Training gives people with special needs a stronger voice in disasters

For people living with disabilities in Eastern Highlands Province, being prepared for disasters also means making sure their needs are heard and considered when disaster plans are made.

Chairperson of the Nokondi Assemblies of Disabled Persons, Nelsie Lowari Kofiaba, says people with disabilities are among those most affected during disasters and need to be included in disaster preparedness and response.

Ms Kofiaba was among community representatives from 12 disaster-prone communities who took part in a three-day training conducted by Care International.

The training focused on working with partners during disasters, identifying community needs and finding ways to address challenges affecting vulnerable groups.

Ms Kofiaba said she was pleased to be part of the training and believes the skills gained will help her better represent people with disabilities in the province.

She said she will use the knowledge gained to seek assistance from relevant authorities and ensure the needs of people with disabilities are considered during disaster response.

“We are among the people who are worst affected when disasters happen, so it is important that we know what to do and who to approach for help,” Ms Kofiaba said.

Care International Humanitarian Project Manager Emily Meren said the organisation provides disaster risk management training, climate-smart agriculture and food security programmes, proposal writing and Village Savings and Loans Association training.

Ms Meren said Care International was pleased to work with different communities, including people with disabilities.

She said the Eastern Highlands Provincial Disaster Office identified 12 disaster-prone communities for the programme, with the aim of helping them develop Community Action Plans.

The plans identify what communities will do during a disaster, where they will go, who they should approach for assessment and assistance, and the resources required.

Most of the communities involved are nearing completion of their Community Action Plans and are now receiving training in proposal writing.

Ms Meren said disasters can happen at any time and affect communities in different ways, making proper disaster preparedness important.

The programme is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Disaster READY programme.