As summer brings rising heat and extreme weather, people with disabilities face greater risks. Tailored emergency plans, reliable support networks, and accessible communication are essential for safety. From power backups to heatwave checks, preparation saves lives. Inclusive planning ensures no one is left behind when conditions turn dangerous.

As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, summer can be a risky time – especially for people living with disabilities. Heatwaves, bushfires, power outages, and storms don’t discriminate, but they hit harder when mobility, communication, or medical needs are part of the picture. The harsh truth is this: without proper planning, people with disabilities are often left out of emergency responses that assume everyone can move quickly, hear alarms, or access real-time updates.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s how individuals, families, support workers, and communities can take real steps to protect people with disabilities this summer.