Is Your Trust Weatherproof? Disability Preparedness and Support Pre & Post Disaster.

• In Event: 40414 - Disaster and Inequality

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of disaster management, climate change, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the often-overlooked vulnerability of individuals with disabilities in these contexts. While significant investments have been made in climate and environmental protection, people with disabilities remain largely excluded from mainstream discourse on disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. With approximately 25% of the U.S. population living with a disability, and these individuals facing disproportionately high risks during disasters, it is critical to address their unique needs in environmental and disaster policies. This paper investigates the practical implications of environmental change on people with disabilities, focusing on their preparedness and recovery during extreme events. Through a review of sociological literature and analysis of data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness, this study identifies disparities in the experiences of disabled and non-disabled individuals. It advocates for the integration of disability perspectives into climate change, disaster management, and sustainability frameworks to ensure more inclusive and equitable policies. By acknowledging the socio-environmental factors that exacerbate vulnerability, this paper calls for a shift in disaster and climate resilience strategies, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges for marginalized populations.

Author

• Kassandra Gonzalez, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign