The Joint Legislative Audit and Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management convened on March 5, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities in California. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including Dr. Lindeman and Jim Frazier, who emphasized the need for improved safety measures during disasters.

Dr. Lindeman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to testify and indicated that recommendations would be shared with the legislative audit committee. Following this, Jim Frazier, representing the Arc of California and United Cerebral Palsy of California, highlighted the inadequacies in current emergency response strategies for people with disabilities. He noted that while significant progress has been made in accessibility, the egress— or safe exit— during emergencies remains a critical gap.

Frazier pointed out the complexities faced by individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities during catastrophic events. He stressed the importance of early intervention through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children and Individual Program Plans (IPPs) for adults, which should outline specific needs and assign responsibilities to ensure safety during emergencies.

Additionally, Frazier advocated for enhancing the existing registry for individuals with disabilities, suggesting that all jurisdictions should have access to this resource to improve response times and effectiveness during crises.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to ensure that individuals with disabilities are adequately protected in emergency situations. The discussions will likely inform future legislative actions aimed at improving emergency management protocols across California.