Abstract
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are among the most at-risk groups during disaster situations due to various physical, sensory, cognitive, and systemic challenges that hinder their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Although international legal frameworks emphasise their inclusion, people with disabilities (PWDs) often struggle to access essential resources, emergency assistance, and social protections during such events. This study examines both the vulnerabilities and strengths of people with disabilities (PWDs) in disaster risk management, highlighting the critical need for inclusive policies, enhanced accessibility measures, and stronger community-based support systems. It reviews key international, European, and national legal instruments designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs) in disaster contexts while identifying gaps in their implementation. Furthermore, the research examines the active role people with disabilities (PWDs) can play in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, advocating for their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. By embedding inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies, societies can enhance resilience, ensure equitable access to emergency services, and foster long-term social inclusion for people with disabilities (PWDs). The findings emphasise the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, adaptive infrastructure, and targeted policy initiatives to bridge the gap between legal mandates and practical realities in disaster management.
Conclusions
Disaster management is a highly complex process that must consider all the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. Consequently, their inclusion in such processes is not merely a political and administrative issue but a fundamental matter of respecting and protecting all human rights. This study highlights the significant challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during disasters, including physical barriers, communication difficulties, limited access to emergency response services, and adverse socio-economic conditions. Simultaneously, it underscores the importance of recognising their abilities, resilience, and active participation in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
The successful implementation of inclusive disaster risk management necessitates a coordinated approach across multiple levels. In this context, relevant government authorities must adopt, amend, and enforce various legal and regulatory frameworks and allocate financial resources to ensure accessibility in planning for and responding to diverse natural and man-made hazards and disasters. Emergency response personnel, including police and fire rescue units, should undergo specialised training and implement multi-modal warning systems to guarantee timely and effective communication with individuals with disabilities.
Encouraging active participation at the local level through involvement in planning committees, disaster simulation exercises, and the distribution of accessible emergency guides is crucial for empowering individuals and enhancing safety. Finally, disaster risk reduction necessitates a shift in mindset—from perceiving persons with disabilities as passive recipients of aid to recognising them as key players in resilience-building. By implementing inclusive policies, improving infrastructure accessibility, and strengthening collaboration between governments, organisations, and communities, we can bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. These steps will not only protect the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities during disasters but will also foster greater resilience for society as a whole.
How to cite
Jevtić, M., Cvetković, V. M., Gačić, J., & Raonić, Z. (2025). Factors of Vulnerability and Resilience of Persons with Disabilities During Disasters: Challenges and Strategies for Inclusive Risk Reduction. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 91–114.
