The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, conducted a series of listening sessions with disability stakeholders following the 2017 hurricane season. The purpose of these listening sessions was to hear about concerns and experiences related to the impact of the disasters on individuals with disabilities. Participants also shared effective practices for serving individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. By better understanding these experiences, and in partnership with state and local entities, including non-profit organizations, DHS can work to improve preparedness, response, and recovery for persons with disabilities in future disasters.
The listening sessions took place in California, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Read recaps of the listening sessions here: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/civil-rights-listening-sessions-disability-stakeholders.