night, as she couldn’t simply leave without them.
She considered herself fortunate to have someone to call for help, unlike other individuals with disabilities in her building who relied on part-time caregivers and did not have partners to assist them in evacuating.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reports that disabled individuals face a mortality rate two to four times higher than the general population during natural disasters. Sadly, several casualties in the recent wildfires were individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.
Anthony Mitchell, an amputee and wheelchair user, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, were among those who lost their lives. Rory Callum Sykes, a blind individual with cerebral palsy, also tragically perished due to difficulties in evacuating.
These devastating incidents highlight the disproportionate impact disasters have on individuals with disabilities, a fact that disability advocacy organizations such as the World Institute on Disability find unacceptable. Efforts are being made to utilize technology and artificial intelligence to better assist people with disabilities during such emergencies, but experts emphasize the importance of community involvement in disaster preparedness and response.
Marcie Roth, a disability advocate who established FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, stressed the necessity of prioritizing the needs of those with disabilities in emergency situations. She also emphasized the value of including individuals with disabilities in these efforts, drawing upon their expertise and lived experiences to improve overall disaster response and support.
June Kailes, a disability policy consultant based in Los Angeles and a member of the federal government’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response advisory committee focusing on disability and disasters, emphasized that people with disabilities, like herself, are often natural problem solvers in times of crisis. Despite this, there is a prevailing assumption that individuals with disabilities are a liability during disasters. Kailes believes it is crucial to empower disabled individuals to shift this perception from being a liability to being an asset.
She highlighted the need for all levels of government to improve communication with the public regarding emergency response gaps. Kailes pointed out that while the expectation is that government and first responders will come to the rescue during emergencies, this may not always be the case in catastrophic events. She emphasized the importance of disabled individuals having a plan in place, such as enlisting the help of a trusted neighbor for evacuation assistance.
Kristen Lopez, an author with a disability residing in North Hollywood with her mother who serves as her caretaker, shared their proactive approach to disaster preparedness. They made a plan to evacuate if a wildfire reached a certain point, packing essential belongings in advance. Fortunately, they did not need to evacuate, but their readiness ensured they were prepared in case of emergency.
Kailes and Lopez’s stories underscore the importance of planning and preparedness for individuals with disabilities during disasters. Additionally, resources such as the Disability and Disaster Hotline can provide support and assistance to disabled individuals in navigating emergencies. It is crucial for the disabled community to take proactive steps in preparing for crises and seeking out available resources for their safety and well-being.
Transferring bulky medical equipment between shelters can be a daunting task for individuals with disabilities during emergencies. In such situations, the hotline serves as a crucial link to emergency management services, assisting disabled individuals who may face challenges in directly contacting authorities or encountering difficulties in communication.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (PIDS) plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to support disabled individuals in accessing essential resources promptly. Collaborating with various California Independent Living Centers and other relevant organizations, PIDS aims to address non-emergent needs of disabled persons within a short timeframe, typically one to two days.
In instances where legal assistance is required, Disability Rights California stands ready to provide guidance and support to individuals with disabilities navigating complex legal issues arising from disasters. The organization offers valuable resources and advocacy to ensure that the rights of disabled individuals are protected and upheld.
For those seeking refuge in shelters, resources such as the American Red Cross shelter locator and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles can assist in locating nearby shelters where individuals with disabilities can find safety and support during crisis situations.
Disaster preparedness is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of disabled individuals. The Disability Disaster Access and Resources platform offers comprehensive information and guidance on preparing for emergencies, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate challenging circumstances effectively.
Supporting the donation and distribution of disability-specific medical supplies is the Moss Donation Center, located at 1285 Electric Avenue in Venice, California. By contributing to or retrieving essential medical supplies from this facility, individuals can help meet the needs of disabled persons during times of crisis.
Esme Mazzeo, a respected freelance journalist specializing in entertainment and disability culture, provides insightful coverage and analysis of relevant issues impacting the disability community. Based in New York, Mazzeo’s work sheds light on important stories and perspectives that enrich understanding and awareness of disability-related matters.
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