Maverick Musings #11

"Disability is not a brave struggle or courage in the face of adversity. Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.” - Neil Marcus

In this edition of Maverick Musings, we dig into the area of Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR). As young climate leaders, it is important for us to understand this concept and act when necessary. Recognizing and integrating the specific needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in disaster management is necessary for enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of our responses to the increasing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.

Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) is an essential approach in modern disaster management that integrates the specific needs and perspectives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into all phases of disaster risk reduction and management. This approach is not only a matter of rights and equity but also enhances the overall effectiveness of disaster response and preparedness.

PWDs often face unique challenges during disasters, such as physical barriers, communication hurdles, and lack of access to emergency services. These challenges are worsened in times of crisis, making them more vulnerable to harm. Recognizing this, DIDRR aims to ensure that disaster management strategies are not just universally applicable but also specifically tailored to address the needs of different categories of PWDs.

The necessity for governments to plan for DIDRR stems from the understanding that disasters do not impact all individuals equally. State-level planning and policy development must include specific strategies to protect and assist PWDs. This involves identifying potential risks, ensuring accessible evacuation routes and shelters, providing disaster information in multiple formats (like Braille, sign language, and audio), and training emergency responders to effectively assist PWDs.

Globally, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of DIDRR. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a major international agreement, explicitly calls for the inclusion of PWDs in disaster risk reduction planning and implementation. This global framework emphasizes the importance of understanding and acting on the various dimensions of vulnerability, including disability, in all phases of disaster management.

In India, the state of Kerala has emerged as a leader in this area with the publication of its "Handbook on Disability & Disaster Risk Reduction." This comprehensive document sets a precedent for other states and countries to follow. It covers various aspects such as understanding different types of disabilities, including physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health conditions, and tailoring disaster response strategies accordingly.

The handbook also underlines the importance of inclusive communication and information dissemination, ensuring that warnings, instructions, and other disaster-related communications are accessible to all. Additionally, it highlights the need for community-based approaches in DIDRR, involving PWDs in planning and decision-making processes, thereby leveraging their unique insights and experiences.

It calls for a shift from traditional, one-size-fits-all disaster management strategies to more nuanced, inclusive, and participatory approaches.

Mastering Green Skills

Governments worldwide, including organizations like the 红十字会与红新月会国际联合会 and United Nations organization are increasingly recognizing the importance of hiring professionals skilled in disaster relief and management. With the anticipated rise in jobs in this sector, certain 'green skills' in the area of disaster risk reduction have become crucial, not just for career advancement but also for being effective in crisis situations.

1. First Aid: Mastery in first aid equips individuals with the ability to provide immediate assistance during emergencies, saving lives and reducing the severity of injuries.
2. Disaster Response Training: This skill ensures effective management and coordination during crises, enabling prompt and organized responses to disaster situations.
3. Sign Language Interpretation: Essential in disaster scenarios to ensure that hearing-impaired individuals receive timely and accurate information, enabling their safe and effective participation in emergency responses.
4. Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages breaks down communication barriers, crucial for effective outreach and understanding in diverse communities affected by disasters.
5. Empathy and Inclusivity Training: Understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by PWDs and other vulnerable groups is key.
6. Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Management: This skill involves managing and operating an Emergency Operation Center effectively. It includes understanding how to coordinate resources, manage information, and make critical decisions during a disaster.
7. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Risk Mapping: GIS skills are invaluable in disaster management for mapping risk areas, understanding geographical vulnerabilities, and planning evacuation routes. This technical skill helps in analyzing spatial data to aid in effective planning and response strategies.
8. Mental Health and Counseling: Proficiency in providing mental health support and counseling is vital. This skill involves understanding the psychological impacts of disasters, particularly on PWDs, and offering appropriate emotional and psychological support to help them cope with trauma and stress in the aftermath of a disaster.

Seizing opportunities

1. The Creative Arts Fund: Small grants are available to assist artists in their efforts to safeguard Earth's biodiversity. These grants aim to empower artists and communities to craft art that drives change and heightens awareness about urgent issues threatening wildlife and their habitats.
2. Ocean Culture Life's Storytelling Grant Programme: A platform that empowers storytellers and Ocean Guardians, driving positive change in ocean conservation. It focuses on using storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action for ocean preservation.
3. Green skills training by SUSTERA: We plan to initiate courses on climate change and sustainability-related technical skills. Get a chance to win scholarships for the program by filling out the survey.

Youth-led initiatives

1. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Youth Engagement Strategy 2022-2025: This strategy aims to engage youth demographics, which comprise 1.8 billion of the global population (approximately 23 per cent), of which an estimated 90 per cent live in developing countries, in disaster risk reduction activities.

1. Disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction: Focussing on school safety: This framework emphasizes three school safety pillars: safety, DRR education and integrating children in DRR, through child-centred, child-participatory efforts in recognition of children’s rights to safety and protection. Crucially, the framework anchors key disability-inclusive DRR principles
2. International Disability Alliance: This organization is a network of eight global and six regional organizations of persons with disabilities. They work to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in international development and humanitarian action. They have a specific focus on youth with disabilities and have been supporting disability activists to engage in advocacy and develop their skills and experience, including through accessing exposure to international human rights

Eco headlines

1. We've launched a new book: "Top 15 Solutions for a Climate-Resilient Kerala." It's a collection of simple yet impactful ideas aimed at various stakeholders in Kerala. Our goal is to simplify climate action and enhance climate literacy. Please download it and share your thoughts. We're also planning a similar initiative for Tamil Nadu soon. Book Link: https://tinyurl.com/hp3ztcnw

1. The fashion industry is expected to grow by 50% by 2030, despite its significant environmental impact. In response, Stockholm-based Asket, founded in 2015 by August Bard-Bringe?us and Jakob Dworsky, aims to curb overconsumption and add value back to the apparel industry. Their latest initiative includes issuing two receipts with each purchase: one standard transaction receipt and an 'impact receipt,' detailing the environmental cost of each order in terms of CO2 emissions, water usage, energy consumption, and the impact of packaging and shipping. Read More.
2. As we approach 2030 with only 73 months left, the urgency for collective efforts to lower emissions is paramount. In a commendable move, Unilever has opened access to 12 of its patents, enabling ice cream to remain stable at -12°C instead of the usual -18°C. Unilever's research indicates that this change can lead to a significant 25% reduction in both emissions and costs.
3. ?? Remember our sustainable lifestyle workshops during the COVID pandemic? We're happy to relaunch the workshop series. If you or your peers would benefit, please register here: https://forms.gle/TKMhHJnDBdGb2gDZ6

A few insights from our CEO

Check out this post by ??Sanju Soman about the Disability and Disaster Risk Reduction Handbook developed by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority

Final word

As we conclude this edition of our newsletter on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction, it's clear that the SUSTERA Foundation continues to be at the forefront of pioneering capacity-building initiatives in climate action. Our commitment to reaching more youth and providing opportunities is unwavering. As we move forward, we will ensure to include vital lessons on inclusive disaster preparedness in our programs. Plans are also underway to host first aid and disaster response training sessions in the future, further enhancing our community's resilience and preparedness.

Will see you again for the next edition!