Leaving No One Behind: UN Study Highlights Risks and Recommendations for Assistive Technology Users in Disaster and Climate Emergencies

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction has sounded the alarm on the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities, older persons, and others who rely on assistive technology during disaster and climate-induced emergencies. The risk of being left behind due to inaccessible warning systems, unsafe evacuation procedures, and lack of continuity in essential services is a harsh reality for these individuals. To address this pressing issue, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has partnered with the ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology to conduct a global study on inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action for AT users.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study engaged nearly 300 stakeholders across 90 countries, including persons with disabilities, older persons, and their representative organizations, to inform the development of a draft policy brief on inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action for AT users.
  • The draft policy brief outlines key challenges, good practices, and concrete policy recommendations to ensure AT users are not left behind in disaster and climate planning, including making emergency services and early warning systems accessible and ensuring the continuity of essential services.
  • The study highlighted the importance of engaging AT users in the development of disaster risk reduction and climate action plans at the national and local levels.
  • The policy brief emphasizes the need for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action, and provides recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations working on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
  • The study also highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Statistics:

  • 90 countries were involved in the global study on inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action for AT users.
  • Nearly 300 stakeholders were engaged in the study, including persons with disabilities, older persons, and their representative organizations.
  • 25 July 2025 is the deadline for comments on the policy brief.
  • The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology are leading the effort to develop a policy brief on inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action for AT users.

Sources:

  • United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction press release.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology.