The Problem:
During disasters, caregivers and family members are often prevented from entering evacuation zones, even when people with disabilities rely on them for essential support. This gap can create serious risks. In the 2025 Eaton Fire, a 67-year-old wheelchair user and his 35-year-old son with intellectual and developmental disabilities died while waiting for emergency evacuation. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for better coordination between first responders and caregivers who support people with disabilities.
Action:
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) convened a coalition of disability advocates, emergency response agencies, and community partners to address the needs of people with disabilities during disasters. SCDD helped coordinate donations of durable mobility equipment, safety supplies, and personal protective equipment for distribution through community and disaster relief organizations. The Council also worked with first and second responders to increase awareness of disability access and safety needs, including the importance of allowing caregivers to assist individuals during emergency evacuations.
Results:
These efforts helped spark the development of a new concept with local emergency responders: the CARE Registry (Credentialed Access for Response and Evacuation). The registry is designed to allow verified caregivers to assist individuals with disabilities during emergency evacuations, including fires and other hazardous situations. According to Pasadena Fire Department leadership, the concept directly emerged from conversations with SCDD and partners about improving safety and access during disasters.
Unique Role of the Council:
SCDD’s statewide relationships with disability communities and public safety agencies allow the Council to bridge systems, elevate lived experiences, and help develop practical solutions that protect people with disabilities during emergencies.