© CBM/Gonzalo Bell

New book offers solutions for disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction

CBM announces the release of a new book, An Introduction to Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction: Intersecting Terrains.

The book is co-edited by Dr. Shaun Grech, CBM’s Global Technical Lead for Inclusive Social Protection, and Dr. Joerg Weber, Senior Global CBID Advisor. It marks the first academic book on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR).

The book has already earned high praise from experts.

Prof. Nora Groce, Director of the International Disability Research Centre at University College London, recommends it as “essential reading for anyone involved in disaster risk reduction, whether in policy, practice, or research.”

A fresh, practical guide for inclusive disaster resilience

At a time when climate change, conflict, and health crises are reshaping communities worldwide, the book highlights a critical truth: persons with disabilities are among the most affected by disasters because they are among the least included in preparation and response.

“At a time when crises are increasing – whether due to climate change, conflicts or pandemics – this book impressively shows why Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) must not remain a niche topic. It creates a sound basis for interdisciplinary research and practice. It calls for the long overdue visibility and recognition of inclusion in disaster risk management – to save lives and minimise damage,” Dr. Weber, one of the editors of the book, notes.

Drawing from real-world examples and research and providing theoretical foundations, the book offers a clear, accessible introduction for policymakers, humanitarian workers, academics, researchers, and students. It challenges the traditional ways we think about disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the position of persons with disabilities within the narrative. It calls for systems that are not just “disability-aware” but truly disability-inclusive and responsive.

It explores key themes that connect disability with disaster risks — including climate change, governance, forced migration, conflict, and the politics of disability representation.

The book also considers how intersectional factors like gender, ethnicity, and poverty shape people’s experiences of disasters.

Dr. Grech, who is co-editor of the book, also states that: “Disasters are becoming more frequent and protracted, and persons with disabilities continue to be among those excluded or marginalised from adequate and responsive disaster risk reduction, their rights violated. This book lays the ground for Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. As a veritable subject of interdisciplinary study, while pushing to strengthen its critical visibility and legitimacy at policy and ground levels across sectors to save lives and minimise harm.”

Experts recommend the book as a vital resource.

This timely release is a vital resource for anyone working in disaster risk management, development, human rights, disability studies, global health, humanitarian studies, international studies and emergency response. The book also supports global frameworks, like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which push for more inclusive, participatory approaches.

Professor JC Gaillard from the University of Auckland describes it as “an outstanding contribution to our field of scholarship and practice” and predicts it will become a go-to reference for understanding the complex intersections between disability and disaster risk.


Professor Nora Groce goes on to add that, “Grech and Weber have brought together some of the world’s leading experts in disaster risk reduction and disability to provide nuanced and thoughtful insight into the range of issues and responses that need to be considered to ensure equal and effective inclusion for [people] with disabilities in times of emergency and disaster. As such, it should be required reading for all working in disaster risk reduction, whether it be in policy, practice or research.”

The book includes examples from CBM’s work and contributions from other CBM colleagues, past and present: Oliver Wiegers, Talal Waheed and Sarah Rule.

An Introduction to Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction is now available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats through Routledge and major book retailers.