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Wildfire evacuations exposed gaps for people with disabilities, officials say; durable medical equipment, transportation and shelter access were primary issues
Summary
Officials described interruptions during recent Los Angeles wildfires, with some DOR offices closed intermittently and independent living centers supporting shelters; witnesses said rapid evacuations exposed gaps in transportation, medical equipment access and shelter accessibility.
State agency representatives described operational challenges and community impacts during recent Los Angeles wildfires, saying evacuations, power outages and redirected transit created obstacles for people with disabilities.
Department of Rehabilitation witnesses reported intermittent closures of 10 Los Angeles area offices during the fires because of road closures, power outages or evacuations; offices reopened as soon as conditions allowed. Staff and independent living centers assisted evacuees and shelters by providing resource guides, durable medical equipment and other emergency supports, the department said.
Witnesses and regional center staff described three recurring problems in disasters: (1) transportation and paratransit services can be redirected or unavailable during evacuations; (2) durable medical equipment and critical supplies — ventilators, mobility aids, medications — may be left behind when people must evacuate quickly; and (3) shelter accessibility and the ability to find accessible placements on short notice are limited. One independent living center closed a location temporarily but continued services remotely and in shelters.
Officials said lessons from the wildfire response include the need for better real‑time coordination with shelters, stronger durable‑medical‑equipment logistics and advance planning for accessible emergency placements. Departments said they will continue to work with local partners and shelters to improve readiness and response for people with disabilities in disasters.
