Recovering from Natural Disaster in Developed Communities: A Disability Perspective

The following research paper sets out to dissect the relationship between natural disaster mitigation and disability as it exists in developed countries. The main themes that were generated relate to issues of preparedness, the borrowing of mitigation strategies and the accessibility of infrastructure outside of disaster scenarios. Through a critical review of available secondary resources relative to the chosen disasters, it was discovered that disaster mitigation in developed countries puts individuals with disabilities at a disadvantage, despite verbal willingness to accommodate. This paper will highlight a series of other issues related to accessible disaster mitigation, including a motivation that diminishes with the passage of time and a dire need to include individuals with disabilities in the decision-making process. Future research may consider examining recommendations made following disasters of this year, and whether or not they become the reality in years to come.