The Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities is calling for greater consideration of the needs of members of the disabled community in mitigation planning for instances of natural disaster.
"There is an urgent need for the involvement of people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations to ensure equal access to disaster response and relief," declared Commander Michael Rodriquez.
Rodriquez, who was representing members of the disabled community at a Disaster Management Symposium and Information Fair in Portmore, St Catherine, on Saturday, said: "Individuals with disabilities ... are disproportionately vulnerable in (times of) emergencies, and face numerous challenges accessing resources for response and recovery."
He said the Government needs to look at and eliminate all the barriers that could prevent people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups from the provision of services in times of emergency.
"Emergency preparedness drills should include real participation of people with disabilities," he added, while also noting that simulation exercises where able-bodied persons take the role of disabled people should be avoided.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
