REAADI for Disasters Act

The REAADI for Disasters Act would establish programs and requirements to help seniors and individuals with disabilities prepare for and respond to disasters. The bill would fund research and training, create a national commission with disability representatives, and require federal agencies to ensure disaster spending complies with disability rights laws. It would also allow states to contract with Centers for Independent Living to provide disaster preparedness services to disabled individuals.

The bill addresses concerns that seniors and people with disabilities face higher risks during disasters and are often overlooked in emergency planning. If enacted, it would require the government to provide disaster information in accessible formats like Braille and American Sign Language, ensure people with disabilities can return to their communities after disasters, and include disabled individuals as decision-makers in all phases of emergency management. The bill is currently under consideration by three House committees: Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce.