Medical Issues and Disability (physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory)

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person has a disability “if he or she (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.”⁴ The most easily recognized people in this category are those who are blind, deaf, and hard of hearing, as well as those with health conditions that limit mobility or make them dependent on electricity. As much as 14% of the population has hearing, vision, or mobility limitations.⁵

People with mental disabilities are thought by many health and emergency planners to be the most challenging at-risk population in widespread emergencies because people who cannot understand and follow directions could jeopardize others in addition to themselves. Mental disability is a population category that will require priority attention in some emergencies.

⁴ Executive Summary: Compliance Manual Section 902, Definition of the Term “Disability.” March 2009. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. February 3, 2010.
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/902sum.html

⁵ Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision-Making. December 1996. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. April 2, 2008.
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/pittd/ada.htm.