BACKGROUND: Psychosocial crisis management interventions do not sufficiently consider visually impaired and deaf individuals. There are difficulties in accessing the available interventions, and the effectiveness of these interventions seems questionable. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities build on the premises of the inclusive participation in psychosocial intervention after disasters. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to provide recommendations for psychosocial intervention for sensory-impaired individuals after disasters and to raise awareness for professionals working in the field of psychotraumatology. METHODS: A qualitative analysis of semistructured expert interviews and focus groups with professionals in psychotraumatology and sensory-impaired individuals was conducted. This research took place within the European Network for Psychosocial Crisis Management: Assisting Disabled in Case of Disaster (EUNAD), which is funded by the European Commission. RESULTS: There is a need for specific knowledge about how to meet the needs of individuals with sensory loss in order to provide psychosocial crisis management after a disaster. This aspect is not included in the existing psychosocial interventions. CONCLUSION: The EUNAD recommendations are a start to fulfill the obligation to include sensory-impaired individuals in preparations for disaster interventions.

Caritas Therapy Centre for People after Torture and Flight Cologne Germany

Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Faculty of Human Sciences University of Cologne Köln Germany

Deutsches Institut für Psychotraumatologie Much Germany

National Danish Center for Psychotraumatology University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark ORCID https orcid org 0000 0002 8469 7372

National Unit for Sensory Loss and Mental Health Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway

Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies Oslo Norway

Private Psychotherapeutical Practice; Court Expert Czech Police Prague Czechia

Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescence KJP Swisttal Swisttal Germany

The Stress Trauma Anxiety and Resilience Society United States

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