Disability, Disaster and the Law of Legal Erasure in Emergency Governance: Study of the Awareness of Teachers and Parents in Reference to the Legal Provisions for Disabled Children

Author(s): Shaik Ismail and Dr. Poonam Keshwani

Abstract:

Disasters disproportionately affect children with disabilities (CwD), with mortality rates often twice as high as the general population due to physical, social, and institutional barriers. This study investigates the “legal erasure” of disability within emergency governance a phenomenon where inclusive mandates, such as those in the Disaster Management Act, 2005, are present in theory but absent in practical, ground-level implementation. Using a survey of parents and teachers, the research evaluates awareness and perceived implementation of inclusive disaster provisions. While there is a general awareness that lack of knowledge leads to exclusion, specific practical measures like inclusive evacuation plans and teacher training are severely lacking. A dominant “Neutral” response trend among stakeholders indicates a widespread lack of definitive knowledge regarding the rights of CwD during emergencies. The study concludes that unless disaster laws are actively harmonized with disability rights frameworks (such as the RPWD Act, 2016 and the UNCRPD), the unique needs of disabled children will continue to be “erased” from emergency response, resulting in systemic exclusion and heightened risk.

Keywords: Legal Awareness, Teachers Awareness, Parents Awareness, Disability Rights, Disaster Governance, Emergency, Disabled Children, Act, Laws

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