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Abstract
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Persons with disabilities are consistently excluded from disaster planning and response efforts. Accessibility and inclusion can help ensure we are not left behind, writes Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame
When the covid-19 restrictions took effect in Senegal, Fatima (not her real name) found herself unable to understand much of what was happening. Besides the news on the radio, all other information, including on registering for a vaccination, was inaccessible to her as a blind person. She was isolated in her home, scared, and it was difficult to find someone to guide her outside, as the fears of infection were so great.
Fatima is just one of the millions of people who have been left without adequate support when disaster strikes. This is seen during pandemics and when resources are inaccessible during natural disasters or conflict.
An estimated 1.3 billion people live with disabilities globally,1 and they are consistently excluded from disaster planning and response efforts. This can mean anything from being left behind when trying to escape danger, to shelters and emergency information being inaccessible. Furthermore, people with disabilities face ingrained systemic disadvantages, with research showing that they are more likely to live in poverty, lack access to education, and experience poorer health outcomes.1
These disparities mean that persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disasters. They face a higher risk of dying or being injured, have more difficulty being evacuated or sheltered, and face more health obstacles during and after disasters or conflict.2 This is despite the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) requiring signatories to protect those with disabilities during disasters, without discrimination
Language: en |