The publication “Accessibility of Emergency Response Measures for All in Kazakhstan” was prepared by Aidana Tleuken with the support of the IWPR Representative in Central Asia and the regional analytical platform CABAR.asia.
For citation and references to the material, please indicate: Aidana Tleuken, 2023,Emergency accessibility for all: Evaluating inclusivity of emergency preparedness in Kazakhstan, CABAR.asia.
This analytical report (White paper) presents key findings from a study of the accessibility and effectiveness of emergency preparedness and early warning systems for persons with disabilities conducted in various regions of Kazakhstan. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the perception and interpretation of emergency alerts by different groups of persons with disabilities, highlighting the need for more inclusive and accessible communication strategies.
The study’s findings reflect increased confidence and preparedness among persons who have completed routine emergency response training, underscoring the importance of targeted educational programs. Furthermore, regional differences were noted, with early warning systems being more accessible in some regions than others, highlighting the need for standardized policies and improved infrastructure. This study identified key challenges in emergency communications, including gaps in multimodal alert systems (audio, visual, and tactile cues), low awareness of existing alert systems, and limited availability of emergency preparedness resources. Survey participants clearly expressed a preference for personalized communication methods tailored to specific disabilities to ensure timely and effective alerts. Survey results reveal uneven levels of emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities across Kazakhstan, with cities showing some progress but an overall lack of inclusive infrastructure, adapted communication tools, and coordinated support. Overall, the survey findings highlight the importance of inclusive design, user awareness, specialized training, and the use of multimodal communication channels.
‘This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IWPR and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.’