Disability and Disasters Award
The Disability and Disasters Award supports people with disabilities working in disasters, as well as those who care for, study, or advocate on behalf of those with disabilities. Award funds will allow the recipient to attend the annual Natural Hazards Workshop and the Researchers or Practitioners Meetings that follow.
People with disabilities have been identified as among the most vulnerable to disasters; however, research has shown that they also have tremendous capacity. This award will recognize those who advance and support the area of disability and disasters.
Recipients of this award will be recognized at the Workshop and will be asked to present a poster or to serve as panelists, where they can highlight their research and/or practical experiences with disability and disasters.
2025 Application Now Closed!
Eligibility and Application
Applicants must reside in the United States and be affiliated with a U.S. organization or academic institution. Previous in-person attendees of the Natural Hazards Workshop are not eligible. Preference is given to those who can demonstrate financial need. Hazards practitioners, students, and researchers with a strong commitment to the intersection of disability and disaster management and mitigation are encouraged to apply.
The application window for 2025 is Now Closed. Please check back again to apply in 2026.
The Natural Hazards Center is supportive of educational opportunities for people without documentation and welcome them to apply for this award.
To see a list of all previous winners, please click here: Disability and Disasters Award Winners
Special Thanks
The Disability and Disasters Award fund is possible thanks to the generous gift of an anonymous donor.
Request for Contributions
The Disability and Disasters Award supports people with disabilities working in disasters, as well as those who care for, study, or advocate on behalf of those with disabilities. Award funds will allow the recipient to attend the annual Natural Hazards Workshop and the Researchers or Practitioners Meetings that follow. To make a gift, please visit the CU Foundation site by clicking on the link below.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the Co-Chairs of the Disability and Disasters Award, Candace Evans candace.evans@colorado.edu and Kate McNeely kate.mcneely@colorado.edu.