Preparedness for Every Body: Disabled, Elderly or Injured, Pt. 1

Disasters and emergencies can be stressful for everyone. Still, for people with disabilities, as well as the elderly, those recovering from surgery or injury, and children with special needs, additional challenges arise. 

When it comes to assisting those with disabilities—whether permanent or temporary—emergency assistance is woefully inadequate and impacts marginalized communities even more. In this first part of a two-part special, I Introduce this issue with sobering facts and tips for preparedness from my Disability & Disaster—How To Prepare, Navigate, Thrive! blog entry at my website, Urban Lady Prepper.

I then introduce two remarkable women with disabilities, Nicole and Cassandra. They describe their challenges and achievements honestly while navigating daily life. In these conversations, we realize that we have a long way to go as a society to ensure those with limitations receive the attention and resources they need during a disaster. 

Nicole Adamonis is a professional esthetician, Reiki Master, and yoga teacher with a weekly online class sensitive to those with physical limitations. Visit her website for more information.

Cassandra is a full-time worker with three children with disabilities. She is creating a podcast that focuses on issues facing the disabled. I will provide the information once it is launched. 

I thank these ladies for their time and appreciate their strength and sincerity. You will too!

**NOTE: Part 2 will be uploaded Monday, 9/2/24!**