Disability-inclusive disaster risk management and climate resilience in the Caribbean

This desk study was undertaken to better understand disability inclusion gaps in DRM and CR in Antigua and Barbuda; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; and Suriname;  and to propose a series of recommendations to make disaster preparedness and recovery strategies more inclusive of PWD in Caribbean countries.

Based on the findings the Canadian Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF) will:

• Support national governments to address issues around the serious lack of disaggregated disability data that is available and/or accessible to the planning and implementation of preparedness and recovery activities. 
• Foster rigorous adherence to accessibility provisions in building codes and land use planning. 
• Raise awareness and build capacity for a more meaningful direct engagement of PWD and representatives in DRM “We are the ones wearing the boots—we know where they pinch”. 
• Promote a change in societal attitudes towards PWD that are based on acknowledging abilities and building capabilities rather than the predominant existing attitudes of pity and helplessness.