As recent events in Christchurch have shown it is not sensible to ignore sections of the community, assuming that they are someone else’s responsibility. Engaging with disabled people is critical because failure to do so creates significant risk. In the case of a disaster like the Christchurch earthquakes lack of engagement and appropriate communication by emergency services and planners can result in unnecessary suffering and even death.
Many people have choices about the way they engage with their local communities, central and local government, emergency and other organisations. Other people do not. They face significant barriers, and these barriers are frequently not taken into account when governments and other organisations engage with communities.
The numbers of people who face barriers may surprise you.
- Older people are increasing in numbers. They are 13% of the population now and increasing in number with higher rate of disability as the population ages
- 20% of the population have one or more disabilities
- 40% of the working age population have poor literacy and 20% have English as a second language.
Together they are a sizable proportion of any community.
They are all citizens too with a rightful place in the community, the right to a voice, and the right to be heard, and the right to be included in rescue and recovery.
