Disability, Disaster, and Resilience in Oceania

Introduction

This interdisciplinary volume examines the intersection of disability, disaster risk, and resilience within the sociocultural and ecological contexts of Oceania. Drawing on oral histories, Indigenous knowledge systems, and policy analysis, the book foregrounds the lived experiences of disabled individuals in Pacific Island nations facing climate-related disasters such as cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and rising sea levels. It critically engages with global frameworks—including the Sendai Framework and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities—while highlighting implementation gaps and accessibility challenges in local contexts.

Theoretical Frameworks and Critical Perspectives

By integrating perspectives from disability studies, environmental justice, and decolonial theory, the book challenges dominant disaster discourses that often overlook disability. It explores how disabled communities navigate compounded vulnerabilities and contribute to resilience-building through community care, advocacy, and inclusive planning.

Regional Insights and Practical Implications

The volume offers region-specific insights into infrastructure disparities, gendered dimensions of vulnerability, and culturally grounded strategies for disaster preparedness.

Target Audience and Significance

This book will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in public health, disability studies, climate adaptation, and policy development. It provides a timely and actionable contribution to inclusive disaster governance and climate justice, amplifying voices from Oceania that are often underrepresented in global literature.