Secure Funding to Aid Disaster Preparedness for Disabilities

2018 was a record year for major disasters, with it being in the top 10 of “Billion Dollar Disasters” in recorded US history. A critical observation from these disasters and those that came before is that the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are reliant on complex community support systems to remain independent and live in the community are not adequately addressed during disaster and emergency preparedness planning. For examples, disaster and emergency planning may not address whether individuals with disabilities have access to proper food and/or water, accessible transportation for evacuation and sheltering, access to reasonable accommodations i.e. wheelchair accessible restrooms, durable medical equipment, prescribed medications, and accessible signage.

Thus, disaster and emergency planning that addresses the unique needs of individuals with disabilities during each phase (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery) of emergency planning process, is critical. Making this a priority for all State and local emergency agencies helps to support the safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during a disaster or emergency as well as ensure that adequate supports are provided during each phase of the emergency process. To accomplish this, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) within the Administration on Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), plans to fund one cooperative agreement to establish a national technical assistance and resource center.

The aim of the center will be to provide direct assistance and guidance to States and Territories and build improve their capacity to better addressing the safety needs as well as access to adequate support of individuals with disabilities during an emergency or disaster during the response and recovery phase.. In addition, the center will aim to provide technical assistance, resources, and information at the State, Federal, and local level as a part of the response and recovery efforts.