2 Dec 2005
Disabled Forgotten In Emergencies Say CCS
CCS, the disability support and advocacy group, believe that people with disabilities can be affected very differently
when a disaster occurs and emergency preparedness needs to be planned accordingly.
"With the large number of global and local disasters lately there has been a focus on natural, health and terror
emergencies. The planning for people with disabilities in an emergency evacuation or 3-day survival process can be very
different from others," said Viv Maidaborn, CEO of CCS. "This could include a deaf person being unable to hear emergency
sirens or a person in bed being unable to reach their wheelchair after an earthquake and includes other general mobility
needs," she said.
CCS is urging local councils to work more closely with the disability sector when planning emergency management in the
future but is also encouraging individuals and their families to become more empowered about the situation.
Mark Harrison, Manager of Emergency Management at Horizons Regional Council in Manawatu says it is currently working
with other emergency agencies on training and education surrounding disability issues.
"The issue of people with disabilities becoming trapped in their homes didn't manifest itself during the storms in
February last year. If there are ever isolated incidents it is usually due to emergency agencies being unaware of where
people with disabilities live. Therefore, where possible, we would always encourage working with neighbours and having a
family plan, " he said.
Disability Issues Minister Ruth Dyson supports the development of a register of disabled people for emergency evacuation
situations.
"I support the development of a register to help disabled people and people with limited mobility in an emergency such
as flooding or an earthquake. It would not only help disabled people to prepare before an emergency happens, but also
help in the delivery of essential service afterwards, such as the need for evacuation," she said.
CCS believes all New Zealanders need to take a look within their neighbourhood and see what is required during an
emergency. "We are trying to urge a community focus and that may mean a person with a disability being pro-active within
their neighbourhood and telling people what is required," said Viv Maidaborn.
CCS Background Information
CCS works in partnership with disabled people, their families and whanau to ensure equality of opportunity, quality of
life and an environment that enhances full community integration and participation.
CCS exists to make a difference for disabled people, their families and whanau by removing barriers to inclusion and by
offering support to disabled people to access all ordinary opportunities in their communities. Our community is made up
of disabled people and their families and whanau, who live in Aotearoa New Zealand. We include all people who face
barriers to inclusion on the basis of disability and who want to access the disability support services we provide.
Reflecting the commitment in the New Zealand Disability Strategy - Making A World of Difference Whakanui Oranga
[Minister for Disability Issues April 2001], a key expectation of CCS work is that the New Zealand community grows its
capacity to ensure that disabled people have the same rights, choices, opportunities and safeguards as other citizens.
CCS operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from 16
incorporated societies.
We deliver regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities making us one of the largest disability support
service providers in New Zealand.CCS works closely with other disability agencies to ensure we make best use of shared
knowledge and resources, helping us to adopt best practice across the sector.
ENDS