Citation

Stough LM, Sharp AN, Resch JA, Decker C, Wilker N. Disasters 2015; 40(3): 387-410.

Affiliation

Deputy Executive Director for Training and Technical Assistance at the National Disability Rights Network, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/disa.12161

PMID

26577837

Abstract

This study examines how pre-existing disabling conditions influenced the recovery process of survivors of Hurricane Katrina. It focuses specifically on the barriers that hindered the recovery process in these individuals. Focus groups were convened in four Gulf Coast states with 31 individuals with disabilities who lived in or around New Orleans, Louisiana, prior to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Five themes emerged as the most significant barriers to recovery: housing; transportation; employment; physical and mental health; and accessing recovery services. While these barriers to recovery were probably common to most survivors of the disaster, the research results suggest that disability status enhanced the challenges that participants experienced in negotiating the recovery process and in acquiring resources that accommodated their disabilities. The findings indicate that, when disaster recovery services and resources did not accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, recovery was hindered. Recovery efforts should include building accessible infrastructure and services that will allow for participation by all.

Language: en