File photo.
Rising climate-driven disasters are increasing anxiety among the wider public, but families of children and young people with disabilities face compounded challenges, often left unsupported during emergencies.
A new initiative by Life is for All, in collaboration with Georgetown University and the University of Thessaly, seeks to address these gaps and has received the Earth Commons ECo Impact Award 2026-2027.
The program focuses on climate adaptation and improving emergency preparedness through inclusive, structured and sustainable support. Researchers from the partner institutions, along with senior adviser Joan Lombardi, aim to equip parents and frontline responders, including police and firefighters, with tools to manage crises involving people with disabilities.
The team will work with families in Greece and the US to identify key factors shaping effective response, such as communication, sensory conditions, behavioral reactions, mobility, medical needs and disrupted routines.