The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies

Winter Storm Checklist for Disabled People: disasterstrategies.org/winter-storm...

Disabled, need help because of the winter storm? ¿Discapacitade, necesitas ayuda debido a la tormenta invernal?

Local aid (ayuda local) try 211, 311, 800.733.2767

Call/text (llame) Disability & Disaster Hotline 800-626-4959 / hotline@disasterstrategies.org

#WinterStorm

Fred Beam “Creating a story with my painting brush as a weapon for voices that need to be seen and heard. I was partnered with J.R. and Lina, 2 kind and courageous individuals who survived the 2023 wildfires…

Watch Fred at #BadBunny’s #SuperBowl facebook.com/share/v/18jw... (thanks for sharing Jon Urquhart)

We invite you to spend time with Fred's artwork and learn more about the process behind it:
portraitsandportals.com/fred-beam/

Art, access, and survival are deeply connected.

Fred Beam, a Black Deaf man, stands on the field at the Super Bowl LX, signing the National Anthem in ASL, wearing a blue jacket with musicians behind him and a packed stadium crowd in the background.

At #BadBunny’s #SuperBowl, Fred Beam performed the National Anthem in ASL to one of the most visible stages in the world.

We’re honored that Fred is also an artist featured in our art project Portraits & Portals, learn more 👇

#BlackHistoryMonth

National Weather Service graphic titled “Key Messages for Early February Extreme Cold,” with the headline “Dangerous cold and gusty winds anticipated this weekend across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic,” issued Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 2:10 PM EST. Left panel lists: Extreme Cold and Dangerous Wind Chills (wind chills in the minus 30s across the Interior Northeast and New England; daytime highs in the teens and single digits; warming trend expected mid-next week), Damaging Winds and Snow Squall Potential (gusts over 50 mph Saturday across the southern/central Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and Interior Northeast; risk of tree damage, power outages), and Cold Weather Safety (risk of hypothermia and frostbite; limit exposure; protect animals; prevent frozen pipes). Right map titled “Coldest Wind Chill (Friday, Feb. 6 - Monday, Feb. 9)” shows wind chills from -50 to 30 degrees, with subzero values across the Midwest and Northeast and a highlighted corridor for gusts over 50 mph.

Extreme cold alert: Dangerous wind chills and gusty winds are expected across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this weekend.

Wind chills as low as the -30s
Gusts over 50 mph
Risk of power outages, frostbite, and hypothermia

Disability & Disaster Hotline 800.626.4959

The book cover shows, in the foreground, a line of utility trucks with orange safety cones is parked along a snow-dusted road. Tall electrical transmission towers and power lines recede into the distance, filling the background. The title, “Disabled Power,” appears in large, bold orange letters centered across the upper-middle of the cover. Above it, in smaller black text, is the subtitle: “A Storm, a Grid, and Embodied Harm in the Age of Disaster.” At the bottom, the author’s name, Angela Frederick, appears in black capital letters.

Join Feb 6, 1 PM ET for Disabled Infrastructure, Disability Resilience, a conversation with Angela Frederick on her book Disabled Power and lessons from Winter Storm Uri and the 2021 Texas power crisis.

Register here: occidental.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Light blue background with white snow dots at the top. Large white rectangle with bold black text reading: “Winter Storm Fern Tips.”

Light blue background. Black text reads: “Dangers of winter storms for disabled people:” followed by bullet points: Power outages and cold temperatures causing loss of heat or equipment and increased health risks. Batteries draining faster for wheelchairs, AAC devices, hearing aids, and ventilators. Medication issues because some medications cannot freeze or require refrigeration. Blocked access due to snow and ice on ramps, sidewalks, curb cuts, and transit delays. Direct service disruptions when personal care attendants or home health workers cannot travel safely.

Light blue background. Black text reads: “To stay prepared this winter:” followed by bullet points: Fully charge mobility and assistive devices and keep batteries out of the cold. Plan for heat loss with blankets, layers, and safe warming options. Protect medications from freezing or overheating. Plan for snow removal for ramps, doors, and accessible paths. Confirm paratransit availability and set backup plans for personal attendants. Use public libraries as warming centers during normal operating hours.

Light blue background. Black text reads: “Winter Storm Fern is bringing frigid temperatures, heavy snow, and dangerous conditions across the country. People with disabilities are 2–4 times more likely to be harmed in extreme weather. This winter, let’s strengthen our communities, check in on one another, and make sure emergency plans meet everyone’s needs.”

Winter Storm Fern isn’t over yet: snow, ice, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions are still affecting many areas. Stay inside, stay safe, and follow local advisories. Please share!

Need help? Call/text our Disability & Disaster Hotline at 800.626.4959

If you are disabled and need help due to this winter storm, see info from @disasterstrat.bsky.social below!

#pwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #MECFS #LongCovid #spoonie #disability

ID: (Español abajo) A background graphic shows a snowy day and a bundled-up man seated in a wheelchair. A man is standing next to him putting a large blanket around him. The text over a phone graphic says: “Disabled, impacted by severe winter weather, and need help? Call/text the Disability and Disaster Hotline. 800-626-4959 or hotline@disasterstrategies.org. #DisabLedResponse” At the bottom right corner is the logo for The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, with a sun and 4 graphics inside the sun: a hurricane, a lightning storm cloud, a house with a split down the center, and a tornado depicted on a smartphone screen. Descripción de imagen: Un gráfico de fondo muestra un día de nieve y un hombre abrigado sentado en una silla de ruedas. Un hombre está de pie junto a él y lo envuelve con una manta grande. El texto sobre un gráfico de teléfono dice: “¿Discapacitade, afectade por el clima invernal extremo y necesita ayuda? Llame/text a la línea directa de discapacidad y desastres. 800-626-4959 o hotline@disasterstrategies.org. #DisabLedResponse” En la esquina inferior derecha está el logotipo de The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, con un sol y 4 gráficos dentro del sol: un huracán, una nube de tormenta eléctrica, una casa con una división en el centro y un tornado representado en la pantalla de un teléfono inteligente.

Disabled, impacted by the winter storm & need help? Discapacitade, impactade por la tormenta invernal y necesita ayuda?

Local aid (ayuda local) try 211, 311, 800.733.2767

Call/text (llame) Disability & Disaster Hotline 800-626-4959 or hotline@disasterstrategies.org
#WinterStorm

If you rely on electricity for equipment/heat/mobility: charge now + plan for outages.

Winter Storm Checklist for Disabled People
disasterstrategies.org/winter-storm...

Disability & Disaster Hotline: 800.626.4959 (call/text)

National Weather Service graphic titled “Key Messages for Major January Winter Storm” with the headline “Widespread Heavy Snow and Crippling Ice Continues Today,” issued Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 4:15 AM EST. Left panel lists key points: High-Impact & Far-Reaching Winter Storm (impacts shifting out of the south-central U.S. and intensifying across the Northeast; heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain affecting nearly 190 million people through early Monday; extreme cold prolonging travel and infrastructure impacts), Widespread Heavy Snow (over 1 foot from the Ohio Valley through the northern Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast, near 2 feet in parts of the Interior Northeast/New England), Catastrophic Ice Accumulation (icing south of the snow axis; long-duration power outages, tree damage, dangerous/impassable travel; locally over 1 inch possible), and Extended Impacts (bitter cold and prolonged hazards). Right side shows two maps about snowfall and ice accumulation.

Major January Winter Storm Update (1/25): Heavy snow + ice continue today into Monday.

Heavy snow (1–2+ ft possible Ohio Valley → Mid-Atlantic → Northeast)
Catastrophic ice south of the snow axis (outages, downed trees, impassable roads)
Extreme cold impacts into next week

Find the Winter Storm Tips for Disabled People in link disasterstrategies.org/winter-storm...

Infographic titled “Winter Storms: Things Disabled People Should Do Ahead of Time.” The infographic is organized into sections including: Gather Supplies; Power and Light; Food and Water That Works for You; Warmth and Layering; Communication Supports; Service Animal and Pet Supplies; Planning Ahead for Power Outages; Transportation and Accessible Evacuation Planning; Making Your Home Safer; Support Needs and Communication; Thinking About Common Gaps; and Preparing a Go Bag. It also includes space for personal notes and disability disaster hotline information.

Infographic titled “Winter Storms: Things Disabled People Should Do Ahead of Time.” The infographic is organized into sections including: Gather Supplies; Power and Light; Food and Water That Works for You; Warmth and Layering; Communication Supports; Service Animal and Pet Supplies; Planning Ahead for Power Outages; Transportation and Accessible Evacuation Planning; Making Your Home Safer; Support Needs and Communication; Thinking About Common Gaps; and Preparing a Go Bag. It also includes space for personal notes and disability disaster hotline information.

Infographic titled “Winter Storms: Things Disabled People Should Do Ahead of Time.” The infographic is organized into sections including: Gather Supplies; Power and Light; Food and Water That Works for You; Warmth and Layering; Communication Supports; Service Animal and Pet Supplies; Planning Ahead for Power Outages; Transportation and Accessible Evacuation Planning; Making Your Home Safer; Support Needs and Communication; Thinking About Common Gaps; and Preparing a Go Bag. It also includes space for personal notes and disability disaster hotline information.

Winter storms are coming. Snow, ice & freezing temps create extra risks for disabled people: power outages, inaccessible travel, disrupted care.

Here is a checklist to help you plan ahead:

Disability & Disaster Hotline: 800.626.4959 | hotline@disasterstrategies.org

NOAA/National Weather Service Day 3–7 U.S. Hazards Outlook. Valid 01/24/26-01/28/26. Graphic shows a broad stretch of winter weather risk across much of the country, with hazardous cold expected over large parts of the central and northern U.S., and parts of the South (1/24-1/27), plus a wide band of heavy snow stretching from the central U.S. toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (1/24-1/26), and a corridor of freezing rain from the south-central U.S. into the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic region (1/24-1/25). NOAA logo in the top left and the National Weather Service logo in the top right, a small inset map of Alaska in the bottom left that says “NO HAZARDS,” and a gray information box at the bottom that reads “Weather Prediction Center,” “Made: 01/21/2026 03:28 PM EST,” and “Forecaster: Putnam,” along with website links, small Facebook and X (Twitter) icons, and the site www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.

Get ready for a dangerous winter storm and potential power outages this weekend

Expect a major winter storm with heavy snow, damaging ice, and extreme cold. The @NWS reports 132 million people under winter alerts.

Warming centers: 211
Disability & Disaster Hotline: 800-626-4959

Slide 1: A red bordered graphic with a photo of the U.S. Capitol building in the background. Large white text reads “REAADI for Disasters Act.” REAADI logo appears on the right. Centered text reads “The Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion (REAADI) for Disasters Act was reintroduced! Introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and in the House by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Jared Huffman(D-CA).

The REAADI for Disasters Act is back in Congress! It strengthens disability civil rights in disasters and adds new funding for community-based response and disability-inclusive preparedness. Ask your Congressperson to co-sponsor REAADI today! #REAADI #DisabilityJustice

Memorial graphic featuring a photo of Bob Kafka wearing a hat and glasses, sitting in a wheelchair. Behind him is a U.S. flag with a wheelchair accessibility symbol in the blue field. The graphic includes the text “Rest In Peace Bob Kafka” and the dates “February 24, 1946 - December 26, 2025,” framed by a soft beige background with red decorative accents.

The Partnership mourns disability rights legend Bob Kafka, who passed at 79. A leader in ADAPT for over 40 years, Bob fought to keep disabled people in the community and helped shape the ADA and Money Follows the Person and RevUp.
Bob’s legacy lives on: “Don’t mourn, organize.”

Bilingual graphic with a cloudy background promoting the Disability & Disaster Hotline. Text in English and Spanish asks if disabled people impacted by disasters need help and provides the call/text number for the hotline: 800-626-4959. The Partnership's logo appears at the top, with disaster icons along the bottom.

Disabled, impacted by disasters, need help? Discapacitade, afectade por desastres y necesita ayuda?
Try | Trate 211, 311, 800.733.2767

Call/text (llame) Disability & Disaster Hotline 800-626-4959 or hotline@disasterstrategies.org.

Slide 1: “Seasonal Depression Check-In. I am doing okay. I am doing pretty good. I am doing really great. I am having a real hard time. I need to reach out for support.”

Slide 2: “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, is a type of depression affected by the changing seasons. For many people, seasonal depression often gets worse in winter when there’s less sunlight and colder weather. For many disabled people, winter doesn’t cause isolation, it adds to the isolation and access barriers we already navigate, making the season feel even heavier.”

Slide 3: “Set up automatic reminders (meds, appointments, and light therapy). Build a ‘low-energy kit’ with high-protein, easy-to-grab foods, warmth layers, and chargers. Make a simple communication plan to reach out to friends or people who can offer support, especially during bad weather. If you use assistive tech, make sure batteries + backups stay charged.”

Slide 4: “Disability & Disaster Hotline (call/text): (800) 626-4959. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text/chat): 988. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME → 741741. Peer support warmline: warmline.org. Check local Centers for Independent Living for peer support. Your safety and mental health matter every season.”

Winter 2025 is bringing longer nights and colder storms, which can worsen seasonal depression for disabled people.

Preparing for low-level days: warm layers, easy meals, charged devices, and a check-in plan, keeps us safe.

We’re in this together.

Slide 1 shows a blue winter-themed background with falling snowflakes. Centered is a large white rectangle with bold black text that reads, “Winter Tips for Disabled People.”

Slide 2: “Dangers of winter storms for disabled people.” Below the heading is a bulleted list that reads: “Power outages + cold temps → loss of heat/equipment, increased health risks.” “Batteries draining faster (wheelchairs, AAC, hearing aids, ventilators).” “Medication instability (some meds can’t freeze or need refrigeration).” “Blocked access → snow/ice on ramps, sidewalks, curb cuts, transit delays.” “Direct service disruptions when PCAs/home health can’t travel safely.”

Slide 3: “To stay prepared this winter.” The bullet points read: “Fully charge mobility + assistive devices; keep batteries out of the cold.” “Plan for heat loss: blankets, layers, safe warming options.” “Protect medications from freezing or overheating.” “Arrange snow removal for ramps, doors, and accessible paths.” “Confirm paratransit availability + set personal attendants backup plans.” “Take advantage of public libraries as warming centers during their normal hours.”

Slide 4: “Winter 2025 is already bringing Arctic cold, early snow, and dangerous storms across the country.” Below that, a second paragraph reads, “This season, let’s strengthen our support networks, check on one another, and make inclusive disability preparedness a priority.”

Winter emergencies hit disabled people hardest. Let’s prepare together and keep our communities safe.

Warming centers: 211 | Disability & Disaster Hotline: 800-626-4959

La diapositiva 1 muestra un fondo azul con temática invernal y copos de nieve cayendo. En el centro hay un gran rectángulo blanco con texto negro en negrita que dice: “Consejos de invierno para personas discapacitadas”.

La diapositiva 2: “Peligros de las tormentas invernales para las personas discapacitadas”. Debajo del título hay una lista con viñetas que lee: “Cortes de energía + temperaturas frías → pérdida de calefacción/equipos, aumento de riesgos para la salud”. “Las baterías se descargan más rápido (sillas de ruedas, CAA, audífonos, ventiladores)”. “Inestabilidad de medicamentos (algunos medicamentos no pueden congelarse o requieren refrigeración)”. “Acceso bloqueado → nieve/hielo en rampas, aceras, rampas en la aceras, retrasos en el transporte”. “Interrupciones de servicios directos cuando les asistentes personales o la atención de salud en el hogar no pueden pueden viajar seguramente”.

La diapositiva 3: “Para mantenerse preparade este invierno”. Los puntos indican: “Cargar completamente los dispositivos de movilidad y de asistencia; mantener las baterías fuera del frío”. “Planificar ante la pérdida de calefacción: mantas, vestirse en ropa, opciones seguras para mantenerse caliente”. “Proteger los medicamentos del congelamiento o del sobrecalentamiento”. “Organizar la retirada de nieve en rampas, puertas y rutas accesibles”. “Confirmar la disponibilidad de paratránsito y establecer planes de respaldo con asistentes personales”. “Aprovechar las bibliotecas públicas como centros de calentamiento durante sus horarios habituales”.

La diapositiva 4: “El invierno de 2025 ya está trayendo frío ártico, nieve temprana y tormentas peligrosas en todo el país”. Debajo, un segundo párrafo dice: “Esta temporada, fortalezcamos nuestras redes de apoyo, cuidémonos entre nosotres y hagamos de la preparación inclusiva para personas discapacitadas una prioridad”.

Las emergencias invernales afectan gravemente a las personas discapacitadas.

Preparémonos juntes y mantengamos seguras a nuestras comunidades.

Centros de calentamiento: 211 | Línea Directa de Discapacidad y Desastres: 800-626-4959

A white square graphic with a centered quote in black text that reads: “There is so much that able-bodied people could learn from the wisdom that often comes with disability. But space needs to be made. Hands need to reach out. People need to be lifted up. The story of disabled success has never been a story about one solitary disabled person overcoming limitations.” – Alice Wong. At the bottom is the logo for The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, featuring a stylized yellow sun and the organization’s name in orange and blue text.

Four weeks since Alice Wong’s passing. Her wisdom calls us to let disabled voices lead and build systems where we thrive, not just survive disasters, policy failures, or inaccessible systems. Thank you, Alice. Rest in power.

A square graphic with diagonal pastel bands in yellow, gray, blue, green, red, and dark gray forming a border around a white center box. Inside the box, bold text reads “Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities.” Below it, in italic text, it says “Disability is the largest minority in the world!” The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies logo appears near the bottom, followed by the date “December 03, 2021” in black text.

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

A reminder that disability is global and the largest minority in the world. Let’s keep building a world where access, dignity, and belonging come first!

A circular white center displays the Giving Tuesday logo with The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies logo above it. The background is teal with large yellow circles and white concentric line patterns.

Giving Tuesday is today.
Because of your generosity, disability-led disaster justice keeps moving.

disasterstrategies.org/donate/

Giving Tuesday graphic with four heart icons in red, dark blue, light blue, and pale yellow along the left. On the right, a dark blue speech bubble reads “GIVING TUESDAY.” Above it is a yellow “December 2, 2025” label and a red “DONATE” button with a heart. A megaphone points toward The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies logo at the bottom.

#GivingTuesday is tomorrow.
Fuel disability-led disaster justice: disasterstrategies.org/donate/

Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities logo.

Urgent: Governments have until end of December to comment on the UN’s draft PPED treaty.

It will shape how States respond to disasters while protecting people’s rights, but key disability protections are still missing.

Act now!
Analysis + templates: tinyurl.com/mwjey2hn

A Giving Tuesday graphic with multicolored heart logos on the left and a red “DONATE” button. On the right, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies logo appears above the text: “Help us make a difference! Join us in strengthening support for disabled people across every phase of disaster.”

Less than a week until #GivingTuesday! Help us create a world where disabled people are safe, supported, and empowered before, during, and after disasters. Every gift strengthens disability-led solutions: disasterstrategies.org/donate

ID: A graphic titled “Stages of Grief Reflections” with flames framing the sides. In the center is the illustrated promo for Sins Invalid’s 2025 Stages of Grief: Crip Hearts on Fire – Virtual Release, showing six disabled performers in expressive poses against a colorful pink-purple background.

Our colleague Shari shares, Stages of Grief was “haunting, powerful, and left me angry, uplifted, empowered, and unexpectedly hopeful.”

We hope you’ll watch and share this performance.

ID: A red and orange memorial graphic with a white box in the center showing Alice Wong’s quote: “Disability is both apparent and nonapparent. Disability is pain, struggle, brilliance, abundance, and joy. Disability is sociopolitical, cultural, and biological. Being visible and claiming a disabled identity brings risks as much as it brings pride.”

Grieving Alice Wong and holding deep gratitude for how clearly she named our experiences. She reminded us that disability is complicated, beautiful, political, risky, and joyful. She gave us language for the pride and pain, the visibility and the cost. We carry her words forward.

ID: A memorial graphic with a dark green background shows the text “Alice Wong, March 27, 1974 – November 14, 2025.” Below, “REST IN POWER” arches over a red dotted semi-circle. In front is Alice Wong seated in her power wheelchair with her ventilator. Stylized green leaves frame the bottom.

We mourn deeply the loss of Alice Wong, writer, activist, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. She uplifted Disabled stories, championed inclusive disaster work, and fought for our survival and joy.

Her impact will continue to shape our community for years to come.

En el centro de la imagen, un marco rectangular blanco contiene un estallido de sol amarillo resplandeciente, con tonos cálidos de rosa y coral en los bordes. Este resplandor está rodeado de llamas abstractas y remolinos ondulantes en verde, azul, rojo y naranja. En la parte superior de la imagen aparece el logo de Sins Invalid, un rectángulo negro con las palabras “Sins Invalid” en letras blancas. Debajo, un texto negro en distintos tamaños dice: “Presenta: Escenarios de duelo: Corazones disca que arden.” Más abajo, en letras negras se lee: “Transmisión gratuita, 12-19 de noviembre, 2025” y “Panel de preguntas y respuestas 15 de noviembre.” En la parte infer.

Nos enorgullece destacar a nuestro Codirector Ejecutivo Germán Parodi, parte del elenco de Escenarios de duelo: Corazones disca que arden de Sins Invalid 2024.

Transmisión gratuita: 12-19 nov
Conversatorio: 15 nov
sinsinvalid.typeform.com/escenarios