Rolling Rains Report:

NCD Letter to President Bush on Disaster Recovery and Livable Communities

Lex Frieden, Chairperson of the National Council on Disability, reminds us of an over-arching planning and design concept for post-disaster reconstruction. With room to accommodate Universal Design, Visitability, and Inclusive Destination Development, NCD's program for Universal Livability is outlined in a letter to president Bush below and in the document, "Livable Communities for Adults with Disabilities."

NCD Letter to President Bush on Disaster Recovery and Livable Communities

September 30, 2005
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is encouraged by the Federal
Governments recent statements of long-term commitment to leading recovery
and reconstruction efforts in the Gulf Coast areas affected most by
Hurricane Katrina, as well as those regions in Texas and Louisiana hit by
Hurricane Rita. In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Ritas devastation,
we have an opportunity to improve life for citizens including those with
disabilities. The nation is poised to undertake an unprecedented
reconstruction effort in rebuilding homes, as well as schools, medical
centers, businesses, and other public infrastructure. Estimated costs for
this massive effort are conservatively placed upwards of two hundred
billion dollars.

As this reconstruction effort unfolds over the months and years ahead, we
can ensure universal livability in addition to making structural
improvements for the hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities
and people who are elderly in the Gulf Coast region. We recommend that a
universal livability approach be followed in meeting the needs of people
with disabilities affected by recovery, rebuilding, and resettlement
efforts in all regions affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Universal
livability involves the application of planning and design principles to
create communities where universal access and design are an integral part
of life. A livable community strives to maximize people's independence,
assure safety and security, promote inclusiveness, and provide choice.

In following basic principles at the outset of the recovery, rebuilding,
and resettlement efforts, we can create livability for all citizens. NCD
recently transmitted to you a report entitled Livable Communities for
Adults with Disabilities, which offers a compelling vision for our
nation. NCDs report findings make clear that the elements that make a
community livable for people with disabilities make it a livable place
for all members of the community. Thus, in improving its livability for
one particular group of constituents, the community actually accomplishes
considerably more.

A livable community is one that achieves the following:

1. Provides affordable, appropriate, accessible housing;

2. Ensures accessible, affordable, reliable, safe transportation;

3. Adjusts the physical environment for inclusiveness and
accessibility;

4. Provides work, volunteer, and education opportunities;

5. Ensures access to key health and support services for people with
disabilities; and

6. Encourages participation in civic, cultural, social, and
recreational opportunities.

The focus of Livable Communities is in line with your Administration's
emphasis in the New Freedom Initiative on community integration,
participation, and enhancement of the independence of people with
disabilities at home, at work, and throughout the course of their daily
lives.

NCD recommends that to maximize the potential for success, the following
approaches be used to effect change on behalf of people with disabilities
evacuated and displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita:

1. Consolidate administration and pool funds of multiple programs to
improve ease of access to, and information about, benefits and programs
for consumers;

2. Use tax credits and other incentives to stimulate change in
individual and corporate behavior and encourage investment in livable
community objectives;

3. Provide a waiver or other authority to help communities blend
resources from multiple public funding streams to provide and coordinate
different services; and

4. Require or encourage a private sector match to leverage public
funding and stimulate public-private sector partnerships.

We suggest that by Executive Order the Federal Government should mandate
universal livability and set standards for implementation. Obviously, to
ensure that Gulf Coast reconstruction occurs competently, disability
organizations should be joined with all governmental recovery,
rebuilding, and resettlement (and non-government) operations and be
relied upon for ongoing advice, guidance, and leadership.

NCD joins in the deep concern for all of the citizens who are now
displaced as a result of the hurricane caused disasters, many of whom
have disabilities and who are older and experience a high rate of
disabling conditions. We are pleased to note the improved initial federal
response to Hurricane Rita over the past few days. NCD continues to offer
our support and assistance to you and all agencies of your Administration
in their ongoing work to help people restore and rebuild their lives.

Sincerely,

Lex Frieden, Chairperson
National Council on Disability

Posted by rollingrains at October 12, 2005 02:43 AM