Universal Design as Disaster Recovery: Systems That Bring Everyone Home | Katie Clark | TEDxAltadena

Disaster Recovery Challenges - Current disaster recovery systems disproportionately disadvantage those with fewer economic resources, accelerating displacement and potentially leading to a "land grab" by corporations [6][7][8] - Existing recovery processes often fail to meet fundamental needs, resulting in original residents being displaced from their communities [8] - Tenants and Black homeowners, particularly in West Altadena, face the highest risk of permanent displacement following disasters [9][10][13] Universal Design Approach to Disaster Recovery - Universal design focuses on designing recovery around people instead of property or profit, prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable [8][15] - A universal design recovery necessitates directing resources and planning towards those most at risk of displacement [15][16] - Short-term strategies include a post-disaster universal basic income program and an insurance gap program to stabilize tenants and homeowners [17][18] - Medium-term strategies involve land banking through community land trusts, policy protections, and rebuilding that prioritizes residents' needs [19][20] - Long-term strategies emphasize community ownership and protections against gentrification and displacement [20][21] Call to Action - The report urges government, philanthropy, and community members to support a universal design approach to disaster recovery through advocacy, funding, and prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable [21][22][23]