Revealed: How Extreme Heat Is a Silent Killer for Disabled Americans, and What Institutions Are Failing to Do

Facing the Heat: The Plight of Disabled Americans

The rising temperatures are more than just uncomfortable; they are life-threatening for many disabled individuals. The increasing frequency of heatwaves exacerbates their vulnerability, especially since many lack access to crucial resources such as air conditioning. The relentless heat makes everyday activities a daunting challenge.

Individuals with disabilities often live on lower incomes, making it harder to afford air conditioning or other cooling solutions. Public spaces like parks and cooling centers are inaccessible, leaving them with few options. Adapting to these conditions is a matter of survival, especially as risks like hyperthermia grow.

David Gissen, an architecture professor, knows this struggle well. His prosthetic leg traps heat, making it nearly unbearable to venture outdoors during the summer. Despite efforts to adapt, the rising heat often forces him to stay indoors, limiting his daily activities.

Gissen’s story is just one of many. Across the country, disabled individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the summer months. Their stories highlight the urgent need for more accessible cooling solutions and a greater awareness of their unique challenges.

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David Gissen’s Heat Struggles

David Gissen’s life in New York City is a constant battle against the heat. His prosthetic leg, encased in airtight material, makes it difficult to regulate body temperature. Venturing out into the city becomes a grim calculus of whether the trip is worth the physical toll.

Despite living in a shaded neighborhood, Gissen often finds himself confined indoors due to extreme heat. The heat waves have increased in frequency, making it impossible for him to maintain his usual activities. He likens his condition to a less efficient air conditioning system.

To cope, Gissen suggests that museums and other public institutions could serve as free cooling centers during heatwaves. This would provide a much-needed sanctuary for disabled individuals and foster a sense of community and interaction, which is often lost during extreme weather conditions.

For Gissen and many others, the ability to keep cool is not just a matter of comfort but a critical aspect of their daily lives. The rising temperatures are forcing them to rethink their routines and find new ways to stay safe and connected.

Patty Glatfelter’s Adaptation

Patty Glatfelter, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), knows firsthand the impact of heat on her condition. Even a slight increase in temperature can disrupt her sensory and motor systems, making it difficult to function. She has had to learn to pace herself and adapt to avoid exacerbating her symptoms.

Living in a cooler climate has helped, but Glatfelter still faces challenges. During a visit to Santa Fe, she experienced a sudden onset of weakness due to the heat. Her legs gave out, forcing her to seek immediate shade and rest. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of living with a disability in extreme heat.

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To cope with the heat, Glatfelter carries a variety of cooling devices:

• Neck fans
• Ice pack-stuffed vests
• Frozen gel-pads for her hat

These tools help her stay cool, but she remains vigilant, never spending more than a couple of hours outside. Her disability has driven her to make significant life changes, including moving to a cooler area in Colorado to better manage her symptoms.

Glatfelter’s story highlights the need for accessible cooling solutions and greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals. As the climate continues to warm, these adaptations will become increasingly critical for their survival and well-being.

E.k. hoffman’s Battle with Heat

e.k. hoffman, once an avid athlete, now finds themselves confined indoors due to extreme heat. Diagnosed with a selective immunoglobulin A deficiency, their body struggles to cope with the heat, exacerbated by medications that inhibit sweat production and reduce blood flow to the skin.

Even simple activities like cleaning the kitchen can cause hoffman to overheat. Direct sunlight is particularly dangerous, forcing them to seek immediate shade and hydration. Their experience at a South American festival, where they fainted due to the heat, was a turning point.

Since then, hoffman has embraced an indoor life that relies on community and mutual support. They host virtual gatherings and craft parties, creating a sense of connection despite the physical limitations imposed by the heat. This sense of community is crucial for their well-being.

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hoffman’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of disabled individuals. Despite the challenges posed by extreme heat, they find ways to stay connected and support each other, highlighting the importance of community in navigating these difficult conditions.

Theresa Marie Collins’ Summer Struggles

Theresa Marie Collins, a former NASA engineer, finds summer to be a challenging season. Her diabetes and possible genetic predisposition to heat intolerance make it difficult to stay cool. She spends most days indoors, relying on air conditioning to manage her symptoms.

However, a power outage during Hurricane Beryl left her without this crucial lifeline. For eight days, Collins had to find alternative ways to stay cool, including dousing herself with water every 30 minutes. The experience was harrowing and underscored the vulnerability of disabled individuals during extreme weather events.

Collins took proactive measures, calling in favors to provide food at the cooling centers set up by the city. Her foresight and preparation were crucial in helping others survive the heat. This experience highlights the need for better infrastructure and support systems for disabled individuals during emergencies.

As climate change continues to drive more extreme weather, Collins and others like her will need to find new ways to adapt and stay safe. Their stories serve as a reminder of the urgent need for accessible resources and greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals in a warming world.

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