Natural disaster vulnerability among people with disabilities: Insights from the 2024 Household Pulse Survey

Natural disasters pose global challenges, with their frequency and severity increasing annually, impacting communities worldwide. People with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable to experiencing adverse mental health outcomes in the aftermath of such events, yet this critical issue remains inadequately studied.

This paper examines the impact of natural disasters on people with disabilities, focusing on their displacement patterns and mental well-being, to enhance our understanding of health vulnerabilities and the specific needs in emergency response.

Data from the nationally representative 2024 Household Pulse Survey were analyzed to assess the duration of displacement and the severity of mental distress among individuals with and without disabilities following natural disasters. Generalized Estimating Equations were employed to predict post-disaster outcomes, adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and household structure.

Individuals with vision disabilities (CI: 0.024-0.137) and those with multiple disabilities (CI: 0.020-0.068) experienced significantly longer periods of displacement compared to non-disabled people. Additionally, people with cognitive disabilities reported significantly higher levels of mental distress than their non-disabled counterparts (CI: 0.149-0.236).

Findings from this study demonstrate the need for specialized disaster response protocols that prioritize accessibility, mental health support, and targeted assistance for different disability types. Future emergency preparedness policies should incorporate disability-specific considerations, including enhanced evacuation planning, accessible mental health services, and strengthened community support systems. Disaster response frameworks must evolve to address these documented vulnerabilities, ensuring equitable support for all community members during and after natural disasters.