Disaster risk management for health: people with disabilities and older people

Disaster Risk Management for Health Fact Sheets:

This fact sheet about people with disabilities and older people in Disaster Risk Reduction for Health is divided into four sections: i) Key points ii) Why is this important? iii) What are the health risks? iv) Risk management considerations.

Key points:
-Persons with disabilities include those who have physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others;
-People with disabilities, including older people, are at increased risk in emergency and disaster situations;
-It is important to consult and involve people with disabilities and older people in risk reduction, emergency planning and response and disaster recovery, and to ensure that the capabilities and contributions of disabled and older people are recognized and utilized;
-Appropriate needs assessments are criti-cal to address specific needs of people with disabilities and older people during disasters;
-It is important to ensure that mainstream services and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities and older people.