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Green Party's Disability Caucus Launches Site for Katrina Survivors With Disabilities Friday, September 16, 2005 Contacts: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Disability Caucus of the Green Party of the United States has launched a web site to aid survivors of Hurricane Katrina who have disabilities. The site, located at <http://immuneweb.org/katrina>, includes guides for "Providing Shelter for People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity" and "Providing Shelter for People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia," as well as contact information for Caucus members willing to provide housing for survivors or consulting services for shelters and programs serving survivors with disabilities. "The intent of this site is not to duplicate the fine work being done elsewhere, but rather to supplement it," said Cyndi Norwitz, California Green and founder of the Disability Caucus. "There are several other pages on serving Katrina survivors with disabilities but I was struck in particular by the lack of information on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity -- my own disability -- which can be hard to accommodate." "We know from September 11th that when rescue workers and residents are exposed to toxins during and following a disaster, that even the healthy ones can be disabled for life," added Ms. Norwitz. "Far too many September 11th survivors still have asthma or pain or neurological impairments because of the chemicals in the air and dust, and many had to stop working. How many Katrina survivors will suffer the same fate?" Greens and numerous scientists have detailed the toxicity of the New Orleans environment in the wake of Katrina. Louisiana Greens have strongly criticized current plans for detoxification, calling them inadequate to ensure a safe environment and public health <http://www.gp.org/press/states/la_2005_09_08.shtml>. But Greens called the toxic danger to residents, rescue workers, and cleanup crews only one of many concerns for Katrina survivors who have different kinds of disability. "When I've talked to shelter workers they've told me 'we don't have any people with disabilities here.' People with obvious disabilities like serious mobility impairment or blindness have probably gone to specialty shelters. But what about people with less obvious or hidden disabilities? Are they too embarrassed to ask for special help? Are they afraid of discrimination, such as someone with AIDS might be subjected to? Are they just getting by and don't want to be any trouble?" asked Ms. Norwitz. "Mental and or emotional disabilities are hidden disabilities. It is often difficult for people to speak out honestly and ask for what they need," noted Judith Grant, Disability Caucus member from California. "For AIDS patients, relocation to the wrong area could mean a death sentence, if patients must contend with poor AIDS services, medication interruption, a need for new HIV cocktails, or struggles with strain resistance," said David M. Silva, a Disability Caucus member living with AIDS in California. Disability Caucus members stressed the importance of hurricane survivors, regardless of disability, continuing their previous treatments, including alternative and complementary care, and warned of insurance company and HMO obstructions to medical access. "Medications need to be more readily made available for diabetes, seizure disorders, mental health illness, and any other illnesses that are visible or invisible disabilities," said Irene Martinez, member of the D.C. Statehood Green Party and Disability Caucus member who has worked on the Americans with Disabilities Act. "Katrina proves that the U.S. needs expanded access to health care under a national health insurance plan more than ever," said Jody Grage Haug, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. The Disability Caucus, one of several identity caucuses in the Green Party, is in the process of gaining formal accreditation with the party, after which it will be given a vote in the party's National Committee. The Black, Women's, and Lavender Caucuses have already achieved accreditation. MORE INFORMATION Green Party of the United States Disability Caucus of the Green Party of the United
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