5C: Inclusive Disaster Preparedness: Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations

Thursday, September 24 | 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Natural and human‑made disasters intensify inequities, disproportionately harming those with chronic illness, disability, and neurodevelopmental disability (NDD). Disruptions in care, medication, and access heighten risks. For individuals with NDDs, communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and disrupted routines magnify distress. Nursing education must embed preparedness that addresses structural ableism, individualized planning, and equity‑centered strategies.

Presenter: 

Maria Milazzo, PhD, RN, MSN, CPNP-PC | Stony Brook University School of Nursing