Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

The Promise of Technology: Disaster Risk Reduction and Persons with Disabilities

Zero Project Conference 2015Consultation: technology and disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction Benjamin Dard, CBM International

Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

Towards a disability-inclusive HFA2

• Recognition of the critical role of persons with disabilities and their organisations in all DRR phases

• Recognition of Universal Design and accessibility to ICTs

Way forward:

• Ensure that the HFA2 is disseminated in accessible and easy read formats

• Ensure the involvement of persons with disabilties in the development of implementing guidelines.

Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

Technology in DRR and emergency response

Examples:

•Warning systems via sirens, loudspeakers, radio, TV, Internet, mobile phones, and J-alert

•ICT during response, mobile phones for cash transfers and SMS for alert and warnings.

•Social media

•Geo-spatial technology to ‘map’ accessible emergency shelters and evacuation routes.

•Database systems to ‘map’ most at-risk families within communities

Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

Ageing and Disability Focal Points

Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

Challenges

• Power and communication signals are often lost, rendering equipment temporarily unusable.

• Most at risk often have least access to latest devices.

• Inappropriate fire and life safety features or systems to ensure ‘equal egress’ during an emergency

• Accessibility of infrastructure is rarely embedded as key component of the build back better strategy.

Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

Way forward

• Ensure that technology is accessible, reliable and affordable for all

• Include persons with disabilities in all DRR phases

• Strengthen research and development on accessible technological solutions

• Ensure that fire and life safety technology and evacuation planning strategies are disability-inclusive.

• Promote the “Build Back Better" philosophy, ensuring that accessibility is a component of all post-disaster donor funding.

Benjamin Dard February 26rd, 2015

Thank you

“Persons with disabilities are an essential resource in building community resilience. CBM calls for accessibility to be prioritised in the development of all technology used in disaster risk reduction programs.”

Valérie Scherrer, Director Emergency Response Unit, CBM

More information: http://www.cbm.org/Contact: benjamin.dard@cbm.org