Unique Challenges for People with Disabilities During Disasters: Lessons from LA Wildfires

When Disaster Strikes, People with Disabilities Face Unique Challenges

As wildfires raged across Southern California last week, Jo-Marie Lawrence, a 32-year-old quadriplegic actor and wheelchair user, found herself in a precarious situation. She was watching a movie at a Burbank mall with a friend when the power went out. The outage left them stranded atop a flight of about 70 steps, with no way to use the elevators.

“People were offering to carry us, but it was pretty steep. And we were like, ‘We don’t really know who you are or trust you,’” Lawrence recalled. The mall manager and employees stayed with them until firefighters arrived to carry them down safely.

Lawrence’s experience underscores the unique challenges people with disabilities face during emergencies. From navigating multi-level buildings to accessing life-saving medical equipment, the obstacles can be overwhelming. For many, finding accessible shelters or securing specialized care during a crisis adds another layer of difficulty.

Lawrence, who has been disabled for six years, said this was her first major emergency. While she and her friend made it home safely, the incident left her unsettled. “It was unsettling that the only help movie employees could provide was to wait with us until first responders arrived,” she said.

Her story highlights the urgent need for individualized emergency plans for people with disabilities. In fast-moving disasters like wildfires, waiting for help may not be enough.

The stakes are high. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the mortality rate for people with disabilities during natural disasters is two to four times higher than for the general population. Among the 27 confirmed deaths in the recent wildfires, several victims were known to have disabilities or mobility issues.

Anthony Mitchell, 67, an amputee and wheelchair user, died in his Altadena home alongside his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy. Authorities found Anthony’s body by Justin’s bed. Rory Callum Sykes, 32, a former child star from Australia, also perished in the fires. Born blind and with cerebral palsy, Sykes had difficulty walking. His mother, Shelley Sykes, said she couldn’t lift him to safety due to a broken arm and was unable to reach 911 for help.

Carolyn Burns, 56, of Altadena, died in her home from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Her family had reported her missing, noting she was bedridden. Another Altadena resident, Zhi Feng Zhao, 84, who had mobility and vision issues, also died at home.

These tragedies reveal systemic gaps in emergency preparedness and response for people with disabilities. Marcie Roth, who established the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, emphasized the need for better planning.

“There is an ongoing failure to center the need for not leaving people with disabilities behind,” Roth said. She noted that while technology and artificial intelligence can help share critical information, the expertise of people within the disability community is essential.

Roth, who is disabled herself, said people with disabilities are often natural problem solvers in crises. “We need to build the leadership of disabled people to shift that equation from being a liability to being an asset,” she said.

For many, the reality is stark. Kristen Lopez, an author with a disability, lives in North Hollywood with her mother, who is also her caretaker. Last week, they decided to evacuate if the Sunset Fire reached a certain point on the wildfire-tracking app Watch Duty, even if they weren’t in an official evacuation zone.

“If I lived alone, no one’s coming to save me. I’m well aware of that,” Lopez said.

Resources are available to help. The Disability and Disaster Hotline, run by The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, offers support for disabled survivors of emergencies. The hotline, reachable at 1-800-626-4959, helps connect people to emergency management and provides actionable plans based on individual needs.

Organizations like Disability Rights California and the American Red Cross also offer assistance, from legal help to shelter locators. For those in need of medical supplies, the Moss Donation Center in Venice, California, provides disability-specific resources.

As wildfires and other disasters become more frequent, the need for inclusive emergency planning has never been more urgent. For people with disabilities, the difference between life and death often hinges on access to timely, thoughtful support.

Conclusion

The harrowing experiences of jo-Marie Lawrence, Anthony⁤ Mitchell, Justin Mitchell, and Rory Callum Sykes during the Southern California wildfires underscore a stark reality:⁤ people with⁤ disabilities ⁤face disproportionately high risks during⁢ disasters. Lawrence’s ordeal of being stranded at a mall ⁣due to a ⁣power ⁢outage, and the tragic losses of Mitchell and Sykes, highlight the urgent need for‍ systemic changes⁢ to emergency preparedness and response. These stories are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of inequity that ⁤exposes vulnerable populations to greater danger during ‍crises.

The statistics are sobering—people with disabilities are two to four times more likely to perish during natural disasters than their ⁣able-bodied counterparts.This disparity is not certain. it is⁣ indeed a reflection of inadequate planning, inaccessible infrastructure, and a lack of tailored support ‍systems.Emergency plans ⁣must⁤ be inclusive, accounting for the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities, ⁣from accessible evacuation routes to specialized medical care and equipment.

lawrence’s reflection on the limitations of her emergency ⁣experience—relying on strangers ⁣and ⁣waiting for first responders—reveals ⁢the need for proactive, individualized ⁤solutions.Communities, businesses, and governments must prioritize accessibility in emergency planning,⁣ ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind when disaster strikes. This includes training for emergency personnel, accessible shelters, and public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of inclusivity.

The wildfires in Southern California are a stark⁤ reminder that disasters do⁢ not discriminate, but our responses must. By ⁤amplifying ⁤the voices of those most vulnerable and implementing thorough, inclusive strategies, we can reduce the ⁢mortality rate and ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, have the⁤ support they need to survive and thrive in the⁣ face of crisis. The time ⁤to act ⁣is now—as when disaster strikes, every life counts.
Inclusive and proactive emergency planning for people with disabilities has never been more critical. Jo-Marie Lawrence’s harrowing experience and the tragic losses of Anthony Mitchell, Rory Callum Sykes, Carolyn Burns, and Zhi Feng Zhao underscore the devastating consequences of systemic gaps in disaster preparedness. These stories highlight an urgent need to reimagine emergency response systems to ensure they are equitable, accessible, and life-saving for everyone, regardless of ability.

The voices of disabled individuals and advocates like Marcie Roth and Kristen Lopez remind us that people with disabilities are not merely vulnerable populations—they are vital contributors with unique insights and problem-solving skills that can enhance disaster preparedness efforts. By centering their expertise and leadership, we can shift the narrative from one of liability to one of resilience and empowerment.

While resources like the Disability and Disaster Hotline and organizations such as Disability Rights California and the American Red Cross provide crucial support, these efforts must be amplified and integrated into broader emergency management frameworks. Policymakers, community leaders, and frist responders must prioritize the development of individualized emergency plans, accessible infrastructure, and inclusive communication strategies to ensure no one is left behind.

As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of disasters, the moral imperative to protect and support people with disabilities grows ever more pressing. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can build a more just and equitable society—one where every individual, regardless of ability, has the tools and support needed to survive and thrive in the face of disaster. The time to act is now. Lives depend on it.