Physical Disability Inclusive Crisis Management

Disaster risks are increasing, necessitating the strengthening of disaster preparedness, integration of risk reduction, and ensuring effective response and recovery. It is important to include vulnerable groups and their representatives in preparedness processes, ultimately promoting greater resilience among individuals and communities. Previous research has explored factors influencing the effectiveness of disability inclusion activities, but a comprehensive overview of these barriers and facilitators is lacking. Thus, it is important in consultation with, and participation of, people with disabilities (PWD) and their organizations to truly adopt the envisioned whole of society approach. The author’s doctoral research focuses on the inclusion of people with physical disabilities (PPD) in crisis preparedness and reducing their vulnerability. The author aims to share her research on inclusive crisis management practices for PPD at the 5^th Forum of Sociology in RC39 Sociology of Disasters under session “Community Engagement in Disaster Recovery: Bridging Research Perspectives”. A scoping review based on 32 papers was conducted to identify the factors that hinder and facilitate the participation of PPD in crisis preparedness and response. This study examines the individual, institutional, contextual, and situational barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of PPD in crisis management.

The findings reveal that potential barriers to PPD inclusion in crisis management include lack of awareness and understanding among responders, accessibility issues, and negative attitudes that lead to exclusion. However, the growing recognition of inclusive practices, advances in assistive technologies, and the development of inclusive policies and guidelines can facilitate their involvement in crisis preparedness and response. Overall, addressing these barriers and promoting inclusive practices can ensure equal opportunities for all individuals and communities to prepare for and recover from disasters.