What are the best ways to address disabilities in contingency planning?

3 Assess needs and risks

The third step to address disabilities in contingency planning is to assess the specific needs and risks of people with disabilities in different scenarios and contexts. Needs and risks may vary depending on the type and scale of the emergency, the location and setting of the affected area, the availability and accessibility of resources and services, and the personal and social characteristics of the people with disabilities. For example, some people with disabilities may need assistive devices, medication, or personal assistance to perform daily activities, while others may need accessible transportation, shelter, or evacuation routes. Some people with disabilities may be more vulnerable to physical injuries, mental stress, or social isolation, while others may face discrimination, violence, or exploitation. Assessing needs and risks requires collecting and analyzing relevant data, conducting surveys and interviews, and using participatory methods and tools.

4 Develop strategies and actions

The fourth step to address disabilities in contingency planning is to develop strategies and actions that address the needs and risks of people with disabilities, and that enhance their resilience and capacity. Strategies and actions may include providing accessible and appropriate information, communication, and education on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery; ensuring that emergency facilities, services, and equipment are accessible and inclusive; providing reasonable accommodation and individualized support to people with disabilities; facilitating the coordination and collaboration of different actors and stakeholders; and promoting the rights, dignity, and empowerment of people with disabilities. Developing strategies and actions requires setting clear objectives, priorities, and indicators, allocating sufficient resources and budget, and establishing roles and responsibilities.

5 Implement and monitor

The fifth step to address disabilities in contingency planning is to implement and monitor the strategies and actions that have been developed, and to evaluate their effectiveness and impact. Implementing and monitoring requires mobilizing and deploying the necessary human, material, and financial resources, ensuring the quality and accountability of the delivery and performance, and collecting and reporting feedback and data. Implementing and monitoring also requires adapting and adjusting the strategies and actions to the changing needs and circumstances of the emergency, and to the emerging challenges and opportunities. Implementing and monitoring requires regular communication, coordination, and consultation with people with disabilities and other stakeholders.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth step to address disabilities in contingency planning is to learn and improve from the experience and outcomes of the contingency planning process, and to use the lessons learned and best practices to inform and enhance future planning. Learning and improving requires conducting a comprehensive and participatory evaluation of the contingency planning process, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and documenting and disseminating the findings and recommendations. Learning and improving also requires recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities and other stakeholders, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?