People with disability rely on different levels and types of function-based support. Access to this support can be compromised during and after a disaster.
People with disability are disproportionately affected and experience higher rates of injury and death as well as face increased challenges during disaster response and recovery. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 calls for ‘a more people-centred preventative approach to disaster risk’. Australia, as a signatory to the framework must find ways to assist people to prepare for emergency events triggered by natural hazards. This includes people with disability and their support networks.
Dr Michelle Villeneuve
University of Sydney