04/23/2026
🚨 Crisis in Georgia: Are We Prepared to Protect Everyone? 🚨
As we watch the devastating wildfires intensify in South Georgia—with the Pineland Road Fire alone scorching over 30,000 acres—our hearts go out to the communities in Clinch, Brantley, and Echols counties.
But at WASILC, we are also asking a critical question: Is the cross-disability community being seen?
When "mandatory evacuations" are ordered, or when smoke makes the air "unhealthy," the impact is not equal. If we don’t have inclusive emergency plans before the smoke appears, we cannot prevent the loss of life.
The Reality of Exclusion
Imagine these scenarios in a disaster:
Deaf/Hard of Hearing: If alerts are only audio-based, how do they know when to run?
Blind/Low Vision: If smoke obscures landmarks, how do they find a safe route?
Wheelchair Users: If shelters lack backup power for medical equipment, they are trapped.
Rural Communities: If there is no plan for those with high-intensity needs, the most vulnerable are left behind.
Support Our Siblings in Georgia
The Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (SILCGA) is advocating for the rights and safety of Georgians with disabilities.
Support SILCGA: silcga.org | 770-270-6860
Washington: Get Involved & Get Prepared
We cannot wait for the fire to reach our backyards. "Nothing About Us Without Us" is a survival strategy. We are hosting a series of Operation Connection trainings to bridge the gap between responders and the disability community.
Register for an upcoming training near you:
📍 Yakima Training
Date: May 27, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Oxford Suites, 1701 East Yakima Avenue
Register here: https://bit.ly/4rKrM3A
📍 Spokane Training
Date: June 18, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St. Spokane, WA 99207
Register here: https://bit.ly/4bza9xh
We plan to be proactive. We plan to be ready. Let’s make sure Washington leads in inclusive safety.
