Disability Disaster Access & Resources Program

Description

Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR), a program of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), provides resources for individuals with disabilities and older adults in disaster readiness and recovery. In 2020, DDAR launched a pilot program to enable the local DDAR centers to provide qualifying customers who use electrical medical devices with access to backup portable batteries through a grant, lease-to-own, or the FreedomTech low-interest financial loan program. Transportation resources, lodging and food, emergency planning, education and outreach about PG&E programs such as Medical Baseline are also part of the program. The DDAR website provides extensive resources specific to COVID-19, public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events, and wildfires. Examples of resources include a disability community information and advocacy toolkit on COVID-19 vaccines access in California; applications for financial assistance to replace lost critical assistive technology, tools and devices; and backup battery options for consumers.