Supporting individuals with disabilities during disasters: A critical need for inclusive preparedness in prisons 

Prisons are unique environments where safety and security are paramount. However, during emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, or infrastructure failures, the vulnerabilities of certain populations are required to be taken into additional account. This is particularly true of justice-involved individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities face unique challenges, including physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments, which can make navigating a crisis extraordinarily difficult (Galliard & Navizet, 2012).

Specific challenges faced by individuals in prisons with disabilities during emergencies include inaccessible evacuation routes, communication, and disruption in the provision of health services. These challenges, compounded by the restrictions inherent in high-security environments, underscore the urgent need for correctional facilities to adopt inclusive disaster preparedness strategies.

Conditions in Prisons

Many countries struggle to adequately house large numbers of individuals in custody; by one estimate, over 111 countries are operating prisons over 100% capacity (UNODC, 2021). Prisons may also struggle to maintain adequate numbers of trained staff and access to healthcare. Unfortunately, these risk factors increase the vulnerability of the entire prison population to natural disasters (Dixon et al., 2024).

Justice involved individuals in prison are disproportionately likely to experience at least one disability. A study from the US found that 40% of the prison population reported having disabilities, in comparison to 15% of the general population (Prison Policy Initiative, 2024). An estimated 29% of Australian incarcerated persons are people with disabilities (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). Another study from the UK estimated that up to 23% of individuals in prison have an intellectual disability (Ali et al., 2016).

In the European context, establishing rates of disabilities is difficult, with most reports being dated, based on insufficient data, or not covering the full diverse scope of disabilities. Further, while 26 EU Member States have available national standard to meet the health needs of those with physical disabilities, 43% do not have these same standards available for those with learning disabilities (WHO, 2022).

This disproportionality is not unique, yet is of grave concern, primarily given that those with disabilities in prison settings experience further compounding vulnerabilities, particularly during natural disasters. Without conscientious efforts at inclusion in disaster response initiatives, they will not have their needs met during these crises, risking injury, trauma or even death. 

 

The Threat of Natural Disasters

Climate change is exacerbating the severity and frequency of natural disasters. Many prisons are located in regions and nations that are disproportionately vulnerable to such crises (Penal Reform International, 2021) – indeed, according to data from the INFORM Risk Index cross-referenced with national prison population data from the World Prison Brief, almost 30% (3,167,816 people) of the global prison population lives in the 12 countries most exposed to natural hazards (INFORM, 2022; World Prisons Brief, 2021).

Further, some prisons adopt emergency planning that focuses on utilising their incarcerated population as a labour resource. For example, individuals serving a sentence may be asked to serve as firefighters. In other cases, prisons may not have developed plans in case of natural disasters. Some actually have emergency plans, but they are centred on preventing escapes or riots after disaster situations and not on ensuring the safety of the population (Dixon et al., 2024). 

 

Unique Vulnerabilities of People with Disabilities in Prisons

Even when evacuation plans exist, they may not be physically accessible to those with disabilities. Prisons are not typically designed with accessibility in mind, often lacking features such as ramps or elevators that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. For individuals who are visually impaired or rely on hearing aids, inadequate signage or communication systems can further exacerbate the risks. In emergencies, where every second counts, these barriers can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.

Communication is another significant hurdle. During emergencies, chaos and stress inhibit information processing, but for  individuals with disabilities—particularly those with cognitive impairments or verbal communication impairments—these challenges are magnified. Correctional officers often lack the training to communicate effectively with individuals who require accommodating language or alternative communication methods. This gap in preparedness can lead to delays in action, putting lives at risk.

A lack of access to critical medical supplies and assistive devices during emergencies also poses a significant threat. Individuals with disabilities in prisons may rely on medications, oxygen tanks, or mobility devices that could be lost or inaccessible during a crisis. Without these essentials, their health and well-being can deteriorate rapidly, adding to the complexity of emergency response efforts.

 

Disability-Supportive Recommendations and Solutions for Prisons

 

Risk Assessment and Pre-Planning for Preparedness

As suggested by the Penal Reform International (2021), key to ensuring minimal adverse impacts in disasters is establishing in advance the “number of people with mobility needs[…], people with disabilities or health needs, where they are housed in the prison and a description of what these needs are”.  Contingency plans are imperative to disaster risk reduction in prisons, particularly for disabled individuals.

Staff Training

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that begins with training correctional staff. Programmes like the Secure Communities Forum’s Emergency Preparedness Masterclass, held in partnership with Rabdan Academy, offer valuable insights into how institutions can better support individuals with disabilities during crises. 

Staff training on this subject must include practical exercises (practice drills) that simulate emergency scenarios, enabling staff to practice using assistive evacuation devices such as stair chairs and sleds. These exercises also help train officers in clear communication techniques and should involve incarcerated individuals in decisions about their care whenever possible. 

Installing disability-friendly Infrastructure

In addition to training, prison infrastructure must be adapted to meet the needs of disabled individuals. This includes installing accessible evacuation routes and creating areas of refuge within the facility. Shelters must also be equipped with specialised supplies, such as backup batteries for medical devices, portable oxygen tanks, and sensory-friendly spaces to help manage stress and sensory overload.

Cross-sector collaboration

Collaboration with external experts is another crucial element. Initiatives like the International Working Group on Public Safety and People of Determination can provide guidance on best practices and offer resources that correctional facilities may not have in-house. These partnerships can enhance the overall effectiveness of disaster preparedness efforts, ensuring that all persons in custody, regardless of their abilities, are adequately protected.

Incorporating the voices of people with disabilities

The response phase of an emergency is where preparation truly pays off. Involving people with disabilities in their own safety, where possible, not only respects their autonomy but also ensures that their specific needs are addressed. Continuous communication throughout the evacuation process is critical to maintaining order and minimising panic.

Post emergency support

Finally, the recovery phase is an opportunity to evaluate and improve. After an emergency, correctional facilities must prioritise the physical and psychological recovery of all  individuals within prisons, particularly those with disabilities who may have been disproportionately affected. Post-event reviews should focus on identifying gaps in preparedness and response, allowing for continuous improvement in future planning.

 

Conclusion

As the frequency and severity of natural and human-made disasters increase, correctional facilities cannot afford to neglect the needs of people with disabilities in prisons. Inclusive disaster preparedness is not just a moral and ethical obligation but a critical component of public safety. By investing in staff training, infrastructure improvements, and collaborations with disability advocacy organisations, prisons can ensure they are better equipped to navigate crises and protect all members of their population.

For more insights into inclusive preparedness and public safety initiatives for persons with disabilities, visit the Secure Communities Forum at https://www.sc-forum.org/peopleofdetermination  

 

Secure Communities Forum (SCF), a collaborative platform supported by the UAE Ministry of Interior, has brought together leaders, policymakers, and advocates to create a global working group to address public safety concerns for ‘People of Determination’ – the unique and uplifting term for people with disabilities used in the UAE. The working group founding members include representatives from SCF, IPS_ Innovative Prison Systems, The Arc, Singapore University of Social Sciences, UAE’s Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, University of Exeter, the Portuguese Guarda Nacional Republicana, and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes.