Citation

Dunn JA, Nicholls JM, Snell DL, Nunnerley JL. Australas. J. Disaster Trauma Stud. 2017; 21(1): 3-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Massey University, School of Psychology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

People with disabilities are disproportionally affected by emergency situations. They experience higher mortality rates and greater vulnerability than the general population due to disrupted infrastructure and services. Although personal preparedness has been identified as one of the most effective ways to mitigate the emergency-related risks, personal preparedness among people with disabilities is reported to be low. The aim of this study was to investigate emergency preparedness of wheelchair users in New Zealand and to compare their preparedness levels with those of the general population. A nationwide survey of adult, community dwelling wheelchair users was conducted. Of 101 participants, less than 30 percent had made emergency preparations for a future emergency which is substantially lower than the rate reported among the general New Zealand population. Fewer than 20 percent of survey participants were planning for their disability specific needs. Personal preparedness barriers identified included the need for assistance from someone else to carry out planning activities (50%), lack of disability relevant information (37%), limited accessibility to information (24%), cost (23%), and being unable to stockpile medications (20%) or consumables (11%). Overall, participants reported lower levels of personal emergency preparedness and a higher incidence of barriers to preparedness than reported by the general New Zealand population. A comprehensive plan of further work and research could enable genuinely inclusive emergency planning for future emergency events in New Zealand. To achieve this outcome, emergency planners, responders and researchers must partner with disabled people so that planning meets the emergency related needs of disabled New Zealanders.


Keywords: emergency preparedness, wheelchair users, people with disabilities, disaster management, emergency planning

Language: en