Vandy Kamara, Health Promotion Officer
Health Promotion Officer Vandy Kamara is on a mission to make sure people with disability aren’t left behind when disaster strikes.
Vandy recently led Disaster Preparedness Workshops in Logan, co-designed with Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Logan City Council, and local disability service providers.
“We often think of emergency services as the first responders,” Vandy says.
“But really, the first people to respond are those already affected. That’s why it’s so important that people, especially those with disability, are prepared in their own context.”
The workshops used the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness toolkit, a resource developed by disability peak bodies in Australia. It helps people with disability create flexible, accessible emergency plans that involve their families, neighbours, and support networks.
For Vandy - who is also Chair of the Metro South Health Staff Disability Network and a member of the Health Equity and Access Team - this work is deeply personal.
“I’ve lived through conflict and disasters as a person with a disability. I know what it’s like to feel unprepared and unsupported,” he said.
“Using my lived experience to help others means everything to me.”
The benefits of the workshops go far beyond emergency planning. They’re about building resilience, reducing stress, and empowering people with disability to take control of their safety and wellbeing.
“It’s not just about surviving a disaster,” Vandy says.
“It’s about recovering well, reconnecting with services, and feeling supported every step of the way.”