People with disabilities (PWD) are more vulnerable to disasters and emergencies. Local Offices of Emergency Management (OEM) are key agencies overseeing the accessibility and inclusion of PWD in disaster management planning, response, and recovery.
A study was conducted in late 2018 to assess local OEMs’ disaster planning knowledge for PWD populations and to develop an assessment tool to measure the OEMs’ capability. The study used a cross-sectional, anonymous Qualtrics survey. Participants were adult OEM professionals. 61 surveys were analyzed from jurisdictions of about 100,000 to 500,000 inhabitants.
Most of the survey responses indicated a lack of preparedness for PWD populations in disaster planning. For example, 57% responded that they do not have knowledge of the estimated size of the PWD population in their jurisdiction or their functional needs. Only 33% reported having drills for PWD, and 36% responded that the position of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator is not filled.
In developing the assessment tool, two study measures were included: emergency planning for PWD and emergency coordination. The study found that there was a lack of detailed plan elements (who, what, where, how) given the two measures. Improvements are needed in accessibility of communications, engagement of PWD members in plan preparation, and involvement of ADA Coordinators in preparing emergency plans.
In conclusion, knowledge of ADA, collaboration with jurisdictional ADA Coordinator, and the utilization of available PWD-related trainings and resources are needed to reduce disaster events’ risk of negative impact on this population.