METAIRIE, La. —

As hurricane season intensifies along the Gulf Coast, two Louisiana-native pediatric occupational therapists are hosting a free virtual session to help families of children with disabilities prepare for hurricanes and natural disasters.

Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, studies revealed that individuals with disabilities were often overlooked in emergency planning and response efforts — leading to disproportionate trauma and loss of life. Advertisement

While emergency preparedness has improved for adults with disabilities, few resources specifically support children with developmental delays and disabilities.

That’s why Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco, OTR/L, ASDCS — a pediatric occupational therapist, international speaker, author, and emergency preparedness expert — and

See Full Page