Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region “Nothing About Us Without Us1” ©2022 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) with external contributions. The findings, analysis and conclusions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of any individual partner organization of The World Bank, its Board of Directors, or the governments they represent. Although the World Bank and GFDRR make reasonable efforts to ensure all the information presented in this document is correct, its accuracy and integrity cannot be guaranteed. Use of any data or information from this document is at the user’s own risk and under no circumstances shall the World Bank, GFDRR or any of its partners be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered which is claimed to result from reliance on the data contained in this document. The boundaries, colors, denomination, and other information shown in any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Note on front cover 1. Principle adopted by the International Disability Alliance 2016. This has become the mantra for disability inclusion and used as the theme for many conferences on disability inclusion, as with the one in Guyana, 2018. Design: Miki Fernández/ULTRA Designs, Inc. Cover/back cover photo: Su Nitram | iii | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms vi Acknowledgments viii 1. Introduction 1 Aim and Scope of the Assessment 2 Audience for this Report 2 Methodology, Research, and Source Materials 2 Structure of the Report 2 2. Climate Change, Hazards, Disasters, and Disability Inclusion in the Caribbean Region 4 Climate Change and Hazards 5 Hazards versus Disasters 5 Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation, and Societal Resilience 5 Disability, Hazards, and Disasters 5 Social Inclusion 6 Disability Inclusion 6 3. Persons with Disabilities in the Caribbean Region 8 Recommendation 1 14 Recommendation 2 14 Recommendation 3 14 Recommendation 4 14 Recommendation 5 14 4. Legal and Normative Frameworks and Networks supporting Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Resilience (CR) 15 4.1 Key international conventions and global frameworks 16 4.2 Key Regional Agreements and Frameworks 17 4.3 Regional platforms, mechanisms and representative bodies with a mandate or some level of responsibility for supporting disability inclusion in DRM and CR 17 4.4 National Disability Policy and Support Networks 19 Recommendation 6 20 | iv | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region 4.5 Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and Representative Bodies 21 Recommendation 7 23 4.6 National Government DRM Policy and Frameworks 23 Recommendation 8 27 4.6.1 Changing attitudes and approaches 27 Recommendation 9 28 4.7 National Government Policy and Frameworks Supporting Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and Linkages to DRM 28 4.7.1 Accessible buildings and public infrastructure 28 Recommendation 10 30 Recommendation 11 30 4.7.2. Accessible Information and Communications Technologies 30 Recommendation 12 35 Recommendation 13 35 Recommendation 14 35 Recommendation 15 35 Recommendation 16 35 5. Conclusion 37 5.1 Main Findings in Summary 38 5.2 Conclusion and Recommendations 39 Appendix A Additional Resources 43 Appendix B Companion Report 45 | v | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility List of Figures Figure 3-1 Persons with disabilities in Dominica 2001 and 2011 11 Figure 3-2 Disability prevalence by type and degree among Males and Females in Antigua and Barbuda 12 Figure 4-1 National Emergency Management Committee Structure – Guyana 26 Figure 4-2 Percentage of internet users (%), by gender and disability status 33 List of Tables Table 3-1 Rates of functional disability in Males and Females in Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia 11 Table 3-2 Disability prevalence among males and females in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and Jamaica projected out to 2050 13 Table 4-1. National commitments to CRPD and OP 16 Table 4-2. National Disability Legislation Policy Disabilities in the selected sTable 4-3 National Government Ministries with responsibilities for Disability Inclusion 20 Table 4-4 Organizations of Persons with Disabilities – contact and outreach 21 Table 4-5 Disaster Management Acts and reference to people with disabilities and Disaster Risk Management Offices (the National Disaster Management infrastructure) 24 Table 4-6 Mobile Phone penetration in Caribbean countries. 31 Table 4-7 Internet and Social Media Penetration in the nine selected CRF-eligible Countries 2020 (including the change from 2019) 32 Table 4-8 Use of the Internet by type of disability for persons aged 5 and over (age standardized percentages) and not including the institutionalised population, in the Caribbean countries with the relevant census data 33 Table 5-1 Recommendations with implementation authorities, linkages, synergies and potential time frames for delivery noted 40 Box 4-1 CREWS Caribbean 2020 workshop – Special session findings 40 | vi | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Abbreviations and Acronyms ABAPD Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities BAPD Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities ASL American Sign Language CAP Common Alerting Protocol CARICOM Caribbean Tourism Partnership Community and Common Market CCA Climate Change Adaptation CCAP Climate Change Adaptation Policy CCCCC Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre CDB Caribbean Development Bank CDC Civil Defence Commission (Guyana) CDEMA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency CDM Comprehensive Disaster Management CIMH Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology CMO Caribbean Meteorological Organisation CREWS Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems CRF Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility CRPD United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities CRPD OP CRPD Optional Protocol CTU CTU Caribbean Telecommunications Union DAPD Dominica Association for Persons with Disabilities DoE Department of Environment (Antigua and Barbuda) DR Disaster Resilience DRM Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean EM Emergency Management EWS Early Warning System GFDRR Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction GNCD Grenada National Council of the Disabled GoAB Government of Antigua and Barbuda GoB Government of Belize GoCD Government of Dominica GoG Government of Grenada GoGy Government of Guyana GoJ Government of Jamaica GoS Government of Suriname GoSL Government of Saint Lucia GoSVG Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | vii | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility ICT Information and Communications Technology IFRC International Federation of Red Cross / Red Crescent ILO International Labour Organization ITU International Telecommunications Union JCPD Jamaica Council for People with Disabilities JSLC Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions MHIBEWS Multi-Hazard Impact- Based Early Warning Systems NaDMA National Disaster Management Agency (Grenada) NCCR National Coordination Centre for Relief (Suriname) NCPD Saint Lucia National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities NDC National Disaster Committee (Jamaica) NDMO National Disaster Management Organisation (Saint Lucia) NEC National Emergency Council (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines NEMO National Emergency Management Organisation (Belize and Saint Lucia) NEOC National operations Centre (Guyana) NEPO National Emergency Planning Organization (Dominica) NGO Nongovernmental Organization NMHS National Meteorological and Hydrological Services NODS National Office of Disaster Services (Antigua and Barbuda) NRDS National Resilience Development Strategy (Dominica) NSPD Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Society of Persons with Disabilities ODM Office for Disaster Management (Dominica) OPDEM Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (Jamaica) OECS Organization of East Caribbean States PAHO Pan American Health Organization SDG Sustainable Development Goals SOP Standard Operating/ Operational Procedure UN United Nations UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNISDR United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction WCAG Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WG Washington Group on Disability Statistics WMO World Meteorological Organization WHO World Health Organization | viii | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Acknowledgments T his report is the work of Dr. Linda Anderson-Berry. Its companion report by Dr. Yulia Krylova is entitled Web-Based Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Disaster Risk Management: Practices, Policies, and Compliance with International Web Accessibility Standards. Both reports are based on a desktop review of available literature, official documents, and video-based interviews. This report was prepared under the guidance of Dr. Naraya Carrasco, Suranga Sooriya Kumara Kahanda, and the support of Sara Gey Feria of the World Bank. I gratefully acknowledge their leadership, guidance, and support. I also acknowledge the support of team members Leslie Walling, Karen Sirker, and Dr. Yulia Krylova. I particularly acknowledge and thank Executive Secretary Ms. Beverly Pile from the National Commission on Disability, Guyana, for her insightful quote used in the title of this report. Dr. Linda Anderson-Berry Associate Professor (adjunct), Centre for Disaster Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia. | 1 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility | 1 | Photo: Ron Bailey Introduction 1 T he World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), with support from the Canadian government, have established the Canada–Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF) as a single-donor trust fund aimed at achieving more effective and coordinated gender-informed climate-resilient preparedness, recovery, and public financial management practices in nine targeted CRF-eligible countries. The CRF is supporting, disability inclusive disaster risk management (DRM) as an essential element in building this societal resilience. | 2 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Aim and Scope of the Assessment Audience for this Report The primary purpose of this assessment is to understand The audience for this report are the national governments gaps better in the inclusion of persons with disabilities of Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, in national disaster risk management (DRM) and climate Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the resilience (CR) processes and strategies in Antigua and Grenadines, and Suriname; the CRF; and government Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and nongovernment entities—including the range of Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and organizations representing persons with disabilities—and Suriname. regional organizations that have an interest or legislated responsibility to support the integration of disability in The report is based on the recognition that collectively DRM and CR in these countries. people with disabilities are systematically marginalized and excluded from full and equal participation in society and societal processes. Primarily, the reasons are barriers Methodology, Research, and Source to access that are both structural and nonstructural. Materials These barriers can be removed or mitigated through The report is based on desktop research and effective social policy, implementation of existing norms semistructured interviews. Source materials and resources and standards, and public will. that have been accessed and examined include a broad- sweep literature search; government and other national Persons with disabilities make up just one of many websites in all nine selected CRF-eligible countries; UN groups in society that are systematically marginalized and other international organization websites and official and disadvantaged. Gender, ethnic and religious diversity, publications; relevant regional organization websites; a poverty, age, homelessness, levels of education and literacy, range of social media of relevant organizations; national gender preference and diversity, and geographic isolation news media; published research papers and grey literature. are just some of the characteristics that can define social Semistructured interviews with in-country contacts exclusion. These factors contribute to vulnerability and representing DRM and CR agencies, organizations of susceptibility to harm in the event of geophysical, weather persons with disabilities; private business; WMO experts; and climate-related catastrophic events. Disadvantage and, regional and international DRM representatives, is multiplied when socially marginalizing characteristics have been conducted when possible. The simultaneous occur in combination. Inclusive DRM that builds societal occurrence of the research for this report and the regional resilience to major disasters and the impacts of climate response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, together change will be best achieved when all marginalizing with the hurricane season preparation and response, characteristics are understood and considered at all levels has limited the number of interviews with many key and in all phases of DRM processes. informants across the DRM and disability sectors. The assessment will provide recommendations that make preparedness and recovery efforts more disability inclusive. This work will guide the CRF in making decisions toward Structure of the Report supporting countries in their efforts to build the necessary This report explores the status of disability inclusion capacity for preparedness and response to catastrophic in emergency management, DRM and CR in the nine events. The targeted outcomes are twofold: (i) in the CRF eligible countries. It focuses on understanding the planning and preparedness phases when saving lives underlaying societal contexts and identifying gaps in and minimizing the immediate impacts are priorities and societal infrastructure that ultimately create barriers to (ii) in the recovery phase to build back better for future the inclusion of persons with disabilities in DRM and CR resilience. activities. | 3 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility • Section 1 introduces the objective of the desktop and communications and supports disability inclusion review, details the methodology and scope of the work, in preparation for response to and recovery from and identifies the audience. hazard impacts. This section introduces a discussion of changing attitudes and approaches toward persons with • Section 2 considers the relationships between climate disabilities. change, hazards, disasters, and social and disability inclusion in the Caribbean region. • Section 5 provides a summary of the main findings and concluding remarks. • Section 3 presents and discusses the demographics of people living with a range of disabilities in the nine CRF- The report presents sixteen recommendations targeted eligible countries and identifies trends. at addressing the identified gaps in existing disability and DRM policy and practice. A suggested timeline • Section 4 considers the legal and normative frameworks for the delivery of these recommendations follows the with relevance to DRM, CR, and supporting the inclusion Conclusion. of people with disabilities. It includes key international conventions, regional agreements and regional Appended is a separate but related report entitled Web- organizations that have a resilience agenda and national Based Information and Communication Technologies disability legislation. The role of national organizations (ICT) in Disaster Risk Management: Practices, Policies, of persons with disabilities is considered. National DRM and Compliance with International Web Accessibility policy and guidance for operational DRM practice Standards prepared by Dr. Yulia Krylova (Appendix B). It and service delivery related to persons with disabilities provides a deeper analysis and discussion of accessibility is explained. The section discusses national policy of web-based communications. directed at removing barriers to access to infrastructure | 4 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility | 4 | Photo: Jacek_Sopotnicki Climate Change, Hazards, 2 Disasters, and Disability Inclusion in the Caribbean Region Disability is not simply a physical, sensory, or intellectual impairment. It also results from the interaction between people with impairments and barriers to access. | 5 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Climate Change and Hazards that are experienced unequally across the impacted populations. Marginalized and disadvantaged groups, Climate change is a compelling reality. Societies worldwide such as persons with disabilities, women, girls, ethnic need to understand and respond to the impacts of and racial minorities, indigenous peoples, the poor, and changing patterns of weather and climate-related the homeless are disproportionately affected by shocks. hazards. The impacts of climate change in the Caribbean Empowering citizens and communities, particularly those region are likely to include more hurricanes of greater most excluded, and supporting community participation intensity over longer hurricane seasons,1 hotter and more can result in improved resilience to disasters, better frequent heat waves, an increase in storms that bring development outcomes, and more sustainable solutions.3 flooding rains, longer periods of drought, a rise in sea level, and accelerated coastal erosion.2 The region is also Disability, Hazards, and Disasters susceptible to earthquake, volcanic activity, tsunami, and a range of pestilence and health emergencies, including Persons with disabilities are part of every society and global pandemics. are considered to be among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. They are not a homogenous group. Disability has often been poorly defined and not well Hazards versus Disasters captured in public policy. Some definitions have been All countries experience natural hazards. However, considered in the context of health, based on cause, and disasters are a social construct. Whether natural hazards will include those afflictions present at birth and may or become disasters depend very much on the exposure may not account for those acquired through injury or and vulnerability of the people and the things they value aging. Others have focused on function and will always that are in harm’s way, and how they are impacted. How include physical limitations and usually include intellectual governments and national populations throughout the limitations. However, mental and psychological afflictions Caribbean region are able to plan and prepare for, and have rarely been well captured.4 Such lack of clarity has then respond to and recover from these weather and made understanding, measuring, and monitoring the climate-related, geophysical and other hazardous events demographics and dynamics of disability difficult and will determine the degree to which they become disasters. implicates the development and delivery of DRM and other social policy supporting people with disabilities. Disaster Risk Management, Climate The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)5 that came into force in 2008, Change Adaptation, and Societal framed disability as “those who have long-term physical, Resilience mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in Disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change interaction with various barriers may hinder their full adaptation (CCA) strategies that build future societal and effective participation in society on an equal basis resilience are intrinsically linked. Mitigating and reducing with others”. It emphasises that disability is not simply disaster risk, and minimizing loss is largely dependent on a physical, sensory, or intellectual impairment. Rather, it communities-at-risk of hazard impacts having effective also results from the interaction between people with early warning systems in place, and being well prepared impairments and barriers to access. to resist, respond, and recover. In vulnerable unprepared communities with low levels of individual and community Clear and overwhelming evidence shows the impacts of resilience and where hazard risks are not well understood, catastrophic events on persons with disabilities are more and are poorly mitigated, many hazard events will become severe6 and that the resilience capacity for this population catastrophic disasters that severely impact national is lower.7 This is exacerbated when disruptions to their economies and the lives and livelihoods of people. This ecosystems are established in a way that undermines or will lead to increasing levels of human loss and suffering limits the physical, social, economic, and environmental | 6 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region networks and support systems they rely on. The lack of Many countries, including all of those across the Caribbean accessible and disability-inclusive features effects how region, are committed to the principles of social inclusion persons with disabilities prepare, receive, and respond that support the enabling of all individuals to be able to warnings and information, shelter safely or evacuate, to “secure a job; access services; connect with family, and ultimately recover. This is often compounded by friends, work, personal interests and local community; the inextricable link between disability and poverty;8, deal with personal crisis; and have their voices heard”.15 9 “disability is a risk factor for poverty, and poverty is a All are developing and implementing supportive policy risk factor for disability”.10 This intersectionality of poverty frameworks. However, the prevailing reality is that no and disability, among other sources of marginalization, Caribbean society is inclusive, and that in the face of plays a significant role in increasing vulnerability and disaster, people with disabilities and other marginalized compromising a person’s ability make choices and take communities are disproportionately affected. enabled actions in their own best interests and build disaster resilience.11 Typically, persons with physical impairments are disproportionately represented in deaths Disability Inclusion and injuries following major disasters—being two to four Disability inclusion, as an element of social inclusion times more likely to suffer.12 When psychological disability strengthens a whole society. The inclusion of persons is included, this rate is estimated to double.13 In addition, with disabilities as full and active participants in society discrimination is common on the basis of disability when is centered around opportunity and choice. It is based resources are scarce following a major disaster. on the availability and accessibility of supportive societal networks, systems, and infrastructure that enable them— as individuals and as groups of individuals with similar Social Inclusion abilities and limitations—to have their capacities and Societies include peoples with a wide range of personal strengths recognized and built on so that they are in the attributes and characteristics. Age, gender, disability, race, best possible position to take actions in their own best ethnicity and belief systems are just a few. A society is interests. Ample evidence points out that empowering considered to be socially inclusive when all its members persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged and have equal access to opportunities to participate, to vulnerable groups can lead to stronger climate actions the best of their ability and within the constraints of and more resilient societies.16, 17 Mitigation actions and not causing harm to others, in every aspect of life and adaptation efforts that include people living with a range all societal processes. This includes contributing to of disabilities in their design and implementation are likely the governing structures, justice and freedom from to have broad societal benefits.18 discrimination, accessing an education and gainful employment, celebrating and practicing their chosen religions and importantly—for the context of this report— The inclusion of persons with disabilities contributing to their own safety in the face of hazards in society is centered around opportunity and danger. and choice. It will be based on the availability and accessibility of supportive societal networks, systems, and Social inclusion is the process of infrastructure to enable full and active improving the terms on which individuals participation. In the context of DRR and and groups take part in society— CR, a particular focus is on accessible improving the ability, opportunity, and infrastructure and communications. dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity.14 | 7 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Disability inclusion that guarantees the rights, dignity, and 7. Https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320800956_ Disability_and_Climate_Resilience_A_literature_review safety of persons with disabilities is the central pillar of 8. Hallegatte, S.; Vogt-Schilb, A.; Bangalore, M.; Rozenberg, J. the CRPD and a core principle of the 2030 Agenda for (2017). Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Sustainable Development and the 2015 Paris Agreement. Face of Natural Disasters. Climate Change and Development, In the World Bank, disability inclusion has gained traction World Bank. with the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), 9. Adams, R., Eisenman, D.; Glik, D. (2019). Community Advantage and Individual Self-Efficacy Promote Disaster Preparedness: A the Disability Inclusion and Accountability Framework Multilevel Model among Persons with Disabilities, 16(2779). and the World Bank Group Commitments on Disability- 10. GFDRR. 2017. Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management: Inclusive Development (2018) noting particularly Promising Practices and Opportunities for Enhanced Engagement. Page 16. Commitment 5: “People with Disabilities in Humanitarian Contexts – Our projects financing public facilities in post- 11. World Bank. 2021. Inclusive Resilience: Inclusion Matters for Resilience in South Asia. disaster reconstruction efforts will be disability inclusive 12. Fuji K. Towards disability-inclusive and responsive disasters and by 2020.”19 The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk emergency response and management through promoting Reduction 2015–2030 calls for the empowerment of accessibility. UN expert group meeting on Building inclusive society and development through promoting ICT accessibility persons with disabilities along with factoring gender- emerging issues and trends. Tokyo, Japan. 19-21. April 2012 sensitive approaches across all stages of DRM activities. 13. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental- It also encourages community engagement and citizen disorders participation throughout the DRM cycle. 14. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/social-inclusion 15. UNESCO. Consultations of the Director-General with Member Notes States. Social Inclusion, Social Transformations, Social Innovation: What role for UNESCO in 2014-2021? 1. Spencer, N., Strobl, E. Hurricanes, climate change, and social welfare: evidence from the Caribbean. Climatic Change 163, 16. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/wp-content/ 337–357 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-020-02810-6 uploads/sites/15/2019/07/disability-report-chapter2.pdf 2. https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/ 17. https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/374494/ Climate-Change-Impact-on-the-Caribbean-Ability-to-Sustain- resilience-sc-eng.pdf Tourism-Natural-Assests-and-Livelihoods.pdf -- Pages 2 and 3. 18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320800956_ 3. https://www.gfdrr.org/pt-br/icr?page=28 Disability_and_Climate_Resilience_A_literature_review 4. Albrecht G.L. et al. 2003; 98–122 19. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/socialsustainability/ brief/world-bank-group-commitments-on-disability-inclusion- 5. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention- development on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html 6. Kett M, Twigg J. (2007). Disability and disasters: towards an inclusive approach. World Disasters Report 2007: Focus on Discrimination | 8 | Photo: Florian Kopp Persons with Disabilities 3 in the Caribbean Region | 9 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that characteristics if they are reported in sets of categories and approximately 15 percent of the world’s population lives cross-tabulated, such data lack fine detail. Each census with some form of disability.1 The World Bank estimates gives a snapshot in time, and over successive censuses that three percent of those with disabilities experience demographic patterns and trends can be identified. severe difficulties.2 Disability increases in both prevalence Census disability data are useful for understanding the and intensity with age, and with a worldwide ageing population dynamics of persons with disabilities. This population, the number of people living with disabilities can support DRM in developing national policies and will increase over the coming decades. strategies, agencies responsible for developing early warning systems, and those developing medium- to long- In the Caribbean context approximately 1.3 million people term strategic initiatives to build resilience to weather and live with some form of disability with nearly 250,000 climate, geophysical and other hazards. being significantly functionally limited. By extrapolation, it can therefore be assumed that, in the nine selected CRF-eligible countries included in this report, close to The lack of quality disaggregated a million people are living with a disability with about disability data presents a major constraint 200,000 of these being severely limited in some way. in planning for disability-inclusive Officially reported prevalence of people with disabilities disaster response and recovery, and for as a proportion of the national population varies widely medium- to longer-term planning for across the Caribbean region and ranges from 2.5 to 7.3 community resilience. percent and averaging 3.5 percent overall. This variation may be explained by differences in how disability is The nine selected CRF-eligible countries conducted defined, understood, documented, and measured across their national census during the period 2001–2002 and the region and how the data are collected and recorded subsequently in 2010–2012. These countries are well for official purposes. People may also be hesitant in advanced in the process of planning their next censuses. reporting disability, particularly in rural areas. Prevalence However, these efforts have been interrupted because of rates are consistently reported as being moderately higher impacts of COVID-19. Until 2001, questions relating to among females.3 disability were infrequently and inconsistently included. Disability demographics were sometimes contained in Measuring, monitoring, and explaining both the prevalent education and employment data and at other times in status and the dynamics of the demographics of disability health data with a focus on cause of disability. within a society are essential for the development and delivery of national disability inclusion policy and practice The Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG)4 was and for addressing social inequalities in support of established in 2001 to address a recognized need for building societal resilience. Throughout the Caribbean internationally agreed common definitions, concepts, region, precise and existing disability demographic data standards, and methodologies for the collection of high at the national level—which are usefully disaggregated by quality disability data. Such robust data would identify and age, gender, ethnicity, geographic location, and economic measure functional impairment and would support the circumstance—are frequently not easily accessible or collection of consistent and nationally and internationally available at all. This is a problem for social planning across comparable disability data. The Washington Group all levels of society. developed the “Short Set of Questions” (WGSS) comprising six questions recommended for national Disability data, at a national level, are collected through population and housing censuses that focused on the decennial National Census of Population and Housing. identifying functional difficulties in seeing, hearing, This provides detail and information at the total population walking, or climbing steps, remembering or concentrating, level that is broad-brush and generalized. While data can self-care, and communicating in one’s normal language. be disaggregated and analyzed according to a range of Measurement is based on the degree of difficulty in | 10 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region performing the functions.5 An extended question set presents with more than one affliction will sometimes based on functioning was also developed for national mean the person is recorded several times or that only surveys. The Washington Group in partnership with the one disabling characteristic is accounted for—either World Bank have made online training in the WGSS of these will skew the results. Intellectual, mental, and available in the region through a series of presentations psychological disabilities are very poorly described and webinars.6 These standards have been adopted by all or accounted for and this is a significant omission as CRF-eligible countries considered in this report and are numbers are known to be relatively high and increasing.7 being applied in a somewhat consistent way in national Understanding how to respond to the questions is surveys and in the last two national censuses. directly related to how they are framed and presented to respondents. It is essential that all CRF-eligible countries Since 2001, these CRF-eligible countries have defined ensure data collection agencies personnel be trained in and included categories in various ways. Dominica has WGSS philosophy and methodologies. used categories based on sight, hearing, speech, mobility, body movements, gripping, learning and behavioural. The most commonly reported types of disability and Respondents were also given a response option of ‘other’ sensory impairments are in mobility—particularly difficulty although there was no guidance on the questionnaire as in walking, and vision. Where disaggregated data are to what this might include1. Saint Lucia does not appear available, clear trends point toward prevalence and degree to have included communication ability; and Saint Vincent of difficulty increasing with age. With the exception of and the Grenadines has added slowness at learning or gender, results of any analysis and cross-referencing of understanding, and included climbing stairs in walking data with other societal characteristics are not usually ability. Belize has included learning and behavioral available in published national population profiles. disorders as separate categories. These differences are a significant divergence from the WGSS and may detract Table 3-1 depicts rates of functional disability with from the uniformity of the methodology and impact prevalence expressed as a ratio per thousand in the the comparability of data. Nevertheless, categories are total population in Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint similar and some comparison—both in-country and Lucia. The table was constructed from official census interregionally—over time should be broadly possible. reports. Prevalence is higher in females across virtually all The caveat being that this is very much dependent on categories. Grenada has reported a much higher rate than how the populations understand the questions and their Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia. This will most likely be a willingness to respond. function of how the numbers have been reported rather than a real difference in prevalence. This is because the Concerns around stigma and prejudice may discourage actual numbers or proportion of people with disabilities some from responding at all, and a level of confusion across all functional disability categories is likely to be over how to actually answer the questions will influence consistent in the CRF-eligible countries. Any significant individual responses. The degree of difficulty—the metric divergence is probably owing to the way the data are for the level of disability—is generally categorized as: no collected and how people respond to the questionnaire difficulty; some difficulty; lots of difficulty; and, cannot or how the data is reported than a real difference in the do it at all. For some respondents, the boundaries of populations. It highlights the difficulties interpreting and these categories will be blurred while others may over- or comparing disability demographic data with inconsistent underestimate their abilities particularly in a progressive methodologies in both collection and reporting of data. condition such as visual impairment that increases with age. Confusion over how to record an individual who In all selected CRF-eligible countries, disability is significant and increasing in total numbers. As populations age, the In both the 2001 and 2011 censuses significant numbers 1 proportion of persons with disabilities in the populations responded to this option. It is possible that mental and psychological impairments and conditions such as autism is also increasing. Visual impairment and difficulty with have been included as ‘other’ also where multiple disabilities physical mobility have the greatest prevalence; numbers are experienced in a single individual. | 11 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Table 3-1. Rates of functional disability in males and females in Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia. Grenada Guyana Jamaica Saint Lucia (107,796) (752,029) (2,825,932) (11,195) Functional disability Prevalence per 1000 population Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Seeing 65 113 10 13 11 17 11 15 Hearing 18 28 4 4 4 5 4 4 Walking 41 73 10 10 10 14 14 20 Remembering or concentrating 23 42 5 5 5 6 4 4 Self-care 13 18 No data No data 6 7 8 9 available available Upper body 15 23 5 5 9 13 5 6 Communication 11 19 4 3 5 4 6 5 Source: Compiled from official most recent (2010–-2011) census reports of Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia. The current total population at the time of the census is noted in brackets. are higher among females, particularly in the older-age Disability related to mental, intellectual and psychological categories. Disability most often coincides with other factors is poorly acknowledged and is likely to be marginalizing characteristics. Mental and associated underreported in all nine countries. Relevant demographic disabilities are poorly accounted for. data presumably exists in other official and nonofficial data bases related to administration and service provision, Figure 3-1. indicates the population of persons with health studies, and research projects, to name a few. disabilities, by type of disability in Dominica. It shows that However, these are not readily available in accessible physical mobility and visual impairments have the greatest and interoperable databases and have not been sourced prevalence and that these are increasing at a relatively and analysed for this report. Based on WHO estimates greater rate than other disabilities. This trend is consistent of a likely prevalence as high as one-in-five suffering a across the Caribbean region. “mental, intellectual or psychological disorder that may Figure 3-1. Persons with disabilities in Dominica 2001 and 2011. 1,600 n 2001 n 2011 1,400 1,200 1,000 Population 800 600 400 200 0 Sight Hearing Speech Mobility Body Gripping Learning Behavioral Other movements Source: Government of Dominica official 2011 census report. | 12 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region or may not be disabling throughout their life-time”7 the census data alone do not capture this. More specific numbers are likely to be significant. and targeted disaggregated disability data are required to enhance the basic data set and enable the finer scale Disability prevalence is consistently reported to be higher analysis that will be useful for DRM planning, particularly among females across virtually all type, degree-of- at the local and community levels. DRM planners and difficulty and age categories. There are a few exceptions. policy makers are well aware that the level of information Prevalence among males is marginally higher than in relating to persons with disabilities available to them lacks females in speech-related disabilities in Dominica. In the level of detail necessary for disability-inclusive sectoral Antigua and Barbuda, males below age 35 years with and community level planning—particularly operational disabilities appear to very slightly outnumber females. planning—and frequently note the lack of adequate Prevalence and degree of impairment across all disabilities and suitable disaggregated data available for analysis. increases with age and females number more than males Unfortunately, detail of the precise categories and scale in the older age brackets. Disability most often coincides of data that would enable the development of the fit- with other marginalizing characteristics. for-purpose datasets, considered to be essential to these DRM planning needs, are rarely articulated. Figure 3-2 depicts the number of males and females by type of disability and severity of the disability in Antigua and Barbuda. The figure shows that the two main DRM planners and policy makers require disabilities in the country are walking and seeing. A total of 348 men and 607 women indicated in the 2011 census robust quality disaggregated data. that they experienced difficulties to walk or they could However, they rarely articulate their not walk at all. Three hundred men and 510 women were precise data needs. visually disabled. In the case of walking, this accounts for 1.15 percent of the total population, in the case of seeing Over the next few decades, the Caribbean region will it was 0.98 percent. see an increase in the ageing population and therefore an increase in the proportion of the population living Persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group. with disabilities. It is estimated that the 60 plus years-old Abilities, capacities, and limitations vary widely, and cohort in the population will double over the next two Figure 3-2. Disability prevalence by type and degree among males and females in Antigua and Barbuda. 700 n Cannot do at all n Lots of difficulty 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Seeing Hearing Walking Remembering Self care Upper body Communicate Source: Government of Antigua and Barbuda official 2011 census report. | 13 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility decades. Along with the worsening of physical, sensory, Jamaica that indicates that over the coming decades and mental conditions that lead to disability, will be an population growth rates will slow to the point where associated increase in chronic illness and disease, which in some countries total population numbers will can also be linked with the onset of disability.8 begin to decline between 2040 and 2050. This is due to decreasing fertility rates and increasing outward Table 3-2 provides a brief analysis of population trends migration. At the same time populations are ageing and in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and prevalence of disability will increase. Table 3-2. Disability prevalence among males and females in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and Jamaica projected out to 2050. Estimated Projected Projected 2020 2030 2050 Total population 98,000 105,000 110,800 Persons aged over 60 (% of population) 12.8 19.7 24.9 Antigua and Barbuda Prevalence of disability by sex: Male Persons with disabilities 2.3 2.8 3.3 (% of the population) Prevalence of disability by sex: Female persons with disabilities 3.2 4.2 5.1 (% of the population) Total population 400,000 467 600 571 000 Persons aged over 60 (% of population) 6.6 8.9 14.7 Belize Prevalence of disability by sex: Male Persons with disabilities 3.0 3.3 4.1 (% of the population) Prevalence of disability by sex: Female persons with disabilities 3.3 3.9 5.4 (% of the population) Total population 112,500 115,700 115.000 Persons aged over 60 (% of population) 11.3 14.3 25.1 Grenada Prevalence of disability by sex: Male Persons with disabilities 2.9 3.4 4.8 (% of the population) Prevalence of disability by sex: Female persons with disabilities 4.5 5.3 7.5 (% of the population) Total population 788,000 822,000 824,000 Persons aged over 60 (% of population) 10.5 14.9 13.8 Guyana Prevalence of disability by sex: Male Persons with disabilities 3.2 3.6 3.9 (% of the population) Prevalence of disability by sex: Female persons with disabilities 3.5 3.9 4.1 (% of the population) Total population 2,913,160 2,932,629 2,703,591 Persons aged over 60 (% of population) 14.4 18.7 28.0 Jamaica Prevalence of disability by sex: Male Persons with disabilities 3.0 3.5 4.5 (% of the population) Prevalence of disability by sex: Female persons with disabilities 4.0 4.8 6.5 (% of the population) Source: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on the basis of National population and housing census and United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2015) World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision.a Note: a. https://www.cepal.org/en/publications/5059-disability-caribbean-study-four-countries-socio-demographic-analysis-disabled | 14 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Throughout the COVID-19 response, all the CRF- national register of persons with disabilities. All the selected eligible countries have supported the vulnerable and CRF-eligible countries are working toward developing a disadvantaged within their populations. To deliver this national registry of persons with disabilities and are at support response, agencies needed quick access to various stages of agreeing the purpose, parameters, and disability data that indicated type and extent of disability, management of collected data. Throughout the research geographic location, and social circumstance at all levels for this report, it became apparent that whereas clear of social aggregation, right down to the individual gaps exist in the types of disability data that are collected household, together with detailed information on support and are available, much has been collected across multiple systems already in place. The fact that very little of this agencies in support of a breadth of projects, national information was centrally available or easily accessible in strategies, and initiatives. A range of methodologies have any of the nine CRF-eligible countries underscores the been applied to gathering and managing these data and strong and urgent need for each country to develop and therefore databases, that are potentially useful for DRM, maintain a national disabilities database and produce a are generally not interoperable or widely accessible. Recommendation 1 Recommendation 4 National DRM agencies should determine and document Development of data-sharing agreements among their precise disability-related information needs. This national institutions based on existing national and will enable the design of a schedule of fit-for-purpose international data management standards for accessing databases for integrating disability inclusion in DRM and sharing data in support of disability inclusion in activities. prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities and building climate resilience across the Recommendation 2 region. Develop an inventory of national repositories of data Recommendation 5 related to disability inclusion that includes categories that identify content detail, metadata, ownership, All agencies with a responsibility for the collection accessibility and management standards. and management of national data sets ensure that relevant personnel be trained in WGSS philosophy and Recommendation 3 methodologies. National governments support the collection of prioritized disability demographic data to complement existing datasets. Notes: 1. https://www.who.int/teams/noncommunicable-diseases/disability- 5. https://www.washingtongroup-disability.com/about/about-the-wg/ and-rehabilitation/world-report-on-disability 6. https://www.washingtongroup-disability.com/resources/online- 2. https://www.who.int/teams/noncommunicable-diseases/sensory- trainings-and-webinars/ functions-disability-and-rehabilitation/world-report-on-disability 7. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental- 3. https://www.cepal.org/en/publications/5059-disability-caribbean- disorders study-four-countries-socio-demographic-analysis-disabled 8. https://www.cepal.org/en/publications/5059-disability-caribbean- 4. https://www.washingtongroup-disability.com/question-sets/wg- study-four-countries-socio-demographic-analysis-disabled short-set-on-functioning-wg-ss/ | 15 | Photo: © Seventyfourimages | Dreamstime.com Legal and Normative 4 Frameworks and Networks supporting Disability Inclusion in DRM and CR | 16 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region 4.1 Key international conventions The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development3 and and global frameworks the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 20154 pledge to ensure “no one will be left behind” and to The rights of persons with disabilities to dignity, liberty, “endeavour to reach the furthest behind first”, which security of person on an equal basis with others, and to is the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.5 Disability is be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading mentioned throughout the text describing the SDGs, treatment or punishment, have long been enshrined in and direct links are made to DRR and climate change a range of general and specialized international treaties, adaption (CCA) in several of the goals and commitments. conventions, and agreements. The Paris Agreement (2015) builds on the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) The most recent and binding of these, with relevance and acknowledges that all countries, in their efforts to disaster risk management and climate resilience, are: to mitigate the risks of climate change, should respect The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with their obligations on human rights, including “the rights Disabilities (CRPD) and the Optional Protocol, in which of indigenous peoples, local communities, migrants, Article 11 states that “States Parties shall take, in children, persons with disabilities and people in vulnerable accordance with their obligations under international law, situations ... .”6 including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure In addition to setting a standard based on agreement the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in around human rights and societal values, these situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, instruments also contain processes for reporting progress humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural against key performance indicators. As UN member disasters.” Article 28 focuses on “adequate standard of nations, all nine selected CRF-eligible countries have living and social protection”, which would provide some ratified The Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030; support to those at risk of the impact of climate change,1 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and and the Optional Protocol that contains a provision to the Sustainable Development Goals (2015); The Paris monitor and enforce the CRPD commitments. Agreement and the CRPD—although not all have ratified the CRPD Optional Protocol (table 4-1) In doing so, their The Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–20302 recognizes governments have committed to establishing national persons with disabilities and their representatives as processes and developing national policy to deliver on essential stakeholders in disaster risk reduction (DRR) their key goals and commitments and support disability and acknowledges the importance of disability inclusive inclusion across the whole of society. disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and the availability of accessible technology and communications. Table 4-1. National commitments to CRPD and OP. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Optional Protocol Antigua and Barbuda Signed March 2007 / Ratified January 2016 Signed 2007 – not ratified Belize Signed May 2011 / Ratified June 2011 Not signed Dominica Signed March 2007 / Ratified October 2012 Accession October 2012 Grenada Signed July 2010 / Ratified August 2014 Not signed Guyana Signed April 2007 / Ratified September 2014 Not signed Jamaica* Signed March 2007 / Ratified March 2007 Signed March 2007 – not ratified Saint Lucia Signed September 2011 / Ratified June 2020 June 2020 accession Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Accession October 2010 October 2010 Accession Suriname Signed March 2007 / Ratified March 2017 Not signed Note: *Jamaica was the first country in the world to sign the CRPD. | 17 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility In support of these binding agreements the UN has 4.3 Regional platforms, mechanisms established the 2019 Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS)7 and representative bodies with that provides an accountability framework that enables a mandate or some level of the UN system to support the implementation of the CRPD responsibility for supporting and other international human rights instruments, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, disability inclusion in DRM and CR the Agenda for Humanity and the Sendai Framework Disabled People’s International (DPI)11 is a cross-disability for Disaster Risk Reduction. Additionally, a number of nongovernmental organization with membership drawn UN agencies and NGOs have developed standards and from national organizations of persons with disabilities guidelines and toolkits on disability inclusion that have worldwide. With the exception of Suriname all CRF-eligible relevance in the DRM and CR context. countries are represented in the North America and the Caribbean National Assembly of the DPI. The organization is led by persons with disabilities and is mandated to 4.2 Key Regional Agreements and represent and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of all in their community in international forums, particularly Frameworks those of the United Nations. The DPI is strongly focused on Commitments that promote the rights and dignity of supporting the implementation of the CRPD but has no persons with disabilities and support their inclusion and direct separate priority to support DRR specifically. participation in society generally and DRM specifically are reflected in several significant Caribbean regional Several regional organizations and mechanisms with a agreements. All nine selected CRF-eligible countries are focus on DRR and CCA collaborate on cooperative and party to the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination supportive arrangements to establishing early warning of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with systems, DRM and building community resilience within Disabilities – 1999 (IACPD).8 The Kingston Accord (2004)9 an all-hazard context. All have a level of commitment and most recently and importantly, the Declaration of to supporting disability inclusion. These include: the Pétion Ville (2015),10 which was signed by all 15 States of Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to reiterate their (CDEMA);12 the Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy (CDM 2014–2024);13 the Caribbean Disability commitments to implement the CRPD. Commitments Conference 2019;14 the Caribbean Meteorological within this declaration support incorporating Organisation (CMO);15 the Caribbean Institute for comprehensive disaster management (CDM) at all levels Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH);16 the Caribbean of public planning in their respective countries as a means Telecommunications Union (CTU);17 the Caribbean of reducing vulnerability to natural phenomena. This Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC);18 and the agreement is wide reaching in the context of development Climate Risk Early Warnings System (CREWS).19 and mainstreaming social policy. With respect to DRR and CCA, governments recognize that the population of the CDEMA provides a forum of support for developing DRM region is vulnerable to the impacts of natural phenomena, policy and practice that is consistent and cooperative which tend to increase with the effects of climate change across the Caribbean region. It provides tangible support and result in disasters across the region, and agree that an in operational guidance and training, and in times of effective way to tackle this vulnerability is by supporting disaster mobilizes support for impacted populations. It and enabling regional and international cooperation. has been responsible for developing and supporting the While these agreements do not have the force of law, implementation of the CDM 2014–2024, which provides they demonstrate national commitment to principles a strategic and consistent approach to DRM that focuses supporting mainstreaming disability inclusion and provide on mainstreaming CDM in key sectors across society reference points for the development of national disability and building disaster resilience. Gender, climate change, policy, including those of DRM and CR. information and communication technologies (ICT) and | 18 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region environmental sustainability are cross-cutting themes in forecasting and early warning systems (MHIBEWS) across the implementation of the CDM strategy. Persons with the region. Impact-based warnings and information are disabilities, and marginalized or otherwise disadvantaged explicitly designed to be people-centric, fully inclusive, and communities are acknowledged collectively as vulnerable accessible to all who are at risk. CDEMA and CMO support groups in priority area 4 that addresses community national weather and warnings services to implement the vulnerability through “emphasizing the need to focus common alerting protocol (CAP) as a warnings format on actions that will address vulnerable groups and how standard, which effectively increases the number of they are impacted by hazards with a regional goal to build platforms available for warnings’ dissemination that are or strengthen community-based disaster management accessible to persons with disabilities. capacity for vulnerable groups.”20 However, direct reference highlights the need to harmonize CDEMA provides a forum of support to with global agendas in which the inclusion of people with develop DRM policy and operational disabilities is direct and explicit. The Sendai Framework, practice that is consistent and the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations cooperative and that recognizes the need Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC), to harmonize with global agendas where and the Paris Agreement all have strong components the inclusion of people with disabilities is for social inclusion and goals specifically targeted at direct and explicit. the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of preparing for and responding to the impacts of changing CDEMA, CMO, and national DRM personnel all acknowl- world climates. CDEMA, CMO, and National Hydrological edge that the needs, capacities, and capabilities of per- and Meteorological Services (NMHSs) are partnering sons with disabilities are neither well understood nor ad- to develop and implement multihazard impact-based dressed (box 4-1). Box 4-1: CREWS Caribbean 2020 workshop – Special session findings. CMO and CDEMA facilitated a CREWS Caribbean workshop in May 2020 entitled “Impact-Based forecasting and Scenario Planning: Making the linkages that can strengthen decision making”1 The workshop was attended by regional and national disaster managers and weather service providers and a range of other government and nongovernment stakeholders. A special breakout session was convened, “Reaching Vulnerable People—connecting with them and their support systems” as this was a critical gap in consideration and planning. Recommendations from the session were reported as: (i) Improve forecast messaging. Consider nonnative languages, disabled persons, gender, age, immigrants, and Indigenous groups. (ii) Innovate outreach – more effective mass media and going beyond mass media. (iii) Forge relationships with vulnerable communities as part of preparedness, ahead of an event, to get better compliance for disasters. (iv) Establish partnerships with relevant sectors, such as social services, gender bureaus to get active feedback and better serve those communities, and make forecasts more relevant. Note: 1. https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/caribbean-workshop-impact-based-forecasting-and-risk-scenario-planning-and-semi-structured-interviews | 19 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility 4.4 National Disability Policy and have an obligation to change attitudes and approaches Support Networks toward people with disabilities. With the exception of Dominica, all of these CRF-eligible countries have, or are State parties to the CRPD have acknowledged and in the process of developing, some national legislation agreed to support and promote the fundamental rights or social policy—or have constitutional protections — of persons with disabilities in all societal contexts. Implicit that promote the rights of people with disabilities to live in this is facilitating their full and meaningful inclusion in society with dignity and adequate support (see table in DRM processes and decisions, and actions that will 4-2). No constitutional provisions or national disability impact their safety and security in emergencies, and their legislation make direct mention of the rights of people ability to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of with disabilities and the obligations of any of these climate change. Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, national governments in the event of disasters or other Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, impacts related to climate change. However, all these Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname have all countries have legislation, policy, and administrative agreed to “adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and operational frameworks on disaster management and other measures for the implementation of the that contain provisions for the inclusion of people with rights recognized in the (present) Convention”21 and all disabilities—discussed in more detail in section 4.6. Table 4-2. National disability legislation and policy in the selected CRF-eligible countries. Country Legislation The Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act, 2017; National Council of and for Persons with Antigua and Barbuda Disabilities is established. Still in development—An Equal Opportunities Bill is drafted—it failed to pass into legislation in 2019 but will be reintroduced in 2021 and is expected to be passed. This will bring additional protections to Belize 21 marginalized and disadvantaged groups—including people living with a disability.1 Some specific constitutional protections against discrimination based on disability. Dominica No laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability Still in development—a draft policy for Persons with Disabilities was initiated in 2014. The discussion Grenada was revisited in 2019. Guyana Act No. 11 of 2010 Persons with Disability Act 2010. Guyana Some constitutional protections against discrimination based on disability The National Disabilities Act was drafted in 2014, passed in 2017 and will come into effect through Jamaica the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities (2000) in the 2020–2021 financial year. No laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability. CRPD ratified in 2020 and the development of Saint Lucia disability legislation is expected to follow. Saint Vincent and The law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, mental, and intellectual the Grenadines disabilities. The Policy for People with Disability 2005–2010 was developed and implemented in anticipation of Suriname the ratification of the CRPD. Note: 1. Semi-structured interview Minerva Pinelo No constitutional provisions or national disability legislation in any of the nine CRF-eligible countries included in this report make direct mention of the rights of people with disabilities and of the obligations of any of these national governments in the event of disasters or other impacts related to climate change. | 20 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region National legislation and policy that contain a commitment National governments in all selected CRF-eligible countries to disability inclusion and protection of various rights are strongly committed to the principles of disability of persons with disabilities are usually enunciated in inclusion in their societies. Despite this clear willingness policy that relate to health, education, employment, to support disability inclusion, the enacting of national social security or housing for example and are delivered disability legislation has been relatively slow. Such legislation separately through various government ministries and will give force-of-law to these commitments, mainstream agencies. Ministerial responsibility for policy relating to disability inclusion, and allocate direct responsibility for people with disabilities is therefore spread across many establishing administrative frameworks, such as statutory portfolios, and is often a minor line function (see table bodies or bureaus, for delivering relevant policy initiatives 4-3). Much of this policy has indirect relevance to DRM and across government and societal networks. This presents all are aimed at building capacity in people across society, a gap in their ability to deliver disability inclusive DRM including those with disabilities. This will ultimately be and CR. supportive of building resilience in people with disabilities and the support structures, such as schools and public education systems, public health systems, social welfare, Recommendation 6 work places, and public facilities that they depend on. Belize, Dominica, Grenada Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent The only policy that appears to be directly and explicitly and the Grenadines need to enact disability legislation linked to the inclusion of people with disabilities in either that will give force-of-law to their UNCRPD obligations. DRM or CR is the national disaster management policy. Table 4-3. National government ministries with responsibilities for disability inclusion* Country Ministry Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Belize Ministry of Human Development – Social transformation and poverty alleviation Ministry of Education Dominica Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, Youth at Risk, Gender Affairs, Seniors Security and Dominicans with Disability Ministry of Finance and Investment Grenada Ministry of Social Development, Housing and Community Empowerment Ministry of Health, Social Security and International Business Guyana Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness Ministry of Labour and Social Security Saint Lucia Ministry of Health Division of Human Services Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development Saint Vincent and Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with the Grenadines Disabilities and Youth Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation and Information Suriname The Ministry of Social Affairs and Public Housing Ministry of Education Science and Culture Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications (OWT & C) and Tourism The Ministry of Labour * Both ministries and portfolio responsibilities frequently change. | 21 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility 4.5 Organizations of Persons with over their lives. Some government infrastructure considers Disabilities and Representative and manages government responsibilities for disability inclusion holistically across all sectors of society—as with Bodies gender inclusion. However, with the possible exception All nine CRF-eligible countries have a range of of Suriname, each CRF-eligible country has one or two organizations that support people with various disabilities national umbrella organizations that represent a range and from diverse backgrounds. They work toward of support organizations and a range of disabilities, and disability-inclusion and diverse societies where persons that have a direct working relationship with their national with disabilities have dignity, voice, choice, and control governments (table 4-4). Table 4-4. Organizations of persons with disabilities – contact and outreach. Organizations of Persons Country with Disabilities Contact and outreach The National Council Of and For Persons with Disabilities. The National Council Of and Little information is available on any official government websites—needs For Persons with Disabilities further research. https://www.antiguanice.com/v2/client.php?id=389 Antigua and Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda P.O. Box W123, Woods Centre, St. John’s, Antigua, W.I. Association of Persons with Phone: +1 (268) 720-7263/4 Disabilities (ABAPD Email: Abapd1995@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=413903655394148&story_ fbid=2188853527899143 https://disabilitybelize.org/ The Belize Assembly for Email: bapda.belize@gmail.com Belize Persons with Diverse Abilities Phone: +501 631-0724 (BAPD) https://www.facebook.com/people/Bapda-Belize/100008598577667/ Website: https://dapd.weebly.com P.O.Box 2359 Canal Lane, Goodwill; Roseau The Dominica Association Commonwealth of Dominica Dominica for Persons with Disabilities Phone: 1-767-440-0842 (DAPD) E-mail: dapdoffice32@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Dominica-Association-of-Persons-with-Disabilities- Inc-100345484658596/ https://sites.google.com/site/gncdspiceisle P.O. Box 512, Scott Street, The Grenada National St. George’s, Grenada Grenada Council of the Disabled Phone: (473) 440-0112 (GNCD) E-mail: gncd@spiceisle.com https://mobile.facebook.com/Grenada-National-Council-of-the- Disabled-128753263872597/ https://www.ncdguyana.org/ The Guyana National 49 Croal Street, Georgetown, Guyana Disabilities Commission Phone: +592 226 4566 https://www.facebook.com/NCDGuyana/ Guyana https://gcopd.org.gy/?fbclid=IwAR1r2o8S4OEss6_43uS192P4BnOXS2I2pLKnp_ The Guyana Council of BGkI-bJ9NX6YpUCtRJXpk Organisations for Persons 44 High Street; Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown with Disabilities Guyana. Tel: 1-592-231-7976 https://www.facebook.com/gcopd/ | 22 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Table 4-4. Organizations of persons with disabilities – contact and outreach (cont.). Organizations of Persons Country with Disabilities Contact and outreach https://jcpdja.com/ 18 Ripon Rd, Jamaica Council for People Kingston, Jamaica with Disabilities (JCPD Phone: +1 876-968-8373 https://www.facebook.com/JCPDLive/ https://dogoodjamaica.org/organization-search/item/combined_disabilities_ Jamaica association/ P.O. Box 220, Liguanea, The Jamaica Combined Kingston 6 and 18 Ripon Road, Disabilities Association Kingston 5 Phone: (876) 929-1177/968-9784 Email: advocacy@cwjamaica.com https://www.facebook.com/CombinedDisabilitiesAssociation/ https://ncpdinc.weebly.com/our-mission.html Northern Office; Apricot Lane, Carellie. St. Lucia phone; 758-453-1539 The Saint Lucia National ncpdinc@yahoo.com Saint Lucia Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) Southern Office; New Dock Lane, Vieux Fort. St. Lucia phone; 758-454-3721 ncpdinc_s@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/ncpdinc/ P.O. Box 2075, 2 Webb St., New Montrose, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, W.I. The Saint Vincent and the Saint Vincent Telephone: 784-456-8888 Grenadines National Society and the nsopwd@vincysurf.com of Persons with Disabilities Grenadines (NSPD) https://www.facebook.com/National-Society-of-Persons-with- Disabilities-490757517997021/ The Alliance for Decent Contact via the Ministry of Labour, Suriname Suriname Work for People with Disabilities (The Alliance). These organizations are trusted by the communities they represent and support, and the community at large All umbrella national organizations of and are in a good position to influence policy. All have persons with disabilities have a direct a long history of service and high levels of membership working relationship with a range within the community of people with disabilities, and all of national government authorities, have good communication strategies with websites or including DRM, and provide a focal point Facebook pages or with both these channels. They give for support for people with disabilities in great visibility to persons with disabilities and provide times of disaster. outreach services to those that may slip through official safety-net programs, and are generally more supportive All are supported by their respective national governments of people living with mental and psychological disabilities either within the formalized government infrastructure or than official government services. in partnership. | 23 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility In Jamaica, the Jamaica Council for People with Recommendation 7 Disabilities (JCPD) has long been established as the All national governments should provide adequate government agency to promote the protection of the support for their national organizations of persons with rights of persons with disabilities in collaboration with disabilities. Where lacking, they should ensure that all relevant government agencies within the legislative the working partnerships with these organizations are framework, including DRM. Guyana’s National Disabilities formalized and supported through the various ministry Commission (NDC) is governed by the Persons with portfolios. Disability Act 2010 and is appointed by and accountable to the President of Guyana. It comprises 12 members or Commissioners some of whom are people with 4.6 National Government DRM Policy disabilities. Commissioners represent on the National and Frameworks Emergency Management Committee and are active in several of Guyana’s emergency management activities. In In contrast to national disability legislation where much Saint Lucia the National Council of and for Persons with policy is relatively weak and official responsibility for Disabilities (NCPD) is a statutory body created by an Act administering it is distributed, all nine CRF-eligible of Parliament. One of its official functions is to support countries considered in this report, have Acts of emergency management and represent on disaster Parliament and policy, either enacted or in draft form and management committees. However, these committees soon to be enacted, supporting disaster risk management are rarely active and engagement is minimal. The and climate resilience with high level ministerial Alliance in Suriname is a partnership with government responsibility—often at the level of the Office of the that is primarily focused on employment for persons Prime Minister or President. The policy prescribes an with disabilities and human rights without mention of organized national disaster management infrastructure any particular role in DRM. All other national umbrella and systems and processes that are based on the CDEMA- organizations representing persons with disabilities are supported comprehensive disaster management (CDM) essentially nongovernment but with a direct relationship framework and delivered through the various national of some sort with their governments. They typically rely disaster or emergency management offices (table 4-5). heavily on national donors and fundraisers for financial CDM is developed around the principles of the integrated support, so they are generally understaffed and poorly management of all hazards through all phases of the funded. disaster management cycle—prevention and mitigation; preparedness and response; recovery; and restoration or National, and other, disability support organizations rehabilitation. This approach supports resilience building have been a vital part of national responses to the and the process is consultative and inclusive, with a range COVID-19 pandemic. As emergency management and of stakeholders and partners represented at various levels health departments have been overwhelmed, inclusion of planning and requires the active involvement of both of people with disabilities in response strategies has public and private sectors. been lacking. Governments have increasingly relied on the organizations of persons with disabilities to give visibility and direct support to persons with disabilities. All countries included in this report have All primary national disability organizations are at various Acts of Parliament and policy, either stages of developing national disability registers and enacted or in draft form, supporting mapping and recording disability demographics—usually disaster risk management and climate for the purposes of supporting access to special services resilience with high level ministerial focused on education, health, housing, transport, and responsibility. employment. However, these registers are an excellent resource for DRM and are critical for disaster management planning. | 24 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Table 4-5. Disaster Management Acts*and reference to people with disabilities** and disaster risk management offices or agencies responsible for DRM policy. DRM Acts / legislation giving authority to the establishment Country of national disaster management offices National DRM Offices The Disaster Management Act 2002 1 National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Antigua and No direct reference to persons with disabilities specifically (Office of the Prime Minister) Barbuda or vulnerable and disadvantaged persons generally. Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, Chapter 145 National Emergency Management Office Revised Edition 20032 (NEMO) Belize No direct reference to persons with disabilities specifically (Ministry of Transport and NEMO) or vulnerable and disadvantaged persons generally. Emergency Powers Act 1987 (a provision under the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Constitution)3 (Ministry of National Security and Home Disaster Management Policy 2001 Affairs) Dominica Establishes Disaster Management Plan —indirect mention of vulnerable persons—included as a vulnerable system. Direct mention of persons with disabilities in operational preparation and response responsibilities. Emergency Powers Act 19874 National Disaster Management Agency Grenada No direct reference to persons with disabilities specifically (NaDMA) or vulnerable and disadvantaged persons generally. Office of the Prime Minister Disaster Risk Management Bill 2019 (still in draft) National Emergency Operations Centre Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) (Office of the Prime Minister) The Disaster Risk Management Act 20155 Office of Disaster Preparedness and No direct reference to persons with disabilities specifically Emergency Management (ODPEM) under the obligations of the Act but the (Ministry of local government and community Jamaica Constitution of the National Disaster Risk Management development) Council stipulates the inclusion of the Chairman of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities. Disaster Management Act 20066 National Emergency Management Office Saint Lucia No direct reference to persons with disabilities specifically (NEMO) or vulnerable and disadvantaged persons generally. (Office of the Prime Minister) National Emergency and Disaster Management Act 20067 National Emergency Management Office Saint Vincent and No direct reference to persons with disabilities specifically (NEMO) the Grenadines or vulnerable and disadvantaged persons generally. (Ministry of National Security Air and Seaport Development) Disaster Management Legislation still in draft form and National Coordination Centre for Disaster Suriname the Law providing NCCR a legal base has not been Management (NCCR) approved as yet. Notes: 1. https://observatoriop10.cepal.org/en/instruments/disaster-management-act-no-13-2002 2. fao.org/docs/pdf/blz49548.pdf 3. fao.org/docs/pdf/dmi87085.pdf 4. http://www.oas.org/dsd/environmentlaw/caribbeanlegislationproject/disaster%26stateemergency/grenada/emergency%20powers%20act.pdf 5. fao.org/docs/pdf/jam145358.pdf 6. https://archive.stlucia.gov.lc/docs/disastermanagementact.pdf 7. https://fao.org/docs/pdf/stv137162.pdf *It should be noted that powers under the various Acts are broad and general when referring to the population or the public specific mention of sectors of the population is more likely to be contained in the operational procedures of the disaster management authorities **The term ‘vulnerable’ is most often used in DRM policy documents to refer to geographical areas and facilities considered to be at risk and not sectors of the population. | 25 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility CDEMA developed the “Model Comprehensive Disaster “Model Comprehensive Disaster Management Legislation Management Legislation and Regulations 2013 and and Regulations 2013 and Adaptation Guide” provides Adaptation Guide”22 in 2013 as guidance to support guidance for implementing accessible communications participating Caribbean states to modify their legislation technologies and systems and CAP-based alerting systems and regulations and establish a DRM infrastructure to prepare and disseminate warnings and information. that includes high level national disaster management These systems are disability inclusive by design and policy and all operational arrangements. It prescribes provide people with a range of disabilities with options comprehensive and connected roles, powers, and for accessing important information. responsibilities for functional agencies, institutions, and stakeholders in DRM. The guide provides a blueprint for National disaster management operational plans, processes and procedures around establishing national established under each country’s specific legislation and disaster managements agencies, technical and advisory based on the CDM model, contain greater and more councils, district disaster management committees, explicit detail of processes of inclusion and engagement and operational practices that are consistent across the of persons with disabilities in consultation processes at Caribbean region. various levels of policy development and operational planning. CDM guidance is explicitly sensitive to gender inclusion. However, support for the principles of social inclusion DRM authorities are committed to disability inclusion in in DRM and CR is indirect, particularly at high level policy development and operational practices. Apart from planning, but implicit, For example, among the functions the formalized procedures that support opportunities and powers of the national disaster management for engaging with people with disabilities through the agency promoted by the model CDM guidance is, “... to established DRM structures, all have established informal encourage the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction relationships with the disability sector, particularly at the and climate change in development processes such local and community levels. as policy formulation, socio-economic development planning, budgeting, and governance, particularly in DRM is a tiered management system. All countries have the areas of environment, agriculture, water, energy, a single high level national emergency management health, education, poverty reduction, land-use planning, council or committee that oversees the implementation and public infrastructure and housing, among others.”23 of DRM legislation. Usually chaired by the First Minister, its Direct reference to planning is limited for the needs of membership includes Ministers representing all relevant sectors of the population that may be disadvantaged and portfolios and a range of other senior national partners in mention of vulnerability usually refers to areas at risk of DRM, for example, national ICT and energy providers, the hazard impact rather than to sectors of the population. Red Cross, churches, and national welfare organizations (figure 4-1). The interests of persons with disabilities are A notable exception is in the section relating to represented through the membership of managers or evacuation, where some detail exists around provisions commissioners of the respective national organizations addressing the needs of persons with special needs of persons with disabilities. A number of subcommittees described as being the elderly and persons with various focus on delivering specific aspects of DRM at an types of permanent or temporary disabilities. This operational level and, where relevant, representatives of includes: (i) knowing the special needs demographics of persons with disabilities are included in the membership, persons residing in the community or district; (ii) direct for example in committees considering response consultation to establish communication, transport and and recovery. Similarly, in local disaster management shelter need; (iii)using existing support structures and committees where community level representation is systems; and (iv) identifying and supplying any aids or present, membership is invited directly through locally- specialized equipment required to ensure safe transit and based persons with disabilities or the community-based shelter.24 The CDEMA EWS toolkit25 that is linked to the organizations that represent them. | 26 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Figure 4-1. National Emergency Management Committee Structure – Guyana* CABINET NATIONAL EMERGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT NATIONAL COORDINATOR REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES Search and Welfare Security Emergency Emergency Emergency Transport and rescue Oil spills and volunteer services telecom supplies shelters equipment evacuation services Hydraulic Public info and Health Hazardous and Damage Rehab and Public utilities and hydromet education services toxic materials assessment reconstruction disaster planning REGIONAL REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 3 REGION 4 REGION 5 REGION 6 REGION 7 REGION 8 REGION 9 REGION 10 COMMITTEES Source: Civil Defence Commission organizational structure. (https://cdc.gy/?page_id=14360) Notes: *All Caribbean countries are implementing the CRM model and follow the CDEMA guidance. Committee structure and membership is adapted to suit national circumstances but will follow the same basic structure and function where organizations of persons with disabilities are officially recognised with permanent membership. This will usually be at the national emergency advisory committee level and the welfare-related committees. Membership of the local and community level committees should reflect that of the regional committees. CDEMA guidance indicates that all policy-setting, advisory and operational committees need to consider disability inclusion and notes that broader direct representation of persons with disabilities is essential. Notwithstanding, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the above-mentioned structures, this representation is Persons with disabilities have described often not apparent in high level forums. While persons engagement with DRM as being ‘well- with disabilities are often invited to participate, barriers to intentioned’ but that the focus is on accessing meeting venues and inclusive communications planning ‘for’ rather than ‘with’ persons technologies limits their ability to meaningfully contribute with disabilities with the emphasis being in discussions. on their limitations rather than on the capacities and abilities that can be built Evidence based on semistructured interviews26 indicates on and supported. that DRM personnel frequently describe engagement with persons with disabilities as having been achieved based on Addressing this will require attitudinal their deliberate efforts to include them in various forums. changes and focused attention on the Conversely, persons with disabilities reported difficulties provision of safe, fully accessible, and in being able to participate meaningfully because of the welcoming consultation. lack of accessibility to venues, presentations, discussion, | 27 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility and notes. They also report a prevailing attitude of stigma and discrimination. They often describe feeling that they The problem does not lie in a lack of are effectively bystanders in processes that plan for them willingness of DRM to usefully engage rather than with them. This disconnect in understanding with the disability sector but in a lack meaningful participation between DRM personnel and of understanding of how to truly and persons with disabilities remains an issue and creates a meaningfully connect with persons with significant barrier for persons with disabilities. Ultimately, disabilities and their representatives in a this results in persons with disabilities not being heard or way that enables their full participation able to contribute around the impact of climate change and contribution. and disaster on their daily lives. Facilitating meaningful participation of persons with disabilities requires accessibility to reasonable Recommendation 8 accommodations and information that is shaped Ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities at all around the needs of all participants. It must be based levels of consultation and planning. This should be on understanding and removing physical and attitudinal facilitated with the provision of accessible venues and barriers that constrain the active contribution persons appropriate communications systems and support with disabilities. Such measures include accessible technologies. buildings, meeting rooms, and refreshment and toilet facilities with supports such as ramps, handrails, wide doorways, lifts and Braille signage, to mention a few. 4.6.1 Changing attitudes and approaches Accessible communications for invitations, presentations, A central tenet of the CRPD is to bring about a paradigm and documentation with appropriate lighting, voice-to- shift in attitudes toward persons with disabilities. text and text-to-voice technologies, screen magnifiers, The operational principles are eliminating stigma and large font or Braille documents, and sign language addressing disability discrimination. However, stigma interpreters should be provided as required. Engagement remains attached to disability. This is often rooted in must be early in the process. Finally, and importantly, fear and superstition, sometimes shame. Based on the environment for engagement must be welcoming all the analyzed information including semistructured and supportive, with a prevailing attitude of mutual interviews, it seems clear that two dominant attitudes respect and based on looking for opportunities to prevail toward persons with disabilities throughout the engage with and build on capabilities and capacities nine selected CRF-eligible countries, which ultimately of people with disabilities, rather than a focus on pity result in discrimination. The first is one of stigma. The and helplessness that requires top–down intervention. second is one of pity. This often arises from an attitude For the building of long-term resilience to disasters and of caring and kindness, that is based on a belief in the the impacts of climate change, the goal in DRM forums personal limitations and helplessness in persons with must be empowering and enable good decision-making disabilities. It focuses on a perceived need for their care for persons with disabilities through an approach and and support, rather than as individuals with a range perspective of “what can we provide to enable you?” of abilities and capacities that can be enabled, and an rather than “we will do or provide ……...for you”. Such appreciation that this will generally be to the benefit measures require a societal attitudinal change. Disability of the whole society, particularly when building future support organizations are powerful advocates for persons resilience. This attitude or perspective among much of with a wide range of disabilities and are well placed to the nondisabled across societies is pervasive, particularly work in partnership with DRM to facilitate this shift in in those with responsibilities for developing national social attitude. policies, including DRM. It shapes the way consultation forums are approached. It will not encourage the true participation of persons with disabilities or their | 28 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region representatives in policy and decision-making forums, or their active contribution in DRM and CR activities and The removal of barriers to access to processes. Persons with disabilities feel this acutely and information and infrastructure is critical understand the limiting effect it has on their abilities to for persons with disabilities in the live full lives and grow abilities for resilience. “Nothing context of preparing for response to about us without us”27 has almost become a mantra for and recovery from climate, weather, disability inclusion, although it has also been applied to and geophysical hazard events, and in other areas of marginalization. It conveys the sentiments building their resilience in the face of of both disability oppression and empowerment and was disasters used as the theme for a 2018 regional workshop for persons with disabilities, which hoped to demonstrate The CRPD, which all countries have committed to pathways to full inclusion and the societal benefits of this support and implement, details this explicitly in Article 9, as being stronger more resilient communities. which states, “To enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure Recommendation 9 to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with Raise awareness and increase capacity of DRM and others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to CR practitioners to foster a change in attitudes and information and communications, including information approaches toward persons with disabilities through and communications technologies and systems, and the delivery of awareness raising and training material to other facilities and services open or provided to the that is jointly developed with national organizations public, both in urban and in rural areas. These measures, of persons with disabilities and readily available for which shall include the identification and elimination DRM and CR practitioners. Training activities and raising of obstacles and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, awareness events could also be delivered by persons inter alia: (a) Buildings, roads, transportation and other with disabilities. indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces; (b) Information, communications and other services, including electronic 4.7 National Government Policy services and emergency services.”28 and Frameworks Supporting Accessibility for Persons with Mechanisms for removal of these barriers are contained Disabilities and Linkages to DRM in national communications and public infrastructure policies, and national building standards and codes. A primary normative mechanism for enabling disability inclusion across society is any national policy targeted at 4.7.1. Accessible buildings and public infrastructure the removal of barriers to access. This is often prioritized All nine selected CRF-eligible countries have established in areas of development, land use planning, public national building codes and planning regulations that infrastructure, transport, education, employment, and may be applied to both public and private buildings and health. With respect to DRM specifically, policy and social developments. However, these do not necessarily include mechanisms that enforce standards and operational specific provisions for accessible accommodations for practices that remove barriers to access to information persons with disabilities. Construction standards that will and public infrastructure—such as buildings and transport support disaster-resilient infrastructure vary across the and information and communications technologies—are region. So too does the rigor with which the standards, particularly important. codes, and regulations are applied and adhered to. Belize and Suriname have adopted the Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBiC),29 that does not include | 29 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility requirements that ensure accessibility for persons with public buildings has generally improved. The National disabilities. In Belize, few new buildings have ramps Housing Trust32 in Jamaica has a policy whereby five and limited retrofitting of existing public buildings. percent of the housing provided by the National Housing No provisions are necessary for public transport or Trust is set aside for persons with disabilities. Additionally, transportation routes that may be essential in the event the Jamaica Disabilities Act, when it comes into force, of evacuation or escape to be accessible to persons with will require that all public and commercial buildings are disabilities and, with the exception of planned areas in accessible and are built in accordance with the national the capital Belmopan, streets are not usually suitable for building code. This will support persons with disabilities in wheelchairs.30 building future resilience. In Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, building accessibility National building codes and planning provisions are generally based on international standards regulations are inconsistent across the that are prescribed in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean region. They do not necessarily Caribbean States (OECS) building code31 and include include specific provisions for accessible features such as ramps, hand and guard rails, clear access accommodations and transit for persons and egress, doorway width and openings specifications, with disabilities and are not universally the placement of internal fittings, accessible toilets and well applied or enforced. washrooms, lighting, tactile floor, and pavement markers. The OECS codes also include specifications for walkways With a focus on building back better for future resilience, and footpaths that will ensure safe and accessible transit all national governments—often in partnership with routes for persons with disabilities. This is particularly international donor agencies—support a number of important for planning for response to catastrophic separate initiatives and special projects that are sector events that may include evacuation and recovery based, disability inclusive, and that directly support processes. The national building codes in Antigua and building resilience in public and private infrastructure. Barbuda and Dominica also include specific requirements Such national support holistically enhances community for building for resilience in both new buildings and safety and societal resilience to disasters. Recent examples renovations. Dominica developed a national building of such initiatives include the Smart Hospitals Program code for structural integrity and safe refuge in 2017 promoted by PAHO–WHO and funded through UK aid based on the OECS standard following massive damage that has improved and modernized hospitals in Dominica, related to Hurricane Maria when ninety percent of the Guyana, Belize, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and national housing stock was damaged or destroyed. These the Grenadines to make them more accessible for people codes generally apply to new public buildings only. An with disabilities with adaptations for installing ramps, lifts additional set of structural integrity guidelines was also and guardrails, or accessible toilets and clear signage, developed with provision for accessibility for persons with and thereby making them more resilient in disasters and disabilities as a mechanism to address the need for disaster environmentally sustainable. In several countries, with the and climate resilient housing constructions. Although no support of donor agencies, new schools and those that national laws mandate access to public transportation, are rebuilt following hurricane damage are designed for services, or buildings, building owners in Grenada are resilience and to accommodate for the needs of students gradually incorporating accessibility features during with special needs in line with policy objectives of leaving new construction and renovations to improve disaster no child behind and building back better. These projects resilience. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the law are generally compliant with accessibility provisions as does not mandate access to existing buildings for persons prescribed in the international standards for building with disabilities, and access for such persons generally is codes. So too are buildings and infrastructure that support difficult. However, in the circumstances where the OECS the tourist industry, which must ensure disability-inclusive building codes have been enforced, accessibility to new accommodation and transit for visitors, particularly | 30 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region in the main port destinations. However, many school Recommendation 10 buildings across the region are being strengthened for National governments should ensure the development use as evacuation centres and it is clear that accessibility of legislation and enforcement of national planning provisions are not always prioritized. For example, some policies and building codes are applied to all new and school buildings in Belize that have been nominated as retrofitted public and commercial buildings and public possible evacuation centres are in flood zones and have facilities. These must include the international standards no toilet facilities on the ground floor and the access to and provisions that ensure accessibility and support easy higher floors is by stairs only.33 access and egress for persons with disabilities across a range of disabilities. Planning regulations and building codes that are designed to guarantee accessibility to safe places and spaces for persons with disabilities can be very effective public policy Recommendation 11 instruments that support DRM planning for response and The Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBiC) does not recovery and building disaster and climate resilience—not include requirements that ensure accessibility for persons only for persons with a range of physical, sensory and with disabilities. Belize and Suriname should amend intellectual capacities, but across society generally. This national building and planning policies with additional applies to both the built environment and the communities or supplementary provisions specifically including that rely on public infrastructure and buildings for safety, requirements that ensure accessibility for persons with shelter, refuge, ease of transit, and lifestyle protection. disabilities. These are only effective when they are applied to all new and existing buildings and to public transit infrastructure. 4.7.2. Accessible Information and Communications Technologies Whereas all countries considered in Building the necessary human capacities for planning and this report have instruments in place preparing for the response phases of disasters, and in the to support public infrastructure and aftermath, will to a large degree depend on people of all buildings that are accessible to persons levels of ability being able to access information that will with disabilities, it is clear that these are allow them to make sound decisions and take effective not being fully embraced, implemented, and enabled actions for themselves, their families, and or enforced. Compliance is likely to their communities that will maximize their safety and be greater in cities and larger towns minimize risks. This may include: (i) hazard and risk- than it is in the rural and more remote specific information for awareness-raising and preparation settlements. purposes; (ii) warnings that require responsive actions; and (iii) information to support the subsequent recovery Understanding of the root causes for this are beyond the and rebuilding efforts. scope of a desk review study and will require deeper in- country research. However, possible reasons that may Communities throughout the nine selected CRF-eligible be considered could include: (i) competing priorities for countries have long experience of dealing with the impact funds available for construction and development; (ii) of climate, weather, and geophysical events. A high level a shortage of availability or skill in architects, engineers of awareness is prevalent that climate change is impacting and builders, particularly in areas outside the major cities the region and that hazard risks are changing. More and tourist destinations; (iii) low levels of awareness of evidence of the impacts of climate change is becoming the relevance of the accessibility provisions in the building available and socialized.31 It is also increasingly and codes and standards; (iv) limited availability of inspectors widely accepted that, as drought, flood, severe storms to monitor and enforce regulations; and (v) small or and hurricane seasons become more erratic and coastal nonexistent penalties for noncompliance. erosion more evident, hazard risks are amplifying. | 31 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility For the maximum possible reach, it is essential that all intellectual disabilities However, it must be noted that ac- hazard-related information be produced in a diversity cess is highly dependent on: (i) reliable internet connectiv- of styles and formats and be available across a range of ity; (ii) being able to afford internet-enabled devices and, media and communication platforms, including social (iii) that web-based content is produced and published in media, keeping consistency in messaging and meaning. compliance with the internationally agreed web content accessibility guidelines35 (WCAG)—with the existing min- General populations are relatively proficient at accessing imum compliance recommended at web compliance and official hazard information and warnings messages that accessibility guidance (WCAG) version 2.1. are disseminated via national, regional, and international media networks across many communication platforms Mobile phone ownership and usage across the region is and, increasingly, via social media. It seems that little in- high and increasing (table 4-6). Penetration exceeds 100 tentional provision has been made to support accessibility percent of the population in all CRF-eligible countries across these platforms for persons with disabilities, who except Guyana. Care must be taken in interpreting these will have a range of capabilities and capacities and face a numbers as many users, particularly companies, will have range of challenges in both accessing and using informa- multiple connections and there will be a proportion of the tion. However, communications technologies, particularly disadvantaged within the population that have no mobile the new and emerging internet-based communications phone. technologies with their built-in accessibility features, are increasing availability. These include web readers and Accessibility to web-based information and social media is software that, magnify content, translate text-to-voice improving with the increased availability of smart phones and voice-to-text, interpret graphics, and provide trans- and tablets with built-in accessibility functions such as lation for a range of languages. Avatars that can be pro- text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and screen magnifiers.36 grammed to translate a variety of media content such as Smartphone ownership is growing rapidly worldwide, video, audio, or text into a signed language are increas- but this growth rate is not equal. The global average was ingly available. Advances in computer graphics capabili- estimated at 39 percent in 2018, and with an average ties mean that personal computers, internet-enabled tab- yearly increase in worldwide smartphone penetration of lets, and smartphones are able to produce the animations three percent, this is projected to reach 56.28 percent with great clarity.34 These technologies have utility across by 2024.37 Upward growth shows huge disparities in a wide spectrum of disabilities, including blindness and smartphone ownership and access to smartphone impaired vision, photosensitivity, deafness and difficulty technology between developed countries and the low- to hearing, limited mobility, speech impairments, learning medium-income ones. In 2020 Penetration rate in India disabilities and increasingly, developmental, cognitive and was just 27.70 percent while in South Korea it topped Table 4-6. Mobile phone penetration in the CRF-eligible countries. Mobile phone connections as % of active social media a % of the population users accessing via mobile Country Jan 2020 Change since 2019 devices Antigua and Barbuda 195% +1.5% 98% Belize 102% + 2.8% 99% Dominica 117% +1.3% 98% Grenada 114% +1% 98% Guyana 82% +2.1 99% Jamaica 111% +3.3% 99% Saint Lucia 107%. + 0.8% 98% Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 128% + 1.1% 98% Suriname 174% +1.4% 99% Source: https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2021 | 32 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region 95 percent.38 Much is still to be done to understand how Internet infrastructure throughout the Caribbean region available access to the internet and these devices, and level is generally improving. All governments appreciate that of usage, actually caters for persons with disabilities in the internet connectivity is crucial for development. Howev- Caribbean region. However, as low- to medium-income er, supportive policy and implementation frameworks are countries (LMICs), it can be assumed that smartphone not always in place.42 Internet coverage is widespread penetration in all nine selected CRF-eligible countries will but it is still fragmented in areas away from coastal ur- be at the lower end of the scale.39, 40 ban centres where most of the population are located. Most of the CRF-eligible countries are mountainous, and In support of this report, in-depth research considering for communities in those mountainous and rural areas in- “Web Based Information and Communication Technol- ternet connection is often difficult and expensive. Despite ogies (ICT) in Disaster Risk Management Practices, Poli- internet connection being available, it is unaffordable for cies and Compliance with International Web Accessibility many of the poor and disadvantaged in urban communi- Standards”41 was completed and is reported separately in ties, where persons with disabilities tend to be overrepre- Appendix B. It contains a review of the accessibility of in- sented. As internet uptake has spread, the uptake of en- ternet-based information with relevance to DRM and CR gagement with social media platforms, such as Facebook for persons with disabilities across the nine CRF-eligible has increased rapidly (table 4-7). countries. The following content contains summarized text and of some key points and findings as indicated. Table 4-7. Internet and social media penetration in the nine selected CRF-eligible countries in 2020 (including the change from 2019). Population Country 2021 Internet users 2020 Social media users 2020 98,731 74,100 64,000 Antigua and Barbuda (+0.9% – 2019) (Unchanged – 2019) 76% penetration 66% penetration 401,300 240,000 240,000 Belize (+4.3% – 2019) (+ 12% – 2019) 61% penetration 61% penetration 72,167 50,100 39,000 Dominica (+0.3% – 2019) (+13% – 2019) 70.% penetration 54% penetration 113,021 71,000 71,000 Grenada (Unchanged – 2019) (+3.3% – 2019) 63% penetration 63% penetration 788,400 430,000 430,000 Guyana (+2.4% 2019) (+11% – 2019) Penetration 55% Penetration 55% 2,973,463 1.63 million 1.3 million Jamaica (+0.5% – 2019) (+8.8% – 2019) 55% penetration 44% penetration 184,400 100,000 100,000 Saint Lucia (Unchanged – 2019) (+4.1% – 2019) 55%penetration 55% penetration 11,263 67,000 67,000 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Unchanged- 2019) (+ 4.8% – 2019) 60 % penetration 60% penetration 589,200 360,000 360,000 Suriname (+2.9% – 2019) +1.4%- 2019) 62% penetration 62% penetration Source: https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2021 | 33 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Article 9 of the CRPD calls on state parties to take measures perceivable in that it is visible to at least one of the user’s to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access senses; (ii) user interface components and navigation to ICT and systems, including the internet. However, must be operable, excluding interactions that the user the existing statistics in several Caribbean countries, cannot perform; (iii) information and the operation where the relevant data are available, provide evidence of user interface must be understandable to the user; of significant differences in the internet usage between and, (iv) content must be robust to be interpreted people with and without disabilities (table 4-8). It is also reliably by assistive technologies, such as screen readers, clear that females with disabilities have less access to the braille terminals, screen magnification software, speech internet than males with disabilities (figure 4-2). recognition software, and keyboard overlays. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG) Official government websites and those of national was accepted by the International Organization for disaster management agencies in the CRF-eligible Standardization as an ISO International Standard, ISO/ countries that can be used by persons with disabilities to IEC 40500:2012. It provides a common standard for access important information necessary for the hazard web content accessibility based on four principles: (i) awareness and education underpin their understanding web content and user interface components should be of how to use hazards and warnings information. Table 4-8. Use of the Internet by type of disability for persons aged five and above—age standardized percentages.* Type of disability** Remembering and Upper Communicating Seeing Hearing Walking concentrating Self-care body and speaking None Antigua and Barbuda 49 24 27 16 12 20 7 55 Belize 24 15 11 7 7 11 8 29 Grenada 31 15 20 11 11 19 7 42 Guyana 28 12 12 no data no data 9 6 25 Jamaica 36 20 15 7 7 14 6 39 Source: ECLAC 2016. Collected on the basis of the national population and housing censuses conducted in Antigua and Barbuda in 2011, Belize in 2010, Grenada in 2011, Guyana in 2012, Jamaica in 2011. Table reproduced from Appendix A. Note:* And not including the institutionalized population in the Caribbean countries with the relevant census data. **Prevalence is expressed as a ratio per thousand in the total population. Figure 4-2. Percentage of internet users (%) by gender and disability status. Antigua and Barbuda 25.7 38.2 51.9 57.5 Belize 13.8 15.5 29.2 29.3 Belize 19.0 24.4 35.7 41.8 Guyana 13.7 17.7 46.5 50.9 Guyana 18.6 27.0 13.3 14.1 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Percentage of people using the Internet (%), by gender and disability status n Females with disabilities n Males with disabilities n Females without disabilities n Males without disabilities Source: This figure uses the data derived from Ullmann et al. 2018. Collected by ECLAC on the basis of the national population and housing censuses conducted in Antigua and Barbuda in 2011, Belize in 2010, Grenada in 2011, Guyana in 2012, Jamaica in 2011). Figure copied from Appendix A. | 34 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Their disaster preparedness and recovery activities, self-development of young people with and without such as disaster or emergency coordinators’ contact disabilities, but it fails to include any specific guidelines.47 information, information about the location of shelters, instructions and tips on what to do before, during, and Warning messages and related information can be made after hazard situations, emergency notices, policies, more accessible to persons with a range of limitations, community disaster plans were tested against two of the abilities, and capacities when produced and disseminated WCAG compliance criteria and found in general to be using the common alerting protocol (CAP)—the noncompliant. This makes access to their content and international standard format for emergency alerting and information about disasters and emergency guidelines public warning that has been designed for all hazards and difficult, or even impossible for persons with disabilities. across all communications media ranging from sirens to Saint Lucia was found to have the fewest accessibility cell phones, faxes, radio, television, and various digital barriers and Grenada the most. communication networks based on the internet. CAP has now been adopted by CDEMA, CMO, and all Caribbean disaster management authorities and NMHSs as the No official government websites, standard format for creating warnings messages. This including those of the national disaster has increased the efficiency of delivery and the range of management agencies are fully compliant possible platforms for dissemination, giving persons with with Web Content Accessibility Standard, disabilities greater opportunities for receiving warnings WCAG 2.1. in a timely way and in a format, they can access. It has also been successfully applied to the development of emergency warnings applications, which are being made None of the nine CRF-eligible countries have standalone available across the Caribbean region. Representatives web accessibility policies. Web accessibility considerations from across DRM communications and many other are also not fully integrated into their national polices and government departments have received multiple levels plans on persons with disabilities and ICT. of training in the use and application of CAP over years, most recently in 2020, and support has been provided In most cases, consideration of disability issues in ICT for the installation and maintenance of dedicated web policy is limited to general provisions about the necessity servers in all selected countries. of equal access to ICT. As noted, for example, in the attached Krylova report (Appendix B), Jamaica’s Persons with Disabilities Sector Plan proposes to increase access to ICT and assistive devices for persons with disabilities. The adoption of CAP as the standard However, it does not incorporate any specific strategies format for emergency alerting and public or any provisions on web accessibility.43 Furthermore, warning dissemination in all nine selected the 2014 Disability Act of Jamaica, which embodies CRF-eligible countries has given persons the principles of equality and nondiscrimination against with disabilities greater opportunities for persons with disabilities does not cover either ICT or web receiving timely warnings in a format, accessibility standards.44 Similarly, the 2017 Disabilities and they can access. Equal Opportunities Act of Antigua and Barbuda, which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, The United Nations CRPD recognizes and promotes the does not include any provisions related to ICT or web use of sign language for the deaf and hearing impaired. accessibility.45 Although the 2010 Persons with Disabilities It makes clear that sign languages are equal in status to Act of Guyana mentions ICT in respect to persons with spoken languages and obligates state parties to facilitate disabilities, it does not include any provisions on web the learning of sign language and promote the linguistic accessibility.46 In the same vein, the 2012 National Youth identity of the deaf community. The Caribbean region Development Policy of Belize mentions an increasing does not have a uniform sign language, instead the role of ICT and the internet in promoting leadership and region has various types of sign language across the nine | 35 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility selected CRF-eligible countries. However, the official US Recommendation 12 version is the most widely understood and used. Some Produce public awareness and education literature country level sign language training is available, usually that support DRM, and CR in a range of accessible facilitated through disability support organizations, but formats, including braille, easy-to-read and large print the number of expert sign language communicators as required, and graphic, and in all appropriate local remains very limited. The sign language translation of languages. warning messages and related important information is included in the national warnings protocols as a standard operating procedure (SOP) in all selected countries. Based Recommendation 13 on interviews that were carried out for this report with Produce and disseminate public awareness and representatives from CMO and disability support and education information that support DRM and CR across other personnel in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Jamaica a range of media and platforms—online, social media, and Belize, it is clear that simultaneous sign language traditional broadcast media, print and direct personal translations have not always been available on televised contact. emergency warnings, recorded information video clips, or live streams on official government websites across the Caribbean region. This is primarily because of a lack of Recommendation 14 trained translators. It was noted however, that throughout Sign language should be available in televised and the 2020 response to the COVID-19 pandemic the use video recorded presentations of warnings and public of sign language has been supported by all national awareness-raising information, consultation and governments and that the availability of sign language planning meetings or workshops, and training exercises translation has greatly increased in all relevant official as needed. The critical shortage of sign language televised and video messaging. interpreters should be addressed with targeted American Sign Language (ASL) training for DRM purposes. This Many blind people use Braille to read instructive training could be facilitated at a regional level. documents and navigate their way around buildings and public facilities through signage on doors, lifts, toilet and washrooms. Print versions of emergency warnings and Recommendation 15 disaster management information are not systematically Increase the compliance of WCAG 2.1 standards in DRM made available in braille. However, some are available in and climate change information on official government graphic and large font. Tactile paving on footpaths and websites. stairs, and Braille signage are accessibility requirements contained in international standards although, as already noted, these standards are not well adhered to, Recommendation 16 particularly in older public buildings and those in rural and National governments, CDEMA, and CMO should remote locations. This is particularly significant for DRM continue to support national DRM and NHMSs in the when buildings and transit routes are likely to be used in application of the common alerting protocol (CAP) in the case of evacuation, emergency assembly points, and the development of inclusive weather and climate- emergency sheltering. related and other warning services in the preparation of warning messages. This will ensure the greatest possible range of internet-enabled dissemination platforms available for the originators of early warnings. | 36 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Notes 30. https://www.caribank.org/publications-and-resources/ 1. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/ resource-library/guides-and-toolkits/caribbean-uniform- convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html building-code 2. https://www.undrr.org/implementing-sendai-framework/ 31. Minerva Pinelo semi-structured interview Minerva is what-sendai-framework managing director of Right Insights - https://rightinsights. 3. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ bz/staff-view/dr-minerva-pinelo-managing-director/ 4. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda 32. https://www.oecs.org/en/our-work/knowledge/library/ 5. Authors annotation sustainable-energy/oecs-building-codes 6. https://unfccc.int/process-and- that contain direct links to PWD in several of the Goals and REFERENCE disability 33. https://www-2.nht.gov.jm/ meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement 34. Particularly on government information websites that are 7. https://unfccc.int/process-and- that contain direct links providing details of policy and strategies in response to to PWD in several of the Goals and REFERENCE disability climate change meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement 35. https://achrafothman.net/site/virtual-conversation- 8. https://www.un.org/en/content/disabilitystrategy/ agent-avatar-for-sign-language/#:~:text=The%20 9. Organization of American States (OAS), Inter-American avatar%20can%20be%20programmed%20to%20 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, 7 June communicate%20in,Sign%20Language%20%28AS- 1999, AG/RES. 1608 (XXIX-O/99), available at: https:// L%29%20or%20French%20Sign%20Language%20 www.refworld.org/docid/3de4cb7d4.html [accessed 17 %28LSF%29%29 June 2021] 36. https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/ 10. http://cds.mona.uwi.edu/sites/default/files/Kingston_ 1. https://www.google.com.au/accessibility/ Accord.pdf 37. https://leftronic.com/blog/smartphone-usage-statistics/ 11. https://caricom.org/declaration-of-petion-ville/ 38. As cited in: https://leftronic.com/blog/smartphone-usage- 12. http://dpi.org/index.html statistics/… 13. https://www.cdema.org/ 14. https://www.cdema.org/cdm#cdm-strategy 39. https://www.statista.com/statistics/731275/internet-users- 15. https://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/caribbean- caribbean-countries/ disability-conference-we-are-opportunity-not-burden 40. https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2017/ 16. http://www.cmo.org.tt/ unleashing-the-internet-in-the-caribbean-removing- 17. http://www.cimh.edu.bb/ barriers-to-connectivity-and-stimulating-better-access-in- 18. https://ctu.int/ the-region/ 19. https://www.caribbeanclimate.bz/ 41. Prepared by Julia Krylova in support of Section 3.6.2 20. https://public.wmo.int/en/climate-risk-and-early-warning- systems-crews Accessible Communications 21. https://www.cdema.org/CDM_Strategy2014-2024__ 42. https://unctad.org/system/files/non-official-document/ Summary.pdf P9 dtl_eWeek2017c06-isoc_en.pdf 22. CRPD Article 4. General Obligations: 1a 43. http://admin.jcpdja.com/upload/339_TheDisabilitiesAct. 23. Model Comprehensive Disaster Management Legislation pdf. and Regulations 2013, page21 44. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_ 24. Model Comprehensive Disaster Management Legislation lang=en&p_isn=107733&p_count=4&p_classification=05. and Regulations 2013; Annex 4; page 72 25. https://www.cdema.org/ews/risk-knowledge/category/28- 45. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_ model-comprehensive-disaster-management-legislation- lang=en&p_isn=99459&p_country=GUY&p_ and-regulations-2013-and-adaptation-guide count=195&p_classification=08.01&p_classcount=1. 26. https://cdc.gy/?page_id=14360 46. http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/bz_ 27. Based primarily on video interview and questionnaire- strategy/bz_National_Youth_Development_Policy_2012. based survey in Belize, Guyana, Suriname and Jamaica and pdf regional DI expert 28. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt1pnqn9 29. Report author LAB highlights | 37 | Photo: © Igor Kiporuk | Dreamstime.com Conclusion 5 | 38 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region 5.1 Main Findings in Summary translators cannot access the information. For many persons with disabilities, barriers to access buildings, More than a million persons across Antigua and Barbuda, public transport, and other public infrastructure persist. Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, This not only limits their opportunities to participate Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname live fully in societal processes, it also creates difficulties in with a range of physical, sensory, and mental disabilities. responding to emergencies, particularly in evacuation. Populations in these countries are aging, and as they age a Building codes and public planning regulations designed distinct trend toward disability heightens. A lack of quality, to enable accessibility for persons with disabilities to accessible disaggregated disability data limit a precise buildings and public infrastructure are enshrined in public understanding of this demographic. However, it is clear policy but are not well applied or enforced. that visual impairment and limited mobility are the most prevalent sensory and physical disabilities across virtually Throughout the response to COVID-19 in the Caribbean all age categories. The rates of intellectual, mental and region, focus on disability inclusion and support for psychological disability are not well understood as these persons with disabilities has increased. However, many conditions are both poorly defined and are typically not are still too often effectively excluded from the DRM well accounted for in official statistics. Rates of disability and CR planning processes. Despite policy supporting across all impairments are generally higher among inclusive practices, DRM planning still tends to be carried females. Most disability is acquired and increases with out for rather than with persons with disabilities, and age, both in degree and as a proportion of the population. is based on their limitations rather than their strengths. Disability often intersects with other marginalizing Persons with disabilities are invited to participate in DRM characteristics, such as poverty, poor literacy, low income, planning and policy forums but their active engagement homelessness, ethnic and religious diversity and social or is frequently not well facilitated. Removing barriers to geographic isolation. When apparent, the disadvantage is their full and active participation will require greater compounded. attention to enforcing policies that support access to the built environment and information and communications All nine national governments are committed to disability technologies. Importantly, and possibly more difficult to inclusive DRM and have developed policies and national achieve, it will also require an attitudinal change that standards that support accessibility of information and will shift the perspective of DRM managers and policy public infrastructure for persons with disabilities. This, planners toward people with disabilities from one of pity, alongside more accessible communications technologies, based on their perceived helplessness, to one of people is contributing to improving the opportunities for persons with disabilities as a community with a diversity of skills with disabilities to greater access to DRM information and capacities that can be built upon and strengthened. and warnings. The adoption of the Common Alerting Protocol for weather warnings and information and the All nine selected CRF-eligible countries have strong and active increase in internet-based communication devices with organizations of persons with disabilities that have a direct inbuilt accessibility features are improving the availability working relationship with their respective governments. of information for persons with various levels of abilities. Some are part of the government infrastructure, others However, availability does not guarantee accessibility— are less well supported and often poorly resourced. All are the ability to afford internet-enabled devices and access trusted by their communities and are strong advocates for to the internet and reliable national communications the people they represent. However, they are underutilized infrastructure are important limiting factors. Web in DRM planning, particularly at the national level, and content management standards—such as Web Content should certainly be supported to play a greater role in Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1)—are not commonly policy and planning forums and in supporting education applied to content made available on official DRM that raises awareness and understanding of hazards, websites. This means persons with disabilities who rely warnings and preparation for response to emergencies on accessibility software such as screen readers and among people with disabilities. | 39 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility 5.2 Conclusion and Recommendations The report includes 16 recommendations that are based on the major findings (table 5-1). They address This desk study report has considered the inclusion of the identified gaps in existing disability and DRM policy persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and practice that create or worsen barriers to access to Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint information and the built environment and, which prevent Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname in societal the participation and active engagement of persons processes aimed at responding to and reducing the with disabilities in DRM and CR forums. Recommended risks associated with a range of hazardous events and in actions are aimed at leveraging the policy instruments and building societal resilience to future climates. Research has established disability support infrastructures that exist. been based on available literature and documentation and Establishing new societal infrastructure, relationships, some limited direct contact with in-country sources. No and practices will support greater inclusion and build the original research or possibility for in-depth investigation necessary capacities in persons with disabilities to engage formed any part of this report. The status of disability in planning and preparing for the response and recovery inclusion in DRM and CR has been described and explored phases of hazard impacts. These recommendations and gaps identified and analyzed to the extent possible. are designed to enhance the opportunities for persons Deeper analysis will require targeted in-county research. with various abilities, constraints and capacities to make decisions and take actions that will build their future climate resilience. | 40 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Table 5-1. Recommendations with implementation authorities, linkages, synergies, and potential time frames for delivery noted. # Recommendation Implementation responsibility • National governments to implement through ministries with portfolio responsibilities in DRM and working closely with those in community services and disability inclusion. National DRM agencies should determine and document their precise disability-related information • Collaboration with CDEMA will support regional consistency 1 needs. This will enable the design of a schedule of • Consultants to be contracted to discover and document fit-for-purpose databases for integrating disability data needs and recommend the design, schedule, and inclusion in DRM activities. management of the database This work is included for consideration in the 2021–22 CRF work plan in combination with Recommendation 2. • National governments to implement—through ministries Inventory of national repositories of data related with responsibility for national statistical offices and national to disability inclusion that includes categories data management standards national statistics offices 2 that identify content detail, metadata, ownership, accessibility, and management standards. This work is included for consideration in the 2021–22 CRF work plan in combination with Recommendation 1. National governments support the collection • National government to implement—multiagency of prioritized disability demographic data to 3 Will be informed by Recommendations 1 and 2 complement existing datasets. Recommendations 1,2, and 3 can be packaged. • National governments to implement with formalized Development of data-sharing agreements among agreements at ministerial level. national institutions based on existing national • Will include the partnerships and institutions managed under and international data management standards for various portfolios such as government agencies, statutory accessing and sharing data in support of disability bodies, national authorities, tertiary, and special education 4 inclusion in prevention, preparedness, response, and institutions, and donor-supported projects. recovery activities and building climate resilience • Regional level collaboration will support regional consistency across the region. This will be supported and informed by the outcomes of Recommendations 1 and 2. All agencies with a responsibility for the collection • National governments to implement through the ministry and management of national datasets ensure that with responsibility for the national statistics offices and data 5 relevant personnel be trained in WGSS philosophy management standards and methodologies. Training provided through Washington Group on Disability Statistics Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint • National governments of Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines need to enact disability Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to implement 6 legislation that will give force of law to their CRPD obligations • To be implemented by national governments All national governments should provide adequate support for their national organizations of persons • All should review current levels of support with disabilities. Where lacking, they should • Governments of Belize, Dominica, Grenada Saint Vincent 7 ensure that the working partnerships with these and the Grenadines could consider inclusion of organizations organizations are formalized and supported through of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in government the various Ministry portfolios infrastructure Inclusion of persons with disabilities at all levels of • National governments to implement at the national levels consultation and planning. This should be facilitated through the national emergency management offices. 8 with the provision of accessible venues and Synergy with Recommendation 9. appropriate communications systems and support technologies. | 41 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Table 5-1. Recommendations with implementation authorities, linkages, synergies, and potential time frames for delivery noted. (cont.) # Recommendation Implementation responsibility • To be implemented by national organizations for persons Raising awareness and increasing capacity of DRM with disabilities and CR practitioners to foster a change in attitudes • Will require adequate resourcing and national government and approaches toward persons with disabilities funding support through the delivery of awareness-raising and • Could be developed with support from donor agencies with 9 training material that is jointly developed with the expertise in developing training packages and educational national organization of persons with disabilities institutions—University of the West Indies and CDEMA and readily available for DRM and CR practitioners. Training activities and raising awareness events • Delivered OPD in partnership with DRM in appropriate DRM could also be delivered by persons with disabilities. planning and training forums Synergies with Recommendations 12 and 13. National governments should ensure the • National governments to implement, monitor and manage development of legislation, and enforcement of through their appropriate portfolios national planning policies and building codes • As in many instances existing provisions are not well adhered is applied to all new and retrofitted public and to, additional research to explore gaps would be useful. 10 commercial buildings and public facilities. These must include international standards and provisions to ensure accessibility and support easy access and egress for persons with disabilities across a range of disabilities. The Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBiC) does • National governments Belize and Suriname to implement not include requirements that ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. Belize and Suriname should 11 amend national building and planning policies with additional or supplementary provisions specifically including requirements that ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. • To be implemented through national emergency offices Produce public awareness and education literature in consultation with relevant organizations for persons to support, DRM, and CR in a range of accessible with disabilities, particularly those focused on the blind 12 formats, including braille, easy-to-read and large and visually impaired, and representatives of multicultural print as required, and graphic, and in all appropriate communities. local languages. • National governments to ensure adequate resources through relevant ministries. • To be implemented through national emergency Public awareness and education information to management offices with support also provided for local and support DRM and CR across a range of media and community emergency authorities 13 platforms—including online, social media, traditional • Attention should be paid to both formal and informal broadcast media, print, and direct personal contact. communication networks Synergies with Recommendations 12 and 16. • To be implement by national governments through their national emergency management offices in partnership with Sign language should be available in televised and the appropriate organization of persons with disabilities video-recorded presentations of warnings and • Signed warnings and information is not a simple matter of public awareness-raising information, consultation direct translation. It requires interpretation of both language and planning meetings or workshops, and training and meaning that is specific to the national context. 14 exercises as needed. The critical shortage of sign Targeted training is essential. language interpreters should be addressed with targeted American Sign Language (ASL) training for • ASL is the dominant (but not only) sign language used DRM purposes. This training could be facilitated at a throughout the Caribbean region. regional level. It is likely that training in ASL for emergency management (EM) has been developed in the US and could be adapted to suit the CRF-eligible countries. | 42 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Table 5-1. Recommendations with implementation authorities, linkages, synergies, and potential time frames for delivery noted. (cont.) # Recommendation Implementation responsibility • To be implemented by national governments through their departments with responsibility for ICT standards and applied to all government websites—information related to Compliance of WCAG 2.1 standards in DRM and EM is spread across multiple portfolios 15 climate change information in official government • National disaster management offices to support compliance websites. through skilled web management. • CEDMA could provide oversight and support training for DRM where necessary. • CMO and CDEMA to support NMHSs to develop locally Availability of the greatest possible range of produced weather and climate warnings and information internet-enabled dissemination platforms for the in CAP format through ensuring forecaster and weather originators of early warnings, national governments. services managers are trained and proficient in CAP CDEMA and CMO should continue to support • National emergency management offices—with CEDMA 16 national DRM and NHMSs in the application of the support, to ensure all web managers with a responsibility for common alerting protocol (CAP) in the development developing DRM related warnings be trained and proficient of inclusive weather and climate-related, and other in the use and application in CAP warning services in the preparation of warning • CAP training is made widely available throughout the messages. Caribbean region facilitated through regional training workshops. Notes: Recommendations require legislation or policy change. Delivery will be in the longer term. With support, all other recommendations can be delivered in the short to medium term | 43 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix A: Additional Resources Albrecht G.L., Seelman K.D., Bury M. (eds) 2003. Handbook of Kelman I., and Stough L. 2015. (eds) Disability and Disaster: Disability Studies. Sage Publications ISBN: 9780761928744, Ch Explorations and Exchanges. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 3; 98–122. Kett, M., and Twigg, J. 2007. Disability and disasters: towards Alexander, D., and Sagramola, S. 2014. Guidelines for Assisting an inclusive approach. World Disasters Report 2007: Focus on People with Disabilities during Emergencies, Crises and Disasters. Discrimination. IFRC PP 87-109. (Gray literature). Loeb, M. 2013. Disability statistics: an integral but missing (and Armstrong, A.C., Armstrong, D., Lynch, C., and Severin, S. 2005. misunderstood) component of development work; National Special and inclusive education in the Eastern Caribbean: policy Center for Health Statistics and The Washington Group on Dis- practice and provision. International Journal of Inclusive Educa- ability Statistics. Nord J Hum Rights. 31(3): 306–324. tion. Vol. 9, No. 1, January–March 2005;71–87. Meadows-Haworth C. 2017. Disability and inequality: socio-eco- Carby, B., and Ferguson, T. 2018. An Exploratory Study of Di- nomic imperatives and public policy in Jamaica. Disability & saster Risk Management Information for Persons with Disabil- Society, 32(1): 133–35. DOI:10.1080/09687599.2016.1233660. ities in the Caribbean. Caribbean Quarterly,64:1, 57–78. DOI: Smith, F., Simard, M., Twigg, J., and Cole, E. (2017). Disabil- 10.1080/00086495.2018.1435336To link to this article: https:// ity and Climate Resilience: A literature review. https://www. doi.org/10.1080/00086495.2018.1435336 researchgate.net/publication/320800956_Disability_and_Cli- Cheong, K., Kellems, R., Andersen, M., and Steed, K. 2018. The mate_Resilience_A_literature_review Education of Individuals with Disabilities in Guyana: An Over- OECS. 2015. Building Code. https://discovermni.com/wp-con- view. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053451218782435 tent/uploads/2017/11/OECS-Building-Code-June-2015-1-5.pdf Disability in the Caribbean. A study of four countries: a so- UNDESA. 2016. Climate Change Resilience: an opportunity for cio-demographic analysis of the disabled. https://www.google. reducing inequalities. World Economic and Social Survey 2016. com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/world-economic-and-social-sur- cepal.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2F5059-disability-caribbe- vey-2016-climate-change-resilience-opportunity-reducing#:~:- an-study-four-countries-socio-demographic-analysis-disabled text=The%20World%20Economic%20and%20Social%20 Government of Guyana. Laws of Guyana. Friendly Societies Act - Survey%202016%3A%20Climate,the%20risks%20of%20 Guyana. https://eiti.org/files/documents/appendix_xxiii-laws_of_ climate%20change%20to%20vulnerable%20populations guyana_-_cap_3604_-_friendly_societies_act.pdf UN DSPD. 2016. Draft outcome document of the United Nations Government of Saint Lucia. 2004. Disaster Management Policy Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Framework for Saint Lucia Document of the Saint Lucia National (Habitat III) UNESCAP (2012) Incheon Strategy to “Make the Emergency Management Plan. Version 1: August 24, 2004. Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. http://nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/DMPolicy- UNESCAP. 2014. Guideline on Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction: Framework.pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000 Disabilities and Disasters. https://www.un.org/development/desa/ International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Soci- disabilities/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/03/Final-Disabili- eties. 2015. All under one roof: disability-inclusive shelter and ty-inclusive-disaster.pdf settlement in emergencies. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb. UNFCCC. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Context int/files/resources/all_under_one_roof_-_disability-inclusive_shel- of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.2019. ter_and_settlements_in_emergencies.pdf Compilation of Decisions adopted by the Parties to the Conven- ILO. Employability of People in Suriname. A Baseline study by the tion. https://www.ciel.org/reports/the-rights-of-persons-with- International Labour Organization and the Ministry of Labour disabilities-in-the-context-of-the-un-framework-convention-on- Suriname. March 2020. http://www.ilo.int/wcmsp5/groups/pub- climate-change-dec-2019/ lic/---americas/---ro-lima/---sro-port_of_spain/documents/publica- UNICEF. 2018. Report on the Situational Analysis of Children tion/wcms_740355.pdf with Disabilities in Jamaica. 2018. Dr. Shakeisha Wilson-Scott JCPD. Situational Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Jamaica May. https://www.unicef.org/jamaica/media/2221/file/I%20 - I AM ABLE. Digicel Foundation, Jamaica Council for Persons Am%20Able:%20Situational%20Analysis%20of%20Per- with Disabilities and UNICEF. http://admin.jcpdja.com/upload/ sons%20with%20Disabilities%20in%20Jamaica.pdf ComprehensiveReportontheSituationalAnalysisofPersonswithDi- World Bank. 2020. Disability-Inclusive Disaster Recovery. Work- sabilitiesinJamaica.pdf ing paper. Disaster Recovery Guidance Series Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/ en/265011593616893420/Disability-Inclusive-Disaster-Recovery | 44 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Appendix B: Companion Report Web-based Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Disaster Risk Management: Practices, Policies, and Compliance with International Web Accessibility Standards Companion Report to Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region JULIA KRYLOVA IN SUPPORT OF SECTION 3.6.1 ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS | 45 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility B1. Practical aspects of the use of web- are available provide evidence of significant differences based ICT by persons with disabilities in the internet usage between people with and without disabilities (table B-1). in disaster risk management Table B-1 demonstrates the use of the internet by people Web-based information and communication technologies with disabilities related to seeing, hearing, walking, (ICT) have a high potential for improving access for remembering and concentrating, self-care, upper body, persons with disabilities to public information and services and communication and speaking in the five CRF-eligible provided by government agencies, private entities, and countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, non-profit organizations in disaster and emergency and Jamaica. However, these data do not include the situations, as well as in pre- and post-disaster periods. institutionalized population with cognitive and mental Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights disabilities because the national population and housing of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) calls on state parties to censuses in these countries do not collect the related take measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have information on this group of people (Ullmann et al. 2018). equal access to ICT and systems, including the internet The internet usage decreases with age for both persons (United Nations 2006). Since 2000, the internet has with disabilities and persons without disabilities (Ullmann been playing an increasingly important role in enhancing et al. 2018). Figure B-1 presents sex-disaggregated the involvement of persons with disabilities in disaster gender data for the internet use in the above-mentioned preparedness and recovery efforts worldwide. However, countries. Women in both groups—with and without the existing statistics in several Caribbean Resilience disabilities—tend to use the internet less compared to Facility (CRF)-eligible countries where the relevant data their male counterparts in the respective groups. Table B-1. Use of the internet by type of disability for persons aged 5 and over (age standardized percentages) in some CRF-eligible countries with the relevant census data. Type of disability Remembering Upper Communicating Seeing Hearing Walking and concentrating Self-care body and speaking None Antigua and Barbuda 49 24 27 16 12 20 7 55 Belize 24 15 11 7 7 11 8 29 Grenada 31 15 20 11 11 19 7 42 Guyana 28 12 12 no data available no data available 9 6 25 Jamaica 36 20 15 7 7 14 6 39 Source: ECLAC 2016. Collected on the basis of the national population and housing censuses conducted in Antigua and Barbuda in 2011, Belize in 2010, Grenada in 2011, Guyana in 2012, Jamaica in 2011. Figure B-1. Percentage of internet users (%) by gender and disability status. Antigua and Barbuda 25.7 38.2 51.9 57.5 Belize 13.8 15.5 29.2 29.3 Belize 19.0 24.4 35.7 41.8 Guyana 13.7 17.7 46.5 50.9 Guyana 18.6 27.0 13.3 14.1 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Percentage of people using the Internet (%), by gender and disability status n Females with disabilities n Males with disabilities n Females without disabilities n Males without disabilities Source: This figure uses the data derived from Ullmann et al. 2018. Collected by ECLAC on the basis of the national population and housing censuses conducted in Antigua and Barbuda in 2011, Belize in 2010, Grenada in 2011, Guyana in 2012, Jamaica in 2011). Figure copied from Appendix A. | 46 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region The data in table B-1 and figure B-1 come from the in 2019, ECLAC organized training sessions for public national population and housing censuses conducted officials and organizations working with persons with between 2010 and 2012 in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, disabilities in Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica. Over the last decade, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to increase internet penetration rates almost doubled in Latin America persons with disabilities’ access to ICTs, thereby helping and the Caribbean regions, from 35.7 percent in 2010 to the national governments in these countries with their 71.5 percent in 2020 (Internet World Stats 2010; 2020). responsibilities under the CRPD (ECLAC 2019b). However, no current data are available on the internet usage disaggregated by users’ disability status in these Another regional example is a program “Improving countries. Also, these data are found lacking in the other Accessibility for Youth with Disabilities Through ICT and four CRF-eligible countries —Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Open Solutions in the Caribbean” launched by the United Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. This data gap Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization significantly limits the ability of the national governments (UNESCO) in 2014. Its key objective was to provide in all these CRF-eligible countries to direct resources and young people and national ministries with special skills develop effective policy responses to address special needs to develop hardware and software innovative solutions to of persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged fight social exclusion, discrimination, and poverty though groups in various policy areas, including disaster risk the application of innovative ICT, assistive technologies, management (DRM) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). and open solutions, including free and open-source software, open access, open standards, open training, Despite the absence of the exact statistics, recent reports and cloud computing, among others (UNESCO 2014). by international organizations find significant digital This accessibility program was developed for 18 countries barriers experienced by persons with disabilities in the CRF- participating in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), eligible countries (Ullmann et al. 2018; ECLAC 2019a). For including the nine CRF-eligible countries. Its activities example, a recent policy brief commissioned by the United included enhancing technical capacities of the Ministries Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the of Youth and Culture (and Women’s Affairs) for Caribbean (ECLAC) indicates that while “smartphones now formulating socially inclusive ICT policies and master plans have built-in accessibility features, such as voice recognition on persons with disabilities and building ICT capacities, software, many websites and other online platforms are both hardware and software, through open solutions still inaccessible to persons with disabilities” in this region among youth (UNESCO 2014). (ECLAC 2019a). Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the digital divide for most marginalized groups, National and regional programs about building ICT including persons with disabilities (UN-DESA 2020a). At capacities in the CRF-eligible countries have a high the same time, the pandemic has highlighted a critical potential for improving persons with disabilities’ role that electronic government services and information access to disaster-related information. Thus, web- sharing play during emergency situations at the country, based online platforms are commonly used for various regional, and global levels. disaster information systems. The United Nations and the European Commission, for instance, developed an Improving internet access for persons with disabilities online cooperation framework for disaster information remains a severe challenge at both the country and systems worldwide aimed at improving data collection, regional levels. Yet, several regional cooperation and distribution and sharing in the first phase after major knowledge-sharing organizations—such as ECLAC, the disasters (GDACS n.d.). The integrated Global Disaster Caribbean Centre for Development Administration, the Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) website Latin American Centre for Development Administration, offers several online disaster information systems and and the Network of e-Government Leaders of Latin coordination tools: (i) GDACS Disaster Alerts issued America and the Caribbean—assist national governments and disseminated to subscribers immediately following in digital transformation (UN-DESA 2020a). For example, sudden-onset disasters; (ii) the virtual On-Site Operations | 47 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Coordination Centre (OSOCC), an online platform for a Google Maps-based website to share flood updates real-time information exchange and cooperation among and information about the location of persons in need of disaster responders; and (iii) maps and satellite imagery rescue (UN-APCICT/ESCAP 2010). from various providers (GDACS n.d.). Information posted on GDACS is available to all internet users, except for the The internet is also widely used to coordinate relief virtual OSOCC, which is restricted to disaster management programs and initiatives. For example, at the regional agencies and response organizations. level, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has developed an online database—the In DRR, a multitude of websites and digital platforms Relief Supplies Tracking System (RSTS)— to facilitate the share disaster-related information, such as online portals, management and tracking of disaster relief supplies. This communities, and blogs such as PreventionWeb, web- online database allows for better coordination of relief based messengers such as Skype, Slack, Google Hangouts, operations through enhanced collection, distribution, and WhatsApp, Spike, Zoom, Viber, Facebook Messenger, and analysis of disaster relief information (CDEMA 2016). Wire, image and video sharing online platforms namely Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube, and social networking The role of e-government in DRR is of critical importance websites like Facebook and Twitter. These websites and for all countries in the Caribbean region and worldwide. apps are accessible on various devices that are connected The United Nations e-government survey published by to the internet, including hardware computers, laptops, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social notebooks, and mobile phones. In addition, online web Affairs (UN-DESA) explores trends in e-government mapping, such as Yandex Maps and Google Maps, can be development and traces countries’ progress on integrated used as disaster relief guidance systems. For example, they policies and services provided to citizens, including can help disaster survivors get to hospitals and temporary persons with disabilities. Specifically, it encourages evacuation shelters, which might be challenging if some national governments to bridge the digital divide of the roads were physically destroyed by hazards. Also, between people with and without disabilities. Based they can help responders who participate in search and on the e-government survey, UN-DESA calculated an rescue find the exact location of disaster victims, which e-government development index (EGDI) for 193 United might be difficult if they are not familiar with local routes. Nations member states, including the nine CRF-eligible For example, in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy and countries (figure B-2). The EGDI measures the capacity Typhoon Pepang in 2009, a group of volunteers launched of national governments to use ICT to deliver public Figure B-2. The 2020 e-government development index. Antigua and Barbuda 0.61 Dominica 0.60 World 0.60 Americas – Caribbean 0.58 Grenada 0.58 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.56 Saint Lucia 0.54 Jamaica 0.54 Suriname 0.52 Guyana 0.49 Belize 0.45 0 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 E-government development index Source: Data derived from the UN-DESA 2020b, e-government development index (database); https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data-Center. | 48 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region services by assessing national websites, e-government relevant weather- and disaster-related information on policies, and strategies in specific sectors for delivery of their government websites have lower casualties when essential services (UN-DESA 2018). It consists of three disasters occurred (UN-DESA 2018). subindices: (i) a human capital index which covers adult literacy gross enrolment ratio, expected years of Only eight out of the nine CRF-eligible countries have schooling, and mean years of schooling across all levels official websites of their national disaster management of the educational system; (ii) a telecommunications agencies (NDMAs): Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, infrastructure index covering connectivity with regard to Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and fixed-line, mobile or cellular, fixed broadband and wireless St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The uniform resource broadband subscriptions, along with internet use per 100 locator (URL), also known as a web address, of their inhabitants; and (iii) an online services index covering the official websites can be found in table B-2. Suriname is scope and quality of service offered by a cross-section of the only country among the CRF-eligible countries that government websites (UN-DESA 2018). Only two among has not developed a website for its disaster management the CRF-eligible countries—Antigua and Barbuda and agency, the National Coordination Center For Disaster Dominica—had higher EGDI values in 2020 than a global Relief, which might prevent an effective dissemination and regional average EGDI, with Belize, Guyana, and of disaster-related information among all affected Suriname demonstrating the lowest results (figure B-2). individuals, including persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. Overall, the 2020 e-government survey identifies a positive trend toward expanding the provision of online services Innovative computational technologies and high-speed designed for vulnerable populations, such as women, internet have allowed geospatial data and various youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (UN-DESA applications to be incorporated directly into the websites 2020a). Yet, among these groups, persons with disabilities of the NDMAs. For example, the website of the National tend to be less well served with online services (UN-DESA Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in 2020a). Among other functions, the e-government Saint Vincent and the Grenadines uses web services to survey allows for the identification of the readiness of incorporate graphical tropical weather forecasts generated digital governments in addressing challenges associated by the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) and the National with DRM and enhancing e-resilience. Specifically, results Weather Service (NEMO n.d.). These graphic forecasts of a regression analysis based on the e-government show all active tropical cyclones, and disturbances with survey database suggest that those countries that publish tropical cyclone formation potential over the next two Table B-2. National Disaster Management Agencies in the CRF-eligible countries. Country Name Abbreviation Website URL Antigua and Barbuda National Office of Disaster Services NODS http://nods.gov.ag/ Belize National Emergency Management NEMO http://site.nemo.org.bz/ Organisation Dominica Office of Disaster Management ODM http://odm.gov.dm/ Grenada National Disaster Management Agency NaDMA https://nadma.gd/ Guyana Civil Defense Commission CDC https://cdc.gy/ Jamaica Office of Disaster Preparedness and ODPEM https://odpem.org.jm/ Emergency Management Saint Lucia National Emergency Management NEMO http://nemo.gov.lc/ Organisation St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Emergency Management Office NEMO http://www.nemo.gov.vc/nemo/ Suriname National Coordination Centre For NCCR N/A Disaster Relief | 49 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility and five days (NEMO n.d.). Geospatial data are critical if audio announcements about disaster situations do not for the entire DRM cycle because disaster-related data are have open captures or if websites post disaster-related location-specific. Information can be used by both disaster audio and visual content without any text alternatives survivors and responders. For example, Jamaica’s Office or sign language versions, they exclude people with of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management hearing challenges. Another example relates to people (ODPEM) provides geospatial information about shelters with cognitive and mental disabilities whose access to and their status that disaster survivors and responders can information can be restricted if a given website has an use (ODPEM n.d.). unclear and inconsistent interface. Further, when websites use flashing effects that are not designed properly, users An analysis of the NDMAs’ websites shows that they prone to seizures caused by such effects cannot use contain various disaster-related information, including them. Finally, if webpages are written in complicated disaster or emergency coordinators’ contact information, language, users with dyslexia and learning difficulties information about shelters, instructions and tips on might experience severe challenges in understanding what to do before, during, and after hazard situations, their content. These and many other barriers hamper the emergency notices, policies, and community disaster ability of persons with disabilities to access and use public plans, among other materials. Table B-3 contains an information and services, including those related to DRM. availability checklist that covers these important topics by respective websites from September 2020. Improving web accessibility of DRM-related websites requires accelerated national efforts. This challenge is Access for persons with disabilities to disaster-related particularly critical for the small island developing states information posted on these and other relevant websites (SIDS) in the Caribbean region because they share a can be significantly restricted if the websites lack web number of characteristics that make them vulnerable accessibility. For example, persons with sight impairments to external threats, including small populations, limited are excluded from access to information if the related economies of scale, and undiversified economies. In this website is not properly designed and developed to be used respect, a higher level of digital connections between by assistive technologies, such as screen readers. Further, various groups of populations, including persons with Table B-3. Content of the NDMAs’ websites in the CRF-eligible countries. Disaster Information Instructions on what to do Emergency Policies Community coordinators’ about before, during, and after notices disaster contact shelters hazard situations plans information Antigua and Barbuda’s Available Available Available Available N/A N/A NODS Belize’s NEMO Available N/A Available, including pet Available N/A N/A protection Dominica’s ODM Available Available Available Available Limited N/A Grenada’s NaDMA Available Available Available, including tips for Available N/A N/A pregnant women, the elderly, fishermen, farmers, hotels and coastal resorts Guyana’s CDC N/A N/A Available N/A N/A N/A Jamaica’s ODPEM Available Available Available Available Available Available Saint Lucia’s NEMO Available Available Available Available Available N/A St. Vincent and the Limited Available Available Available Available N/A Grenadines’ NEMO Source: Authors’ analysis of the NDMAs’ websites in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 2020. | 50 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region disabilities, and public, private, and non-profit entities levels: Level A or baseline conformance, Level AA or could help improve the distribution of disaster-related conformance with additional success criteria, and Level information and the delivery of public services, as well as AAA or the highest level of conformance. to minimize the impact of disasters on local communities. Although many CRF-eligible countries still lack adequate In 2012, WCAG criteria were accepted by the policies and regulations related to persons with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as disabilities’ access to web-based ICT, some of the CRF- an ISO International Standard, ISO/IEC 40500:2012. eligible countries have launched initial regulatory reforms This standard was reviewed and confirmed in 2019 by in this sphere. the ISO. Following WCAG, ISO/IEC 40500:2012 covers a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible for people with various types of B2. National policies on accessible ICT disabilities, such as deafness and hearing loss, blindness in the CRF-eligible countries and and low vision, learning disabilities, cognitive limitations, limited movement, speech disabilities, photo-sensitivity international web accessibility and combinations of these impairments (ISO n.d.) standards Many countries have adopted their national policies and Article 21 of the CPRD mandates that state parties regulations based on WCAG 2.1 (W3C 2018a). Some provide public information in accessible formats to of them have developed standalone web accessibility people with different kinds of disabilities (United Nations policies, while others have integrated web accessibility 2006). It also urges private entities, mass media, and standards into the related policies, including laws that information providers through the internet to make their help access to persons with disabilities, procurement services accessible to persons with disabilities (United regulations, or ICT policies (W3C 2018a). A good example Nations 2006). All disaster-related information should of the standalone web accessibility policy is the European be available in formats that can be used by people Union’s Web Accessibility Directive adopted in 2016 and with various disabilities. Considering an increasing the accompanying European Accessibility Act adopted in importance of the web-based ICT for persons with 2019 (EC 2016, 2019). One of the leading examples of the disabilities, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)—an integrated laws on digital accessibility is the Amendment international standards body—developed international (Section 508) to the United States Rehabilitation Act of web accessibility standards. The latest version of these 1973 (Government Services Agency 2019). Section 508 standards, known as the web content accessibility enforces web accessibility standards within all Unites guidelines 2.1 (WCAG), provides a common standard for States federal agencies and covers internet and intranet web content accessibility based on the four principles: websites, telephones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (W3C computers, multimedia, operating systems, digital 2018b). First, web content and user interface components documents, and online training, among other things. should be perceivable, meaning that they should be Since Section 508 applies to all IT services procured by visible to at least one of the user’s senses. Second, user the United States government, it has also facilitated a interface components and navigation must be operable, widespread adoption of accessibility standards among excluding interactions that the user cannot perform. private entities and contractors in the IT industry. Third, information and the operation of user interface must be understandable to the user. Fourth, content None of the nine CRF-eligible countries have standalone must be robust to be interpreted reliably by assistive web accessibility policies. Web accessibility considerations technologies, such as screen readers, braille terminals, are also not fully integrated into their national polices screen magnification software, speech recognition and plans on persons with disabilities and ICT. In most software, and keyboard overlays. Each of these principles cases, their coverage of disability issues is limited to has a list of guidelines and three priority success criteria general provisions about the necessity of equal access | 51 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility to ICT. For example, Jamaica’s Persons with Disabilities the rollout of infrastructure projects in underserved Sector Plan proposes to increase persons with disabilities’ communities and assistive technologies for persons with access to ICT and assistive devices; however, it does not disabilities; (ii) ensuring that persons with disabilities incorporate any specific strategies or any provisions on have access to basic telecommunications mobile services web accessibility (GoJ 2009). Further, the 2014 Disability through the provision of assistive mobile devices; and (iii) Act of Jamaica, which embodies the principles of equality implementing outreach and training programs to target and nondiscrimination against persons with disabilities, persons with disabilities (GoTT 2019). does not cover either ICT or web accessibility standards (GoJ 2014). Similarly, the 2017 Disabilities and Equal Even though ICT policies in some CRF-eligible countries Opportunities Act of Antigua and Barbuda, which intend to improve persons with disabilities’ access to ICT, their prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, actual implementation is challenging owing to the lack of does not include any provisions related to ICT or web standardized processes and monitoring procedures of web accessibility (GoAB 2017b). Although the 2010 Persons accessibility and equal access to ICT, in general. Despite the with Disabilities Act of Guyana mentions ICT in respect fact that the abovementioned ICT polices in the CRF-eligible to persons with disabilities, it does not include any countries were developed over a decade ago, little progress provisions on web accessibility (GoGy 2010). In the same has been made on equal access to ICT, as documented in vein, the 2012 National Youth Development Policy of recent reports by international organizations (Ullmann et Belize mentions an increasing role of ICT and the Internet al. 2018; ECLAC 2019a). Various mechanisms can be used in promoting leadership and self-development of young to improve persons with disabilities’ access to ICT, such as people with and without disabilities, but it fails to include universal service funds (USFs), a universal service obligation any specific guidelines (GoB 2012). (USO), subsidies, access deficit charges, and public–private partnerships (ECLAC 2019a). For instance, USFs—which Coverage of special needs of persons with disabilities represent a system of legal telecommunications subsidies in national telecommunication laws and ICT policy and fees—are used in many countries to achieve universal documents is very fragmented. For example, the Strategy service coverage. A USO enforces telecommunications and Action Plan for Grenada fosters the development of providers to make their services available to all users, ICT to the benefit of less advantaged groups, including including disadvantaged groups and those living in remote persons with disabilities and the elderly, yet, it does not areas. Four CRF-eligible countries under consideration— contain any strategies or related accessibility guidelines Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the (GoG 2006). Similarly, Jamaica’s ICT Sector Plan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ National ICT Strategy and Grenadines—have both USFs and USOs (ECLAC 2019a). Action Plan, and Dominica’s Strategy for Implementing These countries are member states of the Eastern Caribbean the National ICT in Education Policy are limited to Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), whose establishing general provisions regarding the promotion of affordable treaty contains an important provision regarding universal universal access to ICT, including services to the disabled telecommunications service to the disabled and physically and other disadvantaged groups (GoJ 2009; GoSVG challenged (ECTEL 2000). Another ECTEL member state, 2010; GoCD 2004). Moreover, the 2010 National ICT Antigua and Barbuda, has drafted a telecommunications Strategy of Saint Lucia does not contain any reference to act with USO and USFs provisions; however, it has not been persons with disabilities (GoSL 2010). In comparison, the fully implemented yet (ECTEL 2000). Belize is considering National ICT Policy of Trinidad and Tobago—which is not developing a USO and USFs, while Guyana is already in CRF eligible—is based on a more advanced approach and the process of their establishment (ECTEL 2000). Further, contains extended sections on accessibility, e-government, Jamaica has active USFs, with a related framework and digital inclusion (Fonseca-Hoeve et al. 2017). The aimed at ensuring persons with disabilities’ access to National ICT Policy of Trinidad and Tobago contains telecommunications, while Suriname is the only country specific strategies to promote digital inclusion of persons among the CRF-eligible states that does not consider either with disabilities through three channels: (i) facilitating USFs or a USO necessary (ECTEL 2000). | 52 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Weak legislative and regulatory frameworks remain a B3. Compliance with international web significant challenge for improving both access to ICT accessibility standards: A preliminary and web accessibility in the CRF-eligible countries under analysis of official websites of the consideration. Even in those countries that have adopted special legal provisions for persons with disabilities’ NDMAs in the CRF-eligible countries access to ICT, their implementation appears slow. Also, one of the reasons behind unequal access to ICT can Researchers first attempted to conduct a global web be attributed to the existing legislative and regulatory accessibility overview of national government portals and frameworks in the CRF-eligible countries use narrow ministry websites in 193 United Nations member states in attitudes and approaches toward persons with disabilitiess 2011 (Goodwin et al. 2011). Their study was based on the and disability issues (ECLAC 2019a). In addition, these unified web evaluation methodology (UWEM) initiated by policies are not harmonized with disaster management the European Commission to support a unified way to and climate change policies. For example, according to a assess web accessibility across European countries and recent study, despite the perceived importance of ICT, very their compliance with WCAG (European Commission few NDMAs in the Caribbean region have organizational 2006). UWEM includes 144 accessibility tests that check strategies and systematic plans for developing their ICT all web elements for their compliance with WCAG capability (Levius et al. 2017). Also, despite considerable (European Commission 2006).1 Based on the UWEM variation among the ICT capabilities of the NDMAs, methodology, web accessibility scores were calculated for significant gaps emerge between the potential role of each United Nations member state (Goodwin et al. 2011). ICT and the resources available, including equipment, Accessibility scores represent a percentage of accessibility facilities, software, and IT personnel (Levius et al. 2017). barriers found among 144 test cases applied to countries’ For example, only Jamaica and Suriname’s NDMAs have governmental websites. The lower the countries’ in-house ICT specialists, while the other agencies are accessibility scores are, the better their web accessibility is. relying mostly on external arrangements through other Table B-4 contains countries’ ranks and accessibility scores government departments (Levius et al. 2017). Insufficient calculated for the nine CRF-eligible counties (Goodwin et human and other resources make it particularly challenging al. 2011). for the NDMAs to develop comprehensive strategies and plans to improve access for persons with disabilities to Persons with disabilities encounter web accessibility disaster-related information and online services. barriers in all CRF-eligible countries, with Saint Lucia having Table B-4. Ranks and accessibility scores of the CRF-eligible countries on web accessibility of their government websites. Number of websites tested Rank among 193 countries Accessibility score (%) for web accessibility Antigua and Barbuda 50 23.21 6 Belize 107 33.33 4 Dominica 108 33.33 1 Grenada 26 15.61 5 Guyana 119 36.61 5 Jamaica 146 42.31 4 St. Lucia 189 60.65 6 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 93 31.19 5 Suriname 168 50.0 1 Source: Goodwin et al. 2011. | 53 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility the highest accessibility score of 60.65—which is the worst markup. Although markup validation constitutes only result among the nine countries—and Grenada having the one of the multiple steps required for the complete web lowest accessibility score of 15.61, which ranks as the best accessibility analysis, it constitutes an important step result among this cohort of countries. Accessibility barriers toward ensuring the technical quality of websites and prevent persons with disabilities from having equal access provides initial justifications for more comprehensive to public information and government services and create evaluations. The website’s markup validation is a time- additional problems for other people with special needs. consuming process, and hence this example is limited only Therefore, the national governments in the CRF-eligible to select webpages of the NDMAs’ websites, containing countries need to take special measures to identify and instructions on emergency situations. A webpage is a web eliminate existing accessibility barriers and digital gaps. resource identifiable by a single URL, and it commonly consists of multiple elements, such as images, headings, People who live with some form of disability in the Caribbean and texts, all of which should be equally accessible to region are among the hardest hit during heath and disaster persons with disabilities and people without disabilities. crises in fatalities and impacts on wellbeing (CRF 2020). It is Table B-5 contains the URL of a specific webpage used extremely important for official government websites and for the markup validation and the number of warnings the NDMAs in the CRF-eligible countries to be accessible or errors generated by the W3C markup validation to users with various types of disabilities. Specifically, service. This markup validation is performed to ensure they need to comply with the existing international web that assistive technologies—such as screen readers that accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1 (W3C 2018b). generally rely on the HTML—can properly interpret the An advantage of WCAG compliance is that it provides a content of the webpage. better experience not only to persons with disabilities, but to all other internet users as well. The NDMAs’ websites are not fully compliant with internationally agreed website accessibility standards, Properly designed official government websites including which might make access to their content and information those of the NDMAs in the CRF-eligible countries can about disasters and emergency guidelines difficult, or be used by persons with disabilities to access important even impossible, for some people with disabilities (table information necessary for their disaster preparedness B-5). Color contrast tests offer another example of web and recovery activities. Such information ranges from accessibility barriers. The intent of such tests is to ensure disaster or emergency coordinators’ contact information, a text and its background contrast enough to be read information about the location of shelters, instructions by people with moderately low vision who do not use and tips on what to do before, during, and after hazard contrast-enhancing assistive technology. According to situations, emergency notices, policies, community WCAG 2.1, Level AA success criteria ensures a contrast disaster plans, and various educational materials. Due ratio of 4.5:1 because it allows users with vision loss to the limited scope of the desk review, this analysis equivalent to approximately 20/40 vision to read the focuses only on two examples to illustrate the necessity of related content (W3C 2016). Level AAA ensures a higher comprehensive in-depth website accessibility conformance contrast ratio of 7:1 because it allows users with vision evaluations based on the existing methodologies, such as loss equivalent to approximately 20/80 vision to read the WCAG website accessibility evaluation methodology the related content. Table B-6 contains the results of the (W3C 2016). color contrast tests for WCAG Level AA and Level AAA conducted on specific NDMAs’ webpages containing The first example uses the W3C markup validation service, shelter information. The specific tool used for these tests a validator developed by the W3C to allow internet users is the colour contrast Analyser (CCA) developed by the to check HTML and XHTML documents for well-formed Paciello Group (n.d.). | 54 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region Table B-5. Markup validation of specific webpages containing instructions and tips for emergency situations through the W3C markup validation service. The number of warnings or errors generated by the URL of a specific webpage used W3C markup validation Country Content of the webpage for the markup validation service Hurricane’s effects: things to do before a hurricane, http://nods.gov.ag/hazzards/ Antigua and Barbuda’s NODS 7 warnings hurricane disaster supplies kit, hurricane/ after the storm. Earthquake and tsunami safety http://site.nemo.org.bz/safety- Belize’s NEMO 15 warnings and errors guidelines guidelines/ Information about earthquakes http://odm.gov.dm/resources/ Dominica’s ODM and things to do before, during 19 warnings and errors hazards/earthquakes and after an earthquake. https://nadma.gd/hurricane/ Hurricane precautions for the Grenada’s NaDMA hurricane-precautions-for-the- 141 warnings and errors elderly. elderly/ Guyana’s CDC Disaster tips https://cdc.gy/?page_id=14361 9 warnings and errors General preparedness and https://www.odpem.org.jm/ Jamaica’s ODPEM 98 warnings and errors safety tips. general-safety-tips/ Disaster tips and to do http://nemo.gov.lc/Tips/To-Do- Saint Lucia’s NEMO 71 warnings and errors checklists. Checklist Information about hurricanes http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/ St. Vincent and the and things to do before, during index.php/hazards/70- 79 warnings and errors Grenadines NEMO and after an hurricane. hurricane Source: Authors’ preliminary analysis of specific webpages containing instructions for emergency situations posted on the websites of NDMAs. 2020. Table B-6. Color contrast validation of specific webpages containing shelter information with the use of the CCA. Results of the CCA Results of the CCA Country URL of webpages with shelter information tests (Level AA) tests (Level AAA) Passed Antigua and Barbuda’s NODS http://nods.gov.ag/2020-hurricane-shelters/ Failed Belize’s NEMO http://site.nemo.org.bz/national-shelter-list/ Failed Failed http://odm.gov.dm/resources/hazards/hurricanes/8- Dominica’s ODM Passed Failed hurricane-shelters Grenada’s NaDMA https://nadma.gd/emergency-shelters/ Failed Failed Guyana’s CDC N/A N/A N/A Passed Jamaica’s ODPEM https://www.odpem.org.jm/odpem_slider/shelters/ Passed Saint Lucia’s NEMO http://nemo.gov.lc/Shelter-Listing Failed Failed http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/index.php/62-plan- St. Vincent and the policies/emergency-shelters/540-emergency- Passed Passed Grenadines NEMO shelters-2020?highlight=WyJzaGVsdGVycyJd Source: Authors’ preliminary analysis of specific webpages containing shelter information posted on the NDMAs’ websites. 2020. | 55 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Some of the webpages tested are not compliant with Note the WCAG 2.1 contrast requirements (table B-6). Similar 1. Different evaluation methodologies contain a different to the previous example, this analysis points to various number of test cases. For example, a methodological digital barriers to persons with disabilities on the NDMAs’ approach developed by the United States Department of websites, which in turn suggests the importance of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Accessible Systems and Technology (OAST) is based on the Conformation conducting more comprehensive in-depth website Test Process that includes 66 test cases. It was accessibility conformance evaluations of these websites established to provide a standard means to evaluate in accordance with the international web accessibility web-based electronic content for conformance to the standards. Such in-depth evaluations could serve as a tool standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of to help the NDMAs achieve and maintain equal access 1973, which align with WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA to their public information and online services. Their key Success Criteria (United States Federal Chief Information Officers Council and Accessibility Community of Practice objective is to foster the design and development of 2019). disaster-related websites to the benefit of less advantaged groups with special needs and to ensure that persons with disabilities, aging people, and other vulnerable individuals do not suffer from digital exclusion. An advantage of the website accessibility conformance evaluations relates to the fact that they can be used by developers to introduce necessary improvements and enhancements in the websites’ design to better serve persons with disabilities. | 56 | Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management–Assessment in the Caribbean Region B4. Gaps and recommendations The analysis identified gaps in the web accessibility and offers a number of recommendations for the nine CRF-eligible countries (table B-7). Table B-7. Gaps and recommendations of web accessibility in the nine CRF-eligible countries. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Legislation, • Lack of mandatory web accessibility policies • Develop either standalone web accessibility policies or policies, and at the national level. integrate web accessibility requirements into the related plans • The use of outdated language and narrow policies, such as laws on protection of persons with approaches toward persons with disabilities disabilities, procurement laws, or ICT policies. and disability issues in national policies on • Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the use of Universal Service Funds (USFs) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Universal Service Obligation (USO). • Amend national policies related to the use of USFs with • Ineffective implementation of the USF updated language reflecting technological change and legislation in some of the CRF-eligible modern approaches to disability. countries. • Enhance implementation of the USFs’ legislation. Disaggregated • Insufficient information about the use of • Strengthen collection of data on the use of the internet data and internet by persons with disabilities. and other ICT by people with different types of research • Insufficient local research on barriers and disabilities, disaggregated by sex and age. obstacles to persons with disabilities and • Provide resources for local research related on various disadvantaged groups to access ICT in an digital barriers and obstacles to persons with disabilities effective and efficient way. and other disadvantaged groups. Institutional • Multiple accessibility barriers found in the • Conduct comprehensive website accessibility strengthening course of preliminary analyses of the official conformance evaluations of official governmental websites of the NDMAs confirm previous websites, with a particularly focus on the NDMAs , based research into web accessibility in the on the available methodologies. Caribbean region. • Consider opportunities for introducing incentives • Lack of incentives provided to public and for public and private entities related to disaster private entities to make their digital resources management to provide equal access to their digital more accessible to persons with disabilities in resources. disaster management and other policy areas. • Increase the NDMAs’ human and other resources to • A significant gap between the potential role integrate web accessibility standards into their digital of ICT and the resource base of the NDMAs, platforms. including equipment, facilities, and software, • Increase representation of persons with disabilities within as well as their limited or lacking in-house IT the NDMAs and the USFs through employing staff with expertise. disabilities and appointing disability focal points. Advocacy and • Insufficient discussions on the use of • Organize trainings and workshops for relevant public education accessible ICT in DRM and DRR. officials in the NDMAs and other public entities on • Insufficient awareness among public officials international web accessibility standards. about the importance of compliance with • Support public information and education functions international web accessibility standards related to accessible ICT in DRM, including making available suitable public information resources via the web. Partnerships • Insufficient efforts to involve in policy making • Develop partnerships with various persons with in ICT projects and create partnerships with CSOs and NGOs disabilitiesorganizations to work in collaboration on related to working on disability issues. the development and implementation of relevant web DRM • Expand the use of public–private partnerships accessibility policies. in ICT projects related to web accessibility and • Increase engagement with persons with disabilities DRM. during ICT project calls, appraisal and implementation processes related to DRM. • Create the enabling environment that fosters innovation and participation across the private sector companies. | 57 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility References GoB. 2012. National Youth Development Policy of Belize. Belmopan, Belize. http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/ strategy/bz_strategy/bz_National_Youth_Development_ CDEMA. 2016. The Regional Response Mechanism (RRM). Policy_2012.pdf. 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