A bill introduced to Congress in January by Democrats and Republicans, would ensure the needs and rights of people with disabilities are included in disaster preparedness plans and policies across the nation. Titled the “Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters (REAADI) Act,” the bill would, among a number of actions, establish a National Advisory Committee on Disability Rights and Disasters and require disability civil rights compliance in disaster programs and spending, including the ADA and Rehabilitation Act obligations.
Dungarvin, a national organization providing services for people in need of supports, has operations in Kentucky, a state that suffered a number of devastating wildfires last year. Dungarvin Kentucky State Director Karla Jones said she wholeheartedly supports the REAADI Act. “We are very serious about being prepared for severe weather, wildfires and anything that could put the individuals we support in danger,” she said, adding that Dungarvin has established plans and policies designed to protect individuals during potentially dangerous events.
“Having experienced many disasters in Oklahoma, communication before, during and after an event is a key component in disaster planning,” Karla said. “We have to make quick assessments to determine where our resources need to be. There have been instances where those we support were displaced for extended periods, and the reforms outlined in the READDI Act would make immediate needs and alternative living arrangements affordable for those on a fixed income.”
U.S. organizations that advocate for people with disabilities recognize there’s been an increasing rate of natural disasters, and they’ve been pushing for reforms to the nation’s emergency management system that would ensure the needs and rights of this population are met during and after such events.
Sadly, people with disabilities are four times more likely to be injured or die during severe events like wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes, than those without disabilities, according to the National Council on Disability. For example, a recent article by the National Low Income Housing Coalition points out that during last year’s Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, 16 of the 19 people who died were living with disabilities or were elderly.
Unfortunately, too many disaster preparedness plans and policies include only vague plans to ensure the well-being of individuals with disabilities. In addition to establishing a national advisory committee and requiring disability civil rights compliance in disaster programs, the REAADI Act would:
- Invest in disability-led training, technical assistance, and research through a national network of Disaster and Disability Centers by establishing ten regional technical assistance centers and ten regional research centers.
- Fund large-scale, disability-inclusive preparedness grants that will authorize $300 million per year for five years (FY 2026–2030) for communities to build accessible, coordinated systems before disasters occur.
- Protect civil rights in health care during disasters by codifying Crisis Standards of Care for all disasters and public health emergencies.
- Invest in disability-led training, technical assistance, and research through a national network of Disaster and Disability Centers by establishing ten regional technical assistance centers and ten regional research centers.
- Recognize the importance of independent living centers as crucial partners in local disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Create a dedicated Disaster Human Services Emergency Fund that will authorize $100 million per year for five years (FY 2026–2030) for community-based response efforts that help people remain in or return to their homes and avoid institutionalization during and after disasters.
- Strengthen accountability and oversight through Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of disaster spending and review of disaster-related civil rights settlements since January 1, 2005.
Karla and other service providers will be watching the progression of the REAADI Act in Congress, hoping its passage will lead to better safety for the people they serve.