Disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction in Amadora: building resilience through local action

Building resilience for people with disabilities requires ensuring that their needs are fully recognised and integrated into disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning. It also requires acknowledging that different forms of disability can increase exposure to risk if systems, infrastructure and communication are not inclusive.

Since 2013, with the support of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Municipality of Amadora in Portugal has promoted structured dialogue between local authorities and social institutions. This work has supported people with disabilities to better understand practical risk reduction concepts and how to protect themselves in disaster situations.

Completing the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities in 2015 and 2022 was a key milestone. It strengthened a governance perspective on risk and supported the integration of all sectors of the community into an inclusive resilience policy.

Strengthening inclusive preparedness through practice

The Municipality of Amadora encourages annual evacuation drills in social institutions to test emergency plans in real conditions. These exercises help identify practical challenges and barriers, particularly in spaces used by people with disabilities.

The difficulties identified during drills often highlight the need to redesign physical spaces and evacuation routes. When adapted to users’ needs, these adjustments improve accessibility for everyone, not only people with disabilities.

Regular practice also helps prepare technicians and local authorities to respond to different behavioural responses during emergencies, including situations where individuals may be unable to move or may experience distress. This contributes to safer evacuations and more effective self-protection measures for all users.

Improving evacuation and shelter support systems

Amadora has also been strengthening training on evacuation and the transfer of users and technicians to Population Concentration and Support Zones (ZCAP). These are temporary shelters activated in the event of major accidents or disasters.

Training considers specific needs such as medical care, food requirements and hygiene conditions, ensuring that emergency response systems are inclusive and responsive to all users.

Risk communication through accessible methods

The municipality is also developing new approaches to risk communication aimed at reducing barriers and improving understanding among people with disabilities.

Art has proven to be an effective communication tool in this context. It supports the transmission of complex risk concepts and self-protection measures in more accessible and engaging ways.

In 2017 and 2024, the Municipality implemented the “Artistic Resilience” project in partnership with the AFID Diferença Foundation. Through a painting studio, the initiative used artistic expression as a method for risk education and skills development in disaster risk reduction.

Art, theatre and learning for resilience

Art is increasingly recognised as a form of expression that supports resilience-building. It helps reinforce learning on risk prevention and appropriate behaviour in emergency situations.

In 2014, a theatre project was developed in partnership with CERCIAMA  (social instituition that support children, young people and adults with intellectual or multiple disabilities), titled “D-Day – The Great Bustle”. The play explored self-protection measures in a seismic risk scenario.

In 2025, a new theatre production, “When the Earth Shook, a 3-Part Comedy”, was presented in cooperation with AMORAMA (founded in 1988 by a group of parents and friends, aims to rehabilitate and integrate young adults with profound disabilities, ensuring their occupation and the necessary technical and pedagogical support for their functional rehabilitation. These initiatives demonstrate how creative methods can support risk awareness and inclusion.

Building capacity through dialogue and professional exchange

Regular meetings with professionals working in the disability field have been central to Amadora’s approach. These events provide space for knowledge exchange, networking and professional development across academic, institutional and social sectors.

Key activities include:

• A roundtable discussion in 2022 on “Communicating risk for inclusion”
• A webinar in 2023 on “How to communicate risk for the inclusion of people with disabilities”
• A seminar in 2026 on “Catastrophe and disability”
• These platforms support continuous learning and improve coordination between stakeholders involved in inclusive DRR.

Building resilience through inclusion and relationships

As a current Resilience Hub under MCR2030 (Making Cities Resilient 2030), the Municipality of Amadora continues to strengthen its work on disability-inclusive resilience.

This approach goes beyond technical measures. It also recognises the importance of trust and relationships between users, technicians, local authorities and emergency services. These connections play a key role in strengthening preparedness, response and recovery.

Different people, with different roles, contribute daily to the safety and well-being of the community. Inclusive disaster risk reduction depends on this shared responsibility and continuous collaboration across all sectors.

Marta Curado graduated in Geography and Regional Planning from the College of Social and Human Sciences and Master in Physical Geography and Spatial Planning from the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning. Currently holds a position in the Municipal Civil Protection Service of Amadora, since 2023.

Carlos Rocha has worked at the Amadora Municipal Civil Protection Service since 2010. He holds a degree in Sociocultural Animation and Community Intervention from the Lisbon Higher School of Education and a master's degree in Social Work from ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon.

Luís Carvalho has been the Coordinator of Civil Protection Municipal Service in Amadora since 2014 and leads projects related to emergency procedures/plans, awareness programs and risk assessment processes. He is the Local Focal Point (Amadora) for “Making Cities Resilient Campaign” and “Resilient Hub”(United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction – UNDRR).