Communication and Disaster: A Reflection of Dr. Diane Nelson Bryen’s “Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities”

It is very typical for our island culture to be prepared in terms of disasters, both natural and man-made. For as long as history reminds us, Guam has been subjected to its fair share of typhoons, earthquakes, wars, and environmental issues, such as the Ordot Dump situation and Taki Island (Taki being the Chamorro word for feces and the island name such is where all the sewage gets pumped into the ocean). According to a presentation made by Dr. Diane Nelson Bryen entitled, “Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities,” in 2007, mainly after the event associated with Hurricane Katrina, the Department of Homeland Security created a 64-paged Appropriation Act, which gave the course of action for any disasters situation that address evacuations and other similar concerns. However, only a half page was dedicated to individuals with disabilities, despite the fact that dealing with individuals with disabilities, in terms of disaster situations, is much more complicated and complex that a half page notation. In terms of the United States, it is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the population has some sort of disability. Guam, on the other hand, is estimated to be higher (some 25%). With such as great population of disabled individuals, the main concern of yesterday’s discussion and presentation by Dr. Bryen, was what steps has Guam taken to ensure the safety of its disabled community members.
The room in which the presentation took place was decently filled with educators, advocates, police officers, students, and officials from Homeland Security, The American Red Cross, GSAT, Guam CEDDERS, and the Center for Independent Living. As discussion began about what Guam has done to serve the disabled community during times of disaster, it was clear that no one really knew what was going on. One police officer asked where a disabled person could go if they had no where else to go. Others asked if shelters had generators and facilities that could support a disabled person’s assistive and augmentative technology in time of disaster. Everyone seems unfamiliar with one another and these were the people who catered to individuals with disabilities and disaster situations. Clearly, there needed to be more conversation. This was a great place to get the dialogue started.
Guam, being a sort of magnet for natural and man-made disaster, has had a lot of practice in terms of knowing what to do in time of disaster. However, I believe that rests on the fact that majority of the population is without a disability and in recent years, disaster has not been as disastrous as it was in the past. However, the day when that disastrous disaster comes is not the day in which to begin planning and figuring out how to assist and help the disabled community. I hope that in the near future, dialogue and conversation between those engaged in the safety of the island and the disabled community will work together to teach the disabled how to prepare themselves and their relatives for a disastrous situation and that facilities and resources will be available for those with disabilities. Communication, regardless if it is augmented or assisted, is the key to providing safety and preparedness for all.

Works Cited
Bryen, Diane N. "Emergency Preparedness fro People with Disabilities." Special Lecture Series. University of Guam, Mangilao. 31 Oct. 2008.