These seven points reflect an emerging consensus about how best to respond to the needs of people with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster.
Additional dialogue and research are needed on emerging communications technology and policy issues, not only for people with disabilities, but for all underrepresented individuals in society -- the poor, the isolated, and the vulnerable.
Working together, the disability community, disaster relief agencies, and the media along with local, state, and federal governments can help minimize the high toll disasters exact.