Planning for the Storm: Disaster Concerns and Preparations of People with Disabilities

• In Event: 2320 - Section on Disability in Society Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 3 Section on Disability in Society Refereed Roundtables

Abstract

Disaster research is an interdisciplinary field that investigates not only geophysical processes but ways in which inequalities based on class, gender, race, ethnicity, and age affect vulnerability, response, and resilience. Less is known about how disability-based inequality may relate to disaster preparedness. In this paper, we explore relationships between disability identity and levels of concern about climate change and emergency preparedness, perceived likelihood of evacuation during storms of various strengths, and likelihood of evacuating to particular types of locations. Findings suggest that participants who identified as disabled experience social and structural disadvantages in a number of areas that may increase vulnerability and reduce resilience. While disabled and non-disabled participants did not differ significantly in level of concern about climate change, disabled participants did report significantly higher levels of concern about being prepared for emergencies. Disabled participants were also significantly more likely than others to say that they would evacuate during the least intense storms, and differed from others in terms of the types of locations they would likely choose if told to evacuate. Specifically, they were slightly less likely than non-disabled participants to say they would evacuate to the home of family or friends in the area and to a shelter that does not allow pets. They were significantly more likely than others to say they would choose a pet friendly shelter and an integrated shelter that provides services to people with disabilities but is not limited to them. Disability identification and perceived stigmatization of people with disabilities had independent positive associations with likelihood of evacuating to a shelter that is limited to people with disabilities and their companions. These findings highlight the need to consider not just the medical needs of individuals with disabilities, but ways in which disability-based social and cultural inequalities and stigmatization may affect disaster response.

Authors

• Maggie Kusenbach, University of South Florida

• Sara E. Green, University of South Florida