Disaster preparation is set to become more inclusive in Queensland, thanks to the launch of new risk reduction resources to help people with disabilities be prepared for when disasters strike.
Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors Coralee O’Rourke launched the Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) Framework and Toolkit today (3 December).
“I’m delighted to launch these important resources today, on International Day for People with Disability, as they will pave the way to help Queenslanders with disability, and the organisations that support them, be better prepared for future disasters,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“We live in one of the most disaster-affected states in Australia, and a lot of our resilience during and after a severe weather event or natural disaster can depend upon how prepared we are beforehand.
Mrs O’Rourke said the DiDRR Framework and Toolkit were created through extensive consultation with Queenslanders with Disability Network, Community Services Industry Alliance, and the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at the University of Sydney.
“The project team spoke with people with disability, key community stakeholders and emergency services sectors in Brisbane, Ipswich, Rockhampton and Townsville,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“We need to ensure that people with disability can not only recover from disasters, but be secure in the knowledge that their support needs are being met in a variety of scenarios, such as during an evacuation.”
For more information and to download the DIDRR Framework and Toolkit, go to www.collaborating4inclusion.org
