The lived experience of sheltering for individuals with disabilities during severe tropical cyclones in northern Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Safe shelter from cyclones for individuals with disabilities, who are at greater risk of injury and death than other populations, requires close attention. The purpose of this study was to gain the perspective of individuals with disabilities on the experience of sheltering during the three most recent severe tropical cyclones in northern Queensland, Australia. A qualitative, interpretive methodology was used to explore the experience of 12 individuals with disabilities. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and interpreted using inductive thematic analysis. The experience of sheltering was characterised by three factors and the dynamic interaction between these factors before, during and when recovering after the cyclone: capacity of the physical environment; the physical and psychological impact of the cyclone; and availability and capability of support networks. Hearing first-hand from individuals with disability on their sheltering experience, reinforced the need for an individualised risk reduction approach, to accommodate each individual's changing needs over the course of a severe cyclone event, and which draws on their own capabilities and resources. Furthermore, to ensure safe sheltering for people of all abilities in a public shelter, consideration of the changing needs of individuals with disability and their inclusion in the process of design is essential.