This technical guide aims to bridge the gap between good intentions and practical implementation for disability-inclusive shelter and settlement support in emergencies. Although the primary audience is staff and volunteers from across the IFRC Movement, this guide looks to transform the way humanitarian organisations approach inclusion and accessibility in their shelter and settlement programmes.
Post-disaster shelter and settlement responses are designed to provide standardised solutions to an affected community without sufficiently addressing the potential barriers faced by persons with disabilities, older people and other groups.
Each section is divided into chapters focusing on (1) preparedness, (2) emergency response, and (3) early recovery. Programme managers and decision-makers are also a target group for Section A and Section C. Specialists will find Section B most relevant. The guide is split into three sections:
A: Inclusion in phases of disaster management
- Strengthen disability networks during the preparedness phase.
- Identify capacities of persons with disabilities as well as the barriers persons with disabilities face in case of an emergency.
- Involve persons with disabilities in planning and managinginclusive and targeted early warning systems.
- Ensure that emergency evacuation centres are accessible.
- Address disability issues from the outset of the emergency.
- Consider lack of visibility as a possible sign of exclusion.
- Consult persons with disabilities about shelter and settlement needs, and monitor the inclusiveness of the response.
- Involve disabled people’s organisations in the recovery.
B: Technical guidance for shelter and settlements
- Avoid man-made barriers in new, planned settlements.
- Remove barriers that affect safety and access for persons with disabilities in settlements and collective centres.
- Assist with transporting, erecting and maintaining tents.
- Provide accessible transitional or permanent shelter for persons with disabilities through consultation and participation.
- Carry out accessible adaptation of existing structures.
- Provide priority lines for persons with disabilities and volunteers to offer assistance at distribution sites.
- Include additional or adapted items in emergency household kits for persons with disabilities.
- Offer training and technical support for persons with disabilities to make use of shelter kits and shelter support items.
C: Promoting participation and equal opportunities
- Provide information in multiple accessible formats.
- Plan meetings to be inclusive of persons with disabilities.
- Make monitoring and feedback mechanisms inclusive of persons with disabilities, and follow up barriers that are identified.
- Consider shelter accessibility in rent support programmes.
- Assist persons with disabilities in host family situations.
- Design cash for work activities according to the capacities of persons with disabilities.
- Use cash grants to provide personalised accessible shelter.
- Make sure vouchers, tools and instructions are accessible for persons with different types of disabilities.