Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), along with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), has introduced the Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion (REAADI) for Disasters Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to improve how the United States prepares for and responds to disasters that affect seniors and people with disabilities.
The lawmakers say that as extreme weather events and public health emergencies become more common, current emergency systems often fail to coordinate key services such as medical care, transportation, housing, civil rights protections, response, and recovery. These gaps can put vulnerable populations at greater risk during crises.
The REAADI Act is designed to address these shortcomings by ensuring accessibility, continuity of care, and civil rights are built into disaster response plans from the outset.
“Disaster preparedness is ultimately a test of whether government understands how people actually live. Seniors and Americans with disabilities depend on systems that span health care, transportation, housing, and civil rights—and when those systems fracture in a crisis, lives are placed at risk. The REAADI for Disasters Act brings those responsibilities together into a single, accountable framework, so when disaster strikes, protection remains steady and reliable even when everything else is not,” said Fitzpatrick.
“Natural disasters are continuing to increase in frequency and intensity, and it’s critical that we keep up with disaster preparedness plans that include all residents of a community,” said Dingell. “Individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those with mobility challenges are often forgotten, even though they face higher risks for death or injury during disasters. The REAADI for Disasters Act will ensure aging Americans and those with disabilities have a stronger voice in the preparation, response, and mitigation of disasters.”
“Our REAADI for Disasters Act ensures that our most vulnerable populations are not left behind in disaster planning,” said Blumenthal. “Seniors and people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters—it is critical that their voices are included in disaster preparedness efforts. Our bipartisan measure supports and involves older adults and people with disabilities in disaster planning so that federal, state, and local partners are better equipped to meet their unique needs in a crisis.”
“When Los Angeles faced some of the most devastating wildfires in our history one year ago, it was clear there was an urgent need to improve our crisis planning. In particular, we need to make sure we have the resources in place to help individuals with disabilities and older adults with emergency preparedness and response,” said Schiff. “I’m proud to work alongside Senator Blumenthal on this legislation to ensure people with disabilities and seniors have a voice in the preparation and response efforts when disaster strikes.”
Key provisions of the REAADI Act include establishing a National Advisory Committee on Disability Rights and Disasters; creating a national network of training centers; requiring crisis standards of care tailored for older adults or those living with disabilities; setting up an emergency fund for human services; directing oversight from the Government Accountability Office regarding compliance under the Americans With Disabilities Act; launching grant programs focused on inclusive strategies; as well as requiring Department of Justice reviews about upholding civil rights during disasters.
Brian Fitzpatrick has served as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 1st District since 2017 after replacing Mike Fitzpatrick [source]. He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 [source] and currently resides in Levittown [source]. Fitzpatrick graduated from La Salle University before earning his law degree from Pennsylvania State University [source].
The bill seeks to reinforce resilience across government agencies so essential services remain available during times of crisis.
