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This research report, produced for the UK Department for International Development's disability knowledge and research programme (Disability KaR), investigates the extent to which disabled people are included in emergency programmes following the tsunami in Asia. It also assesses the impact of networking and the role of resources in post-tsunami contexts in Sri Lanka, with contributions from India and Indonesia.
The research methodology was based on a wide range of principles and approaches, and underpinned by a social model approach. Particular tools were developed by field workers. Principles from emancipatory research were used, such as ensuring that the research fully involved and promoted the rights of disabled persons, while remaining flexible and sensitive as required in emergency and conflict situations

Disabled people are likely to feel the negative impact of a crisis more than other citizens. Their ability to cope and survive may be completely dependent on others, and the capacity of any family to support its disabled members is keenly tested. Anecdotal evidence from acute emergencies suggests that disabled people suffer particularly high rates of mortality and morbidity. In addition to those who were disabled before the onset of the crisis, many more become disabled

People affected by a catastrophe like the tsunami of 26 December 2004 are exposed to extreme stressors which represent risks to mental health. It is estimated that the tsunami caused an increase in mental disorders of between five and ten per cent. This document describes the types of mental health problems which are found in the tsunami-affected area and makes recommendations for interventions

This article deals with the controversy of mental health programme during and after acute emergencies. There is no agreement on the public health value of the post-traumatic stress disorder concept or on the appropriateness of separate trauma-focused services. The paper discusses the consensus which is emerging of a broad range of social and mental health strategies, as exemplified by the inclusion of a 'mental and social aspects of health' standard in minimum standards in disaster response

This pamphlet provides case studies from three earthquake-striken areas in India and Turkey. They provide examples of how low-income women who have lost everything can form groups and become active participants in the relief and recovery process. Readers learn how women became involved in housing, created businesses, mobilized funds, and provided crucial community services.The pamphlet also examines the roles that NGOs and government policy and procedures play in facilitating (or impeding) women's involvement

"The mental and social health consequences of exposure to biological or chemical weapons require a public health strategy. Attacks with chemical and biological weapons are likely to be accompanied by acute fear, organic mental problems, psychological responses to somatic illnesses and injuries, and long-term development of medically unexplained symptoms. The paper outlines some early social interventions, followed by descriptions of early mental health interventions"