Disability and emergencies
People with disabilities often need more support during emergencies. And some people suffer injuries, illness or assault during emergencies which leave them in need of care. The Anglican Alliance supports local churches as they work for the wellbeing and dignity of people with disabilities affected by disasters.
People with disabilities face extra challenges when disaster strikes. They are at heightened risk of:
- Abandonment – getting left behind
- Violence and abuse, which targets the most vulnerable
- Loss of caregivers and assistive devices
- Inability to escape
- Separation from their families or carers.
The Anglican Alliance has a special mandate to support people with disabilities who are affected by emergencies, to find ways to share best practice in care and support, and to advocate for the international community to give more attention to these people.
Below are some of the ways churches can help ensure people with disabilities are not forgotten in times of disaster. Listen to the audio clip for more.
Reaching out and identifying needs
- Understanding disability and the different types of impairment
- Reaching people in the community
- Speaking to carers and families
- Recording the stories of what happened
- Identifying support and care needs
Overcoming barriers to inclusion in emergencies
- Ensuring people with disabilities are seen and heard
- Making services accessible to everyone
- Providing specialised care
- Overcoming stigma and traditional beliefs.
- Adapting physical surroundings and infrastructure.
- Having an inclusive approach to disability before disaster strikes
- Valuing the different abilities of each person
- Involving people with disabilities in planning for emergencies
- Providing an advocacy platform for people with disabilities
Anglican churches agencies decided that Anglican Alliance relief work should focus on those who are the most vulnerable and often overlooked by mainstream humanitarian aid, and especially people with disabilities.
The Church can be a powerful voice supporting the dignity and empowerment of people with disabilities, creating an environment of respect and equality for everyone.
Links
- Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities
- Working with Persons with Disabilities in Forced Displacement (UNHCR, 2011)
- Action for the right of the children resource pack: children with disability (2009)
- Disabilities among refugees and conflict-affected populations- Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children (2008) and Resource Kit for Field Workers (2008)
- IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial support in Emergency settings (2007)
- Community-based rehabilitation guidelines – World Health Organisation (2010)