Disability, Wildfire & Disaster Resources 

The California Wildfires have disrupted life and displaced thousands. Natural disasters and other emergencies greatly impact individuals using power chairs/mobility aides and those who might need assistance to evacuate safely. 

 As wildfires continue to devastate southern California, our hearts are with all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. The scale of this disaster and its long-term impacts on the Los Angeles community – and the entire state – are deeply heartbreaking. If you are in need of assistance or wanting to donate to relief efforts, please see the links below. 

 

For Folks in Southern California 

Evacuation shelter information and information about where to apply for Disaster Relief Funds. CA Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection: 

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire 

 

Wildfire Resource Guide and Information from Disability Rights CA: 

https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/post/wildfire-resource-guide-how-disability-rights-california-can-help-you 

 

Curated list of resources from the Association of University Centers on Disability: 

https://www.aucd.org/news/emergency-resources-for-people-with-disabilities-in-la 

 

Wildfire Evacuation Guide with resource links and an explanation video, CA Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection: 

https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/ 

 

Disability & Disaster Resources (downloadable PDFs) from the CA Center for Independent Living: 

https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/downloads/ 

Including: 

• Disability Disaster Access & Resource Centers (DDARCs) by county 

• Emergency Readiness Infographic 

• Backup Battery Options for Consumers 

• Power Outage Facts Sheet 

 

Disaster resources and info sheets from the CA Dept. of Health and Human Services, including a fact sheet on how to obtain prescription refills during an active emergency: 

https://www.chhs.ca.gov/blog/2025/01/08/calhhs-emergency-resource-guide/ 

 

AARP guide to receiving assistance with links to local organizations and government offices: 

https://states.aarp.org/california/los-angeles-disaster-help-recovery-response-and-wildfire-preparedness-resources 

 

Emergency Resources from the Los Angeles Housing Department: 

https://housing.lacity.gov/emergency-resources-available-for-those-impacted-by-the-wildfires 

Including: 

• Emergency shelters 

• Financial assistance applications through FEMA and local government 

• Information about the illegality of price gouging, housing discrimination, and cancelled insurance policies 

 

Five Steps for Filing an Insurance Claim, Kevin Tidmarsh, LAist 2025: 

https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/cheat-sheet-what-to-do-if-you-need-to-make-a-fire-insurance-claim 

 

How to Help 

Advice from Disaster Relief Efforts, Jill Replogle and Leo Duran, LAist 2025 

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/how-to-help-la-fire-victims 

Main Points: 

• Monetary donations and getting trained as a volunteer are the most useful things to do. 

• Volunteer to help organize donations or to foster displaced animals. 
• Scroll to the end for local organizations in need of supplies and volunteers and specific recommendation on where to direct your efforts.