AUCD - SIG: Disasters, Climate Adaptation & Disability Inclusion
<< Back to ProgramMonday, November 14, 2022 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Location: M3: LeDroit Park
Session Description
Interested in Disasters, Climate Adaptation and Disability Inclusion? Join the DCADI (formerly EP) SIG's annual meeting!
1 in 4 Americans has a disability. People with disabilities are 2-4 times more likely to be injured or die due to disasters than people without disabilities. Climate adaptation and emergency plans that assume everyone can walk, talk, run, quickly follow directions, and has a car exclude people with disabilities.
AUCD network members have shared an interest in the impact of emergencies and disasters on people with disabilities for many years. This year the Emergency Preparedness SIG became the Disasters, Climate Adaptation and Disability Inclusion (DCADI) SIG because of member concerns about the impacts of climate on people with disabilities. Climate change contributes to an increase in natural disasters, environmental pollution, food accessibility, and drinking water quality. Average annual temperatures have risen by 2.9℉ with a 35% increase in annual flooding events. Climate-related health impacts include respiratory conditions, heat illness, waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, and physical and mental health impacts. Individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by these events; they are affected first and worst. Inclusion of people with disabilities in climate resiliency and adaptation discussions and activities can help minimize these negative impacts, but too often people with disabilities don't have a seat at the table.
The goal of the DCADI SIG is to network, collaborate, and share resources among SIG members, and to develop strategies for collaborations with local and state emergency and public health preparedness personnel, disability organizations, and other Community Based Organizations (CBO) to strengthen whole community emergency preparedness and response and ensure that people with disabilities have a seat at the table for all phases of the disaster and climate adaptation cycle.
SIG Meeting Agenda
Welcome and About the SIG: Chair Laura Butler
Speaker introduction: Sue Wolf-Fordham
Speaker: More info to follow
Q and A
Stay tuned: Business meeting soon!
AUCD Network Contact:
Laura Butler, MRC, MA
University of Kentucky
Human Development Institute
1525 Bull Lea Rd.
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 859-218-5959
Email: [email protected]
Staff Contact:
Sue Wolf-Fordham, JD, MPA
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 781-254-4031
Email: [email protected]
About AUCD SIGS
Special Interest Groups, or SIGs, are made up of individuals in the AUCD network that have common topical interest. SIGs, which are open to anyone in the network, serve as a mechanism for sharing information, engaging in dialogue, and generating new ideas. SIGs are led by one or more individuals from the network (with AUCD staff support if needed); they typically meet in person at the AUCD Conference and may share information via email, conference call, or webinars throughout the year. Because SIGs are driven by the interests of the AUCD membership, new SIGs may emerge while ones that have run their course may disband.