Disaster Planning and Accessible Housing with Dawn Skaggs

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!

In today’s episode, I welcome Dawn Skaggs.

Dawn Skaggs is the Emergency, Disaster and Climate Resilience Specialist for the World Institute on Disabilities.  Her particular expertise is in the application of asset-based whole community inclusion throughout the disaster cycle to build resilience throughout all community sectors including community living, health and human services, infrastructure, culture, and the economy.  Dawn is the lead curriculum developer, trainer, and program manager for multiple FEMA trainings focused on inclusive whole community preparedness; and she has led national studies on disability inclusive whole community planning and disability preparedness for the Center on Disability Studies.

Listen to find out more about:

[00:01 - 01:51] Opening Segment

I welcome Dawn Skaggs to the Show Bio Dawn shares what she does as the Emergency, Disaster and Climate Resilience Specialist for the World Institute on Disabilities

[01:52 - 13:34] Disaster Planning and Accessible Housing

Achieving resilience through housing Why the home is the starting point for resilience Beyond physicalities: Looking at Accessibility beyond Physical Accessibility Modifications How to Effectively Craft and Implement a Disaster Plan  A Whole Community Strategy: GADRA Dawn talks about utilizing all available resources for accessible housing

[13:35 - 26:14] Bridging the Communication Gap

Looking at a global scale where GADRA can be used The Best Collaborating Agencies for GADRA Communication gaps on disaster planning and accessible housing in society Dawn speaks up on the role of cities and their disaster plans Giving people the ability to make their decisions Dawn takes a look back at the successes in disaster planning and accessible housing

 [26:15 - 29:53] Closing Segment

• See links below to learn more about Dawn Skaggs
• Final word

Resources Mentioned:

• Global Alliance for Disaster Resource Acceleration
• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

Tweetable Quote/s:

“If you don’t have a home, everything else is secondary.” - Dawn Skaggs

“Don’t count on anyone else.” - Dawn Skaggs

“There is an endless plethora of variants of disabilities.” - Dawn Skaggs

You can connect with Dawn through [email protected] or visit their website www.wid.org and be part of the team in achieving equity around the world. 

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Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going. I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind, and get your feedback about the show. Contact me directly at [email protected] to share your thoughts or arrange a call.