Fenomarama Mercy Aperaamo - Morning Atamai Guest (2026)

In this episode of Morning Atamai, inclusive-Emergency Management (iEM) trainee Nehemiah Lutu sits down with Fenomarama Mercy Aperaamo, Vice Chair of the American Samoa Center for Independent Living (ASCIL), to discuss Disability and Resilience in Emergencies. Mercy shares why inclusion must be at the heart of emergency management and reflects on her experiences navigating accessibility during her high school years. She recalls the unsettling reality of attending a school with only one accessible ramp, where its location could significantly increase the time needed to evacuate during an emergency. Her story highlights how accessibility is not just about convenience—it can be critical to a person's safety. She also highlights the work of the American Samoa Center for Independent Living, whose mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through advocacy, independent living, and community support. This conversation reminds us that building resilient communities begins by listening to lived experiences and ensuring everyone has a voice in emergency preparedness.