Disabled Women, Climate Disasters
Western MA ~ On April 14th, Zonta will host an informational talk on the Impact of Climate Change Fueled Disasters on Disabled Women at the Ludlow Country Club, with guest speaker Melissa Marshall, J.D., the Director of Policy & Programs for The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies.
Due to the increasing issue of climate disasters, we all need to pay heed to planning for the possibility of emergency evacuation. But climate disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in low-income communities. Too often, not enough attention is paid to these populations. Tonight we will focus on the specific needs of these groups, including access to transportation, shelter, and other essential resources.
The public is invited to join us on April 14th. RSVP by April 7, 2025 at info@ZontaQV.org.
5:30 Reception, 6:00 Dinner followed by the Program.
Pay at the door for the buffet ($30 for table of 8; $35 individual) or pay online. Details at www.zontaqv.org/climate.
Melissa Marshall, J.D.
Melissa has over 30 years’ of experience managing disability rights programs, projects, and organizations. She has a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law, is admitted to the Bar in Connecticut, and has been training and providing technical assistance in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) locally and nationally since it’s passage. Melissa has also provided training and technical assistance in the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal and state disability rights laws. She has a broad and deep background in disability policy. Areas of particular interest include: equity for people with disabilities in disasters and public health emergencies; equity for people who identify as women with disabilities; employment for disabled people; closing congregate institutions for disabled people, including psychiatric institutions; equity for people found not guilty because of insanity; disability-inclusive public health practices; ending outpatient for people with mental health conditions; and, mitigating disability-based bullying. Melissa has worked as the Executive Director of several disability-related non-profits, including a Center for Independent Living (CIL). Since 2017, she has utilized her expertise in ADA and other disability rights law and disability policies to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to disaster-related programs and services before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.
Books Melissa Marshall has written:
I Can’t Swim, But I Haven’t Drowned Yet: Notes From a Disability Rights Activist, PYP Academy Press, 2020
Getting It: Persuading Organizations and Individuals to Be More Comfortable with People with Disabilities, People with Disabilities Press, 2003
Emergency Preparedness Plan Word document PDF
