The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, in collaboration with the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, hosted the webinar “Disaster Preparedness for Parents with Disabilities,” presented by Shari Myers and Melissa Marshall. The session explored how disabled parents can prepare for emergencies while safeguarding their children, and highlighted the persistent gaps in traditional emergency planning that overlook the needs of families with disabilities.

A recording of the webinar is available with ASL interpretation, English captions, and screen-reader accessible slides. Alongside the presentation, The Partnership and the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities released a resource page, “Disaster Preparedness: A Resource by and for Disabled Parents,” which gathers common questions from parents and offers practical guidance for creating inclusive emergency plans. These materials are designed to ensure that disabled parents and the children who depend on them are not left behind when disaster hits.

Key Takeaways

• Preparedness must center lived experience. Disabled parents know best what their families need in a crisis and should lead planning conversations.
• Access is part of safety. Emergency plans, transportation, shelters, and communication systems must be fully accessible.
• Community networks save lives. Building relationships with neighbors, schools, and local emergency managers before a disaster helps ensure families aren’t isolated when emergencies occur.
• Policy change is critical. Long-term resilience depends on integrating disability perspectives into local and national emergency management policies.

These insights underscore the urgency of making disaster planning inclusive so that disabled parents and their children can stay safe and supported in any emergency. In the links below you’ll find the webinar, accessible slides, and the new resource page. For questions, contact Melissa Marshall at melissa@disasterstrategies.org and Shari Myers at shari@disasterstrategies.org.

Melissa Marshall and Shari Myers’s Reflections: 

“When I was a struggling parent of disabled children, there were no resources.  I am grateful that the Lurie Institute has been able to convene disabled parents and provide them with resources. It was a pleasure to connect and share information with other disabled parents.” - Melissa Marshall

“It was gratifying to see the large number of disabled parents the Lurie Institute engages. Their questions were well-considered, representative of real-world concerns around disasters and emergencies. I know some are already participating in their communities’ disaster and emergency planning, but we need more!” - Shari Myers

Links:

• Webinar recording on YouTube (Spanish CC coming soon)
• Webinar accessible PowerPoint slides
• Webinar materials on Parenting Center webinar
• Resource webpage
• Email sent out to all attendees with resources