Needs Assessment

Objectives

The needs assessment aims to:

• Identify the existing capacities and resources of the selected municipalities in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities during emergencies.
• Assess the current practices, policies, and procedures related to disability inclusion in all phases of emergency management (prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery) within the municipalities.
• Identify gaps and challenges in the current municipal practices related to vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities in emergencies.
• Understand the specific needs and priorities of persons with disabilities in the context of emergency situations within the target municipalities.
• Generate actionable recommendations for improving disability inclusion (both targeting and mainstreaming; ref twin-track-approach)  in municipal emergency preparedness and response plans.

Target Municipalities

The needs assessment will be conducted in three municipalities that will be identified later. The selection of these municipalities should consider factors such as geographical diversity, population size, and existing engagement with disability issues.

Target Groups

The primary target groups for this needs assessment are:

• People with intersectional vulnerabilities including persons with disabilities residing within the selected municipalities, representing a diversity of disability types (physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial) and ages.
• Representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) operating within or serving the target municipalities.
• Municipal officials responsible for emergency management, social welfare, and related services in the selected municipalities.
• Relevant stakeholders, including local NGOs, community leaders, and emergency responders.

Methodology

The needs assessment will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation. The methodology will be highly participatory, prioritizing the inclusion and active involvement of persons with disabilities in all stages of the assessment process. This will include:

• Desk Review: Review of existing municipal plans, policies, procedures, and relevant documents related to emergency management and disability inclusion.
• Participatory Data Collection:
  • Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Separate FGDs will be conducted with persons with disabilities, municipal officials, and other relevant stakeholders. FGDs with persons with disabilities will be disaggregated by disability type where appropriate to capture specific needs.
  • Key Informant Interviews: Interviews will be conducted with key individuals, including representatives from OPDs, municipal officials, and experts in disability and emergency management.
  • Accessibility Audits: Assessments of the accessibility of emergency shelters, evacuation routes, and communication systems within the municipalities, involving persons with disabilities in the audit process.
  • Surveys: Administering surveys to a wider population of persons with disabilities within the municipalities to gather quantitative data on their experiences and needs.
• Data Analysis: Data collected will be analyzed using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods. The analysis will focus on identifying key themes, trends, and gaps related to disability inclusion in emergency management. Data should be disaggregated by sex, age and if possible scale of disability through WHSSQ application.
• Validation Workshop: A validation workshop will be held with representatives from all stakeholder groups, including persons with disabilities, to review and validate the preliminary findings of the needs assessment.

Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected from the needs assessment:

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, work plan, and timeline for the needs assessment.
• Draft Needs Assessment Report: Presentation of the findings from the data collection and analysis, including identification of key needs, gaps, and challenges.
• Final Needs Assessment Report: Incorporating feedback from the validation workshop, the final report will present the key findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for improving disability inclusion in municipal emergency preparedness and response.
• Summary Report: A concise summary of the key findings and recommendations, suitable for dissemination to a wider audience.

 Timeline

The needs assessment is expected to be completed within 3 months. A detailed timeline will be developed in the inception report.

 Expertise Required

The consultant conducting the needs assessment should possess expertise in:

• Disability rights and inclusion / Emergency management
• Participatory research methodologies
• Data collection and analysis (both qualitative and quantitative)
• Report writing and dissemination

 Management and Supervision

The LUPD program manager will be responsible for the overall management and supervision of the needs assessment.

Ethical Considerations

The needs assessment will adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring the informed consent, confidentiality, and safety of all participants. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring the accessibility of all research processes for persons with disabilities.