Washington State Human Rights Commission

National Council on Disability Provides Advice on Katrina

On September 30, NCD chairperson Lex Frieden wrote to the President stating that NCD is encouraged by the Federal Government’s recent statements of long-term commitment to leading recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gulf Coast areas affected most by Hurricane Katrina, as well as those regions in Texas and Louisiana hit by Hurricane Rita. In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita’s devastation, we have an opportunity to improve life for citizens including those with disabilities. The nation is poised to undertake an unprecedented reconstruction effort in rebuilding homes, as well as schools, medical centers, businesses, and other public infrastructure. Estimated costs for this massive effort are conservatively placed upwards of $200 billion.

As this reconstruction effort unfolds over the months and years ahead, we can ensure universal livability in addition to making structural improvements for the hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities and people who are elderly in the Gulf Coast region. We recommend that a universal livability approach be followed in meeting the needs of people with disabilities affected by recovery, rebuilding, and resettlement efforts in all regions affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Universal livability involves the application of planning and design principles to create communities where universal access and design are an integral part of life. A livable community strives to maximize people’s independence, ensure safety and security, promote inclusiveness, and provide choice.

In following basic principles at the outset of the recovery, rebuilding, and resettlement efforts, we can create livability for all citizens. NCD recently wrote a report titled Livable Communities for Adults with Disabilities, which offers a compelling vision for our nation. NCD’s report findings make clear that the elements that make a community livable for people with disabilities make it a livable place for all members of the community. Thus, in improving its livability for one particular group of constituents, the community actually accomplishes considerably more.

A livable community is one that achieves the following:

• Provides affordable, appropriate, accessible housing;

• Ensures accessible, affordable, reliable, safe transportation;

• Adjusts the physical environment for inclusiveness and accessibility;

• Provides work, volunteer, and education opportunities;

• Ensures access to key health and support services for people with disabilities; and

• Encourages participation in civic, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities.

The focus of Livable Communities is in line with your Administration’s emphasis in the New Freedom Initiative on community integration, participation, and enhancement of the independence of people with disabilities at home, at work, and throughout the course of their daily lives.

NCD recommends that to maximize the potential for success, the following approaches be used to effect change on behalf of people with disabilities evacuated and displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita:

• Consolidate administration and pool funds of multiple programs to improve ease of access to, and information about, benefits and programs for consumers;

• Use tax credits and other incentives to stimulate change in individual and corporate behavior and encourage investment in livable community objectives;

• Provide a waiver or other authority to help communities blend resources from multiple public funding streams to provide and coordinate different services; and

• Require or encourage a private sector match to leverage public funding and stimulate public-private sector partnerships.

NCD suggests that by Executive Order the Federal Government should mandate universal livability and set standards for implementation. Obviously, to ensure that Gulf Coast reconstruction occurs competently, disability organizations should be joined with all governmental recovery, rebuilding, and resettlement (and nongovernment) operations and be relied on for ongoing advice, guidance, and leadership.

NCD joins in the deep concern for all of the citizens who are now displaced as a result of the hurricane-caused disasters, many of whom have disabilities or who are older and experience a high rate of disabling conditions. We are pleased to note the improved initial federal response to Hurricane Rita over the past few days.