Advancing disability inclusive disaster risk reduction | Michelle Villeneuve

Michelle Villeneuve, Associate Professor, University of Sydney, Centre for Disability Research and Policy

In Australia, the imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of people with disability during disasters necessitates their active inclusion in local emergency management practices, planning, and decision-making. However, existing emergency management arrangements lack the necessary mechanisms for implementing Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR), resulting in unaddressed risks.

This research addresses these gaps by introducing a DIDRR Framework for Collaborative Action. Over the last decade, our partnership research has prioritised shared learning, local collaborative actions, and co-produced tools to advance DIDRR. The primary goal was to develop a capability model outlining goals, focus, tools, and rules for stakeholders to collectively decrease risk and increase resilience for people with disabilities during disasters.

The research utilised an integrated method, merging scientific expertise with practical, hands-on, local knowledge derived from real-life experiences. Key tools guiding DIDRR implementation were central to building a roadmap, with projects in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria contributing to the development, testing, and refinement of Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness and Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning. Together, these tools activate DIDRR at individual, organisational, and community levels.

The "Leave Nobody Behind" project played a pivotal role, strengthening DIDRR development, expanding empirical study of the tools, and supporting national uptake.

This paper introduces the DIDRR Framework, providing an overview of its intended audience, rationale, developers, and methodology. It defines four DIDRR mechanisms and outlines key principles guiding implementation. The collaborative framework and tools aim to remove disability from the "too hard basket," applying human rights and capability approaches to cross-sector DIDRR policy and practice. Real-life examples from Australian communities illustrate DIDRR implementation. The conclusion addresses frequently asked questions and invites continued engagement with the toolkit.


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