Overview
Design justice focuses on designing products, systems, and environments that consider the needs of marginalized communities. In emergency preparedness, design justice means ensuring that emergency plans consider the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities such as people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and people of color. Emergencies pose a significant challenge for people with disabilities, who are often forgotten in emergency plans.
Process of Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is vital for everyone, especially individuals with disabilities who face additional challenges. However, responsibility for preparedness mostly falls on individuals themselves rather than the government providing accessible resources. This leads to people with disabilities being left behind during evacuations, turned away from shelters, and affected by disruptions to support systems. To ensure equal access and participation, disability inclusion in planning and development is necessary, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where individuals with disabilities are at higher risk and often lack social connections and information about emergency preparedness.
​Current Emergency Technologies and Resources
Disability emergency technologies and resources have always existed and designers and organizations continue to create new solutions and equipment for people with disabilities.
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Examples of resources include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), Checklists for Emergency Shelters, Nobody Left Behind, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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The government provides booklets and guidebooks, such as the CDC Public Health Workbook, to identify special, vulnerable, and at-risk populations and reach them in an emergency.
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FEMA has a Disability Integration Cadre to be trained and prepared to mobilize quickly to disasters and serve as high-level advisors to FEMA leadership regarding the needs of people with disabilities.
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Emergency alert systems, GPS tracking devices, assistive communication devices, adaptive mobility devices, and emergency transportation services are all examples of technologies that can be used to assist people with disabilities in emergency situations.
It's important to note that specific technologies used may vary depending on an individual's needs and abilities.
​Problems With Current Emergency Technologies
The availability of resources and equipment for people with disabilities during emergencies is a concern. Government agencies like FEMA and ADA are expected to provide these resources, but reports show they are unprepared. Insufficient training, funding, outdated tools, and a lack of communication with disability organizations contribute to this issue. Additionally, the absence of disability representation in emergency planning leads to inadequate plans. Adequate funding, training, and disability inclusion are necessary to improve preparedness for individuals with disabilities.
Effects of a Lack of Emergency Preparedness
People with disabilities are vulnerable to the economic and psychological effects of disasters. Insufficient emergency preparedness can lead to increased homelessness and challenges in navigating response and recovery procedures. Evacuation and shelter access are difficult for individuals with disabilities, putting them at greater risk of harm. They also face higher rates of poverty, limited education and employment, and restricted healthcare access. Lack of training for responders and volunteers results in inadequate support. Accessible emergency housing and ongoing mental health support are crucial to mitigate the negative impacts on people with disabilities.
Case Studies
Case studies provide evidence of the significant challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during emergencies and disasters:
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Hurricane Harvey in 2017 exposed the shortcomings of emergency shelters and assistance efforts in meeting the needs of disabled victims in Harris County, Texas.
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The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa highlighted difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing information and support services, as well as a lack of understanding and training among healthcare and social service providers.
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The 2015 earthquakes in Nepal revealed challenges for individuals with disabilities in accessing essential resources due to limited transportation and infrastructure, resulting in vulnerability and slow recovery.
These cases underscore the importance of inclusive planning and response efforts that consider the specific needs of individuals with disabilities during emergency and disaster situations.
What Can Be Done?
Design justice in emergency preparedness focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and equity, ensuring that all community members can access resources and support during emergencies. Collaboration with marginalized communities and rethinking traditional approaches is crucial.
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To address challenges faced by people with disabilities, their needs must be incorporated into emergency plans. This includes accessible communication, inclusive shelters and services, financial assistance for evacuation, training for responders, and collaboration with disability organizations.
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The future of disability tech in emergencies depends on evolving needs and advancements. New technologies will aid disabled individuals in preparing for and responding to emergencies, though the exact form remains uncertain.
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Social media, including the #powertolive hashtag, plays a role in raising awareness about design justice in emergency preparedness and the challenges faced by people with disabilities. It serves as a platform to promote rights, abilities, and address discrimination.
Read the full paper in details here.