People with disabilities and other access and functional needs are four times more likely to be severely injured or die from a disaster.
That’s why the Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) through WASILC works with state, tribal and local emergency management and public health partners to build accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and other marginalized populations into all aspects of emergency management.
About CIEP’s role
In the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan under ESF 6 Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Temporary Housing and Human Services (2025), CIEP is listed as a supporting partner with Emergency Management Division, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Department of Health regarding people with disabilities and other access and functional needs (DAFN).
Many of our partners are local subject matter experts with lived experience who can advise on inclusive “whole community” DAFN practices using the CMIST framework: Communications, Maintaining Health, Independence, Safety, Security, Self-Determination and Transportation.
CIEP works with local and statewide agencies in the community to provide technical training in all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state disability rights laws as applicable to emergency management services.
Examples of training and presentations we provide:
Want to get involved?
Participation in CIEP is open to all organizations and individuals interested in fostering the vision on disability inclusion in emergency preparedness and response and recovery, by actively engaging in the work of the Coalition. To receive news, meeting notices and announcements, sign up to be on the CIEP email list.
What you can do to prepare for a disaster
If you have a disability or any type of access and functional need (broken bones, homelessness, unable to use your own transportation), you may need to take additional steps to prepare for emergencies.
How well you prepare and how much you practice before a disaster will determine how successful you can recover from any event.
Prepare yourself based on the capabilities and limitations you believe you will have after a catastrophic disaster. Also keep in mind that your usual ways of support and assistance such as interpreters and personal assistants may not be available for some time during an evacuation and immediately after the disaster has occurred.
It’s important for everyone to have a personalized disaster plan.
Questions about the Coalition?
Contact Jim House, Disability Integration Manager for WASILC.
