Courtney Williams is the new Executive Director for the Washington Statewide Independent Living Council. After a few months in this position, she is excited to share her vision about WASILC and its Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning in this interview.
CIEP: You bring a lot of connections to your job as WASILC’s Executive Director. What made you choose this job, and what do you bring?
Courtney Williams (CW): I applied for this role because I see a powerful opportunity to work for a mission that truly aligns with my core values. Elevating the lives of the cross-disability community is not just a job for me; it’s a privilege and a passion. As someone living with a disability, I deeply understand the challenges we face, and I recognize that many needs within our community remain unmet.
I believe there are transformative pathways to change, and it all begins with activating engagement across the entire disability community. While you may have valuable insights, it’s essential to remember that not everyone sees the full picture when considering individuals with disabilities. Disabilities can be physical, mental, developmental, intellectual, or even invisible, and each one has its unique challenges and strengths. Our council proudly represents the full cross-disability community.
I am motivated to leverage my experience and relationships to bridge gaps among various philosophies and encourage those who have previously been excluded to join the conversation. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered community, where every voice is heard and valued. Let's inspire meaningful change and make a lasting impact!
CIEP: Have you personally experienced a disaster, and what was it like?
CW: My daughter’s grandparents lived through and survived the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, in November 2018. The fire raged uncontrollably for 17 days, resulting in the tragic loss of 85 lives and displacing over 50,000 residents, including my daughter’s family.
In the aftermath, I was preparing to present at a conference on affordable housing. Given the widespread devastation, I felt compelled to reach out to the former mayor of Paradise to gain insights into what had transpired and what lessons we could learn from their experience. Paradise was a community known for its aging population and the affordability of its homes. With more than 90,000 homes destroyed, I found myself grappling with a critical question: How do those displaced individuals find affordable housing options now?
The stark reality is that many did not. This experience highlighted the urgent need for housing considerations to be integrated into emergency management planning. It became evident to me that this is a multisector conversation that has yet to take place fully.
If we continue to view individuals merely as financial statistics, we must ask ourselves: what happens to an ageing person who has lost their home and has no resources? Where do they go?
By addressing these questions, we can begin to create a more comprehensive approach to emergency management that prioritizes the housing needs of vulnerable populations.
CIEP: What Access and Functional Needs gaps do you see in emergency planning?
CW: Out of 39 counties in Washington State, 33 counties are predominantly rural. This raises the question of how to develop a local county-wide network of AFN experts. Many rural emergency management agencies work on a regional basis combining the limited resources of several counties, but there is often no organized collaboration with residents who have disabilities in their areas. One of my staff recently went to Jefferson County for their annual preparedness day festival which showed a strong sense of community that included people with disabilities.
One other drawback of rural counties is that many do not have an effective paratransit system with accessible routes and services. The hours are limited, and routes often end at the county border, both of which can affect employment opportunities.
CIEP: What are some of the best practices you have noticed?
CW: For more than ten years, the Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC) has taken the lead in highlighting best practices for people with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) through our Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) program. CIEP is a nationally recognized statewide advisory group that meets monthly and works with emergency management professionals throughout the state. WASILC appreciates the Washington Department of Health (DOH) for its generous support of our program. CIEP also provides a connection to community groups and their lived experiences in planning for disaster response. People with disabilities are four times likely to be left behind simply because they were not at the planning table.
CIEP: After several months with WASILC, what do you envision for CIEP’s future?
CW: I want to ensure that WASILC effectively connects the statewide cross-disability community to resources that can support life-saving measures when, not if, an emergency occurs. It’s crucial that we proactively address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, especially during times of crisis.
To achieve this, our CIEP program must collaborate closely with local Centers for Independent Living (CILs). By building strong partnerships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the specific deficits and challenges faced by various communities. This collaborative approach will allow us to identify gaps in resources and support, ensuring that we are not only aware of the needs but also actively working to address them.
Our efforts should focus on several key areas:
1. Assessment of Community Needs: We need to conduct thorough assessments within the local communities to gather data on their unique challenges and resource shortages. This will help us understand the specific barriers individuals with disabilities face during emergencies.
2. Education and Awareness: Once we identify these deficits, we must work to educate our state officials and the broader community about the importance of inclusive emergency preparedness. By raising awareness, we can advocate for necessary changes and improvements that will benefit individuals with disabilities.
3. Resource Development: Based on the insights gained from our collaboration with CILs, we can develop tailored resources and training programs that address the identified gaps. This may include creating accessible emergency plans, training for first responders, and educational materials that are easy to understand.
4. Ongoing Collaboration: Building a sustainable network among CILs and other stakeholders is essential. Regular meetings and communication will ensure that we remain responsive to evolving needs and can adapt our strategies as necessary.
By prioritizing these efforts, we can foster a more resilient and prepared cross-disability community. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to navigate emergencies safely and effectively. It is our responsibility to advocate for this change and empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in all circumstances.
