IDEA EM Site Links

Page Title Art: IDEA EM: Individuals with Disabilities, the Elderly and Emergency Management.  Sponsored by the the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Resource Links

Page Links

Other Resource Links

Resources

This page provides descriptions and links to some of the many resources available concerning individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and emergency management.

For information on specific topics such as influenza, workplaces, children, and schools, see the IDEA EM >>Topics page. 

For a wide range of information about the H1N1 Flu Virus, see >>Flu.gov, the Department of Health and Human Services' site that focuses on the topic.

Federal

DHHS, DHS, With Other Federal Agencies

>>Post-Conference Report from the Working Conference on Emergency Management and Individuals with Disabilities and the Elderly

Michael Chertoff, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ADD Commissioner Patricia Morrissey at the Conference

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, and ADD Commissioner Patricia Morrissey at the Conference

In June 2006, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) presented the Working Conference on Emergency Management and Individuals with Disabilities and the Elderly. Sponsors of the conference included DHHS’ Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), Administration on Aging (AoA), Office on Disability, Family and Youth Services Bureau, Children’s Bureau, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The purpose of the conference was to connect emergency management officials from each State with key leaders from the disability and aging communities. Governors of 44 States sent delegations made up of senior level representatives from emergency management, State aging and disability networks, health, and other related fields who either personally have responsibility for planning and/or responding to the focus populations  or oversee those staff members who do. This 93-page document is the Post-Conference Report and highlights key issues that were addressed by State delegations, non-delegate participants, speakers, and discussants. >>Conference Web site

Also available from the conference: A summary of issues, challenges, and next steps identified by the States during the conference.  Information is shown by State and FEMA region.  >> Summary

Administration on Aging

>>Disaster Assistance Web Site

When the President declares disaster areas eligible for assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the Federal response. FEMA and the Small Business Administration respond with loans and grants that help disaster victims recover. The Administration on Aging responds to the special needs of older disaster victims.

Administration on Developmental Disabilities

>>Disaster Preparedness Web Site

Includes a wide range of links and publications concerning disaster preparedness.

>>Emergency Preparedness Belongs to Everyone

Presentation by Patricia A. Morrissey, Ph.D., Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities discussing a variety of aspects of emergency preparedness and disbilities.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

>>Public Health Workbook to Define, Locate, and Reach Special, Vulnerable, and At-Risk Populations in an Emergency (Draft)

This Workbook provides a process that can support State, local, and tribal planners as they advance in their efforts to reach all populations – and specifically, special populations – in day-today communication and during crisis or emergency situations.

Department of Agriculture

>>Accessible Emergency Plans

As part of the >>USDA TARGET Discovery Series, watch this Webcast to learn how to develop emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place plans that take into account the needs of all individuals. Anyone may develop a new disability during an emergency, so find ways to create and improve plans and procedures that truly fit everyone.

Department of Education

>>Emergency Management Research & People with Disabilities

This guide provides a description of research projects funded by the federal government and nonfederal entities, research recommendations that have come out of conferences on emergency management and disability, and a bibliography of relevant research publications. This link opens a PDF document.

>>Assessing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Persons with Disabilities

Report funded by the >>National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) on the major barriers faced during Hurricane Katrina by centers for independent living (CILs) and emergency managers in responding to the needs of people with disabilities. This link opens a PDF document.

>>Emergency Evacuation of People with Physical Disabilities From Buildings

This report prepared for the U.S. Department of Education offers recommendations to improve available data, building and life safety codes, evacuation technologies and evacuation practices for people with physical disabilities. This document is in Word format.

Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights

>>Emergency Preparedness Planning and Response Web Site

Provides links to resources prepared by the Office for Civil Rights, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other Federal organizations.

>>HIPAA Medical Privacy - National Standards to Protect the Privacy of Personal Health Information

A wide range of information concerning the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), including educational brochures, general background information, and more.

>>HHS HIPAA Privacy Decision Tool for Emergency Preparedness Planning

This new Web-based interactive decision tool is designed to assist emergency preparedness and recovery planners in determining how to access and use health information about persons with disabilities consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.

Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

>>Emergency Preparedness Atlas

The Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) sponsored preparation of this atlas to support local/regional planning and response efforts in the event of a bioterrorism or other public health emergency. The atlas contains case studies illustrating how nursing homes may be used to accommodate a surge of patients in six states. There are maps of selected health care facilities for all 50 States and the District of Columbia.

Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disabilities

Section 508 Emergency Preparedness, Response and Remediation Fact Sheets in support of communications for persons with disabilities.  These were prepared in consultation with the DHHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

>>EIT product: Geographic Information System (GIS) Software

>>Specialized product: 2 Way Communicator

>>Specialized product: Audio description services

>>Specialized product: Braille conversion services

>>Specialized product: Off the Shelf Cell Phones and with 3rd Party Software for Blind or Low Vision

>>EIT product: Cell Phones Compatible with Hearing Aids 

Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)

>>Recommendations for Responding to the Needs of Mental Health Consumers During a Disaster

Report on a meeting sponsored by SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). The meeting brought together mental health consumers, policymakers, providers, and others involved in the disaster response community to develop recommendations for improving disaster responses for people with mental illnesses. This link opens a PDF document.

Department of Homeland Security

>>Nationwide Plan Review: Phase 2 Report

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued findings from a national assessment of the country’s catastrophic planning capabilities. Responding to directives from President Bush and the Congress, following Hurricane Katrina, the >>Nationwide Plan Review (PDF, 174 Pages - 3.9 MB) looked at whether existing emergency operations plans for States and urban areas are sufficient for managing a catastrophic event. The Review also presents conclusions on actions needed by the Federal government to improve and coordinate planning. Be sure to read the findings specifically regarding people with special needs which are found on pages 41-47 and with references again on pages 61-69.

>>Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) Web Site

The Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) was established to ensure that the Federal government appropriately supports safety and security for individuals with disabilities in disaster situations. >>Emergency Preparedness NOW is the quarterly newsletter of the ICC. It communicates their activities, features effective emergency preparedness practices, and spotlights individuals who are making a positive impact on emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities.

>>Disability Preparedness Resource Center Web Site

This disability preparedness Web site provides practical information on how people with and without disabilities can prepare for an emergency.  

Department of Justice

>> ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has issued installments of a new technical assistance document designed to assist state and local officials to improve compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their programs, services, activities, and facilities.  The Tool Kit is designed to teach state and local government officials how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities from gaining equal access to state and local government programs, services, and activities. It also teachs state and local officials how to conduct accessibility surveys of their buildings and facilities to identify and remove architectural barriers to access.

>>An ADA Guide for Local Governments: Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities

Provides discussion and action items for planning in the following areas: notification; evacuation; emergency transportation; sheltering; access to medications, refrigeration, and back-up power; access to their mobility devices or service animals while in transit or at shelters; and access to information.

>>A Report on Special Needs Issues, Efforts and Lessons Learned

Authored by FEMA reservist Ron Mackert with the assistance of Elizabeth Davis, as FEMA Special Needs Advisor for FEMA 1391-DR-NY, this report outlines some of the issues and resolutions that occurred after the attacks of September 11, 2001, in New York City.  >>Download the executive summary. >>Download the full report.

Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy

>>DisabilityInfo.gov Web Site, Emergency Preparedness 

DisabilityInfo.gov is the Federal government's one-stop Web site for people with disabilities, their families, employers, veterans and service members, workforce professionals and many others. A collaborative effort among twenty-two Federal agencies, DisabilityInfo.gov connects people with disabilities to the information and resources they need to actively participate in the workforce and in their communities.

Department of Transportation

>>Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities

Designed to be an emergency transportation preparedness resource for individuals with disabilities, their family members, and care givers. Additionally, it includes useful information for transportation providers on addressing the unique needs of people with disabilities during an emergency.

>>Accessibility - Equal Access to Transportation

General and specific information concerning equal access to transportation, including transportation and laws and resources.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

>>Ready.gov

FEMA-hosted site providing a wide range of resources on emergency preparedness.

>>FEMA EMI Emergency Management Higher Education Program

The primary goal of the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Program is to work with colleges and universities, emergency management professionals, and stakeholder organizations to help create an emergency management system of sustained, replicable capability and disaster loss reduction through formal education, experiential learning, practice, and experience centered on mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery from the full range of natural, technological and intentional hazards which confront communities, States and the Nation.

>>Responses to Emergencies in the U.S. and Around the World

Photos and examples of FEMA's responses to emergencies in the United States and other countries.

>>Federal Disaster Declarations

FEMA page listing Federal Disaster Declarations; can be organized by State, Federal region, or type of disaster.

>>Disability Preparedness Information

FEMA provides disability preparedness information at this site.

>>National Preparedness Network (PREPnet) (formerly EENET)

The Preparedness Network (PREPnet) is an Internet- and satellite-based distance learning and information system used by the United States Fire Administration and other government agencies to bring interactive programming into virtually any community nationwide. With a wide variety of programs, there is something for everyone. All programming is open, and is in the public domain, so that any community with access to the Internet, a C-band or Ku-band analog satellite dish, or a community cablevision provider can receive broadcasts and participate.

>>Emergency Management Presentations

These are two abstracts from Dr. K. C. Rondello, M.D., M.P.H, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Management and Health Services Administration at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. The first is An Emergency Manager’s Guide to Establishing Alternate Care Facilities and the second is EMOC: Emergency Management On Campus -- Student Assistance in University Disasters.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Routes to Effective Evacuation Primer Series

Many are involved in or have an interest in emergency transportation for older adults, people with low-incomes, people with disabilities, and others who may have specific mobility needs in emergencies. Transportation during emergencies is critical to evacuating people who either have specific mobility issues or do not have access to transportation. Evacuation for populations with special needs must be carefully planned in advance to ensure maximum safety.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently published Routes to Effective Evacuation Primer Series that addresses this topic. The primer on evacuating populations with special needs is available in >>PDF and >>HTML versions. This primer addresses key issues that state and local governments will face. Moreover, it provides recommendations to ensure that individuals with special needs are evacuated rapidly and efficiently to save and protect their lives and that resources are used efficiently and to their fullest capacity. The primer also includes an evacuation checklist (see Annex 3) that may help transportation providers and emergency managers address populations with special needs in the course of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

Other FHWA publications involving emergency management can be found on the >>main publications page.

 

States

The California State Independent Living Center

>>The Impact of 2003 Wildfires on People with Disabilities, April 1, 2004

The State Independent Living Center in California published this report addressing the impact of the 2003 Wildfires in Southern California on people with disabilities.

Connecticut State Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities

>>Emergency Shelter Accessibility Checklist An Assessment Tool for Emergency Management Staff and Volunteers

This checklist has been developed to assist in assessing and improving the accessibility and usability of emergency shelters and evacuation facilities.

State of Hawaii

>>2008 Interagency Action Plan For the Emergency Preparedness Of People with Disabilities and Special Health Needs

This Action Plan was prepared by a Working Group comprising State, County, and Community organizations from the State of Hawaii.  This Action Plan is not an emergency preparedness document, nor is it a special health needs response plan. It is a roadmap to ensure that other legislative, administrative, or programmatic efforts are inclusive of the issues of people with disabilities or special health needs.

Pennsylvania

>>Disability & Emergency Preparedness Resources for Pennsylvania

View a list of links to federal, regional, state, and local disability-related emergency management resources in your state.

>>Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Provides information and resources on a variety of emergency preparedness-related topics including planning tools, disaster assistance, training opportunities for first responders and links to area offices.

 

Non-Governmental Organizations

Disability Funders

>>Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief for People with Disabilities and Older Adults Disability Funders Network

The Disability Funders Network (DFN) is a grantmakers' affinity group whose mission is to promote awareness, support, and inclusion of people with disabilities and disability issues in grantmaking programs and organizations.

Emergency Management Forum

The Emergency Information Infrastructure Project is a non-profit educational organization, dedicated to enhancing the practice of emergency management, and thereby public safety, through offering professional development opportunities to practitioners and other interested persons. The principal way we work to achieve this goal is through presentation in the "Virtual Forum" of timely, disaster-related topics by experts in their fields, by means of Internet-based 'Live Chat' (text) technology. There is no charge to participants, and all are welcome. For further background, see:
Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles and Evolution of the EIIP.  For information about the Emergency Management Forum, click >>here.

Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU)

In an effort to assist Centers for Independent Living, Statewide Independent Living Councils and disability organizations in coping with the recent and impending hurricanes and other natural disasters, Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) is making available a Disaster Relief Resource Wiki site for posting durable medical equipment and other supply needs and resources. You can access the site at >>http://disability911.pbwiki.com http://news.nyln.org/t/1171412/28600133/64092/0/ . If your organization has a need for equipment or supplies, i.e. durable medical equipment and medical supplies, please post your request to the site.

Organizations who have durable medical equipment or supplies to donate may also post information to the site. To post, you will need to login with the password or invite key: 911 and then select "Edit" at the top of the page. Complete instructions for using the site are available on the site's home page at >>http://disability911.pbwiki.com http://news.nyln.org/t/1171412/28600133/64092/0/.

National Council on Disability

>>The Impact of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita on People with Disabilities

Report from the National Council on Disability (NCD) that provides an analysis of the evacuation and rescue, disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, and recommendations to guide the federal government and other emergency planners in the event of another natural disaster. This link opens a PDF format.

>>Effective Emergency Management: Making Improvements for Communities & People with Disabilities

The National Council on Disability (NCD) has released a report calling on federal, state and local authorities to make sweeping changes in emergency management practices for people with disabilities.

>>Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning

This 2005 report from the National Council on Disability This report describes the disaster experiences of people with disabilities. It also details the contributions and efforts of community-based organizations (CBOs) and examines the nascent work of the Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R), which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL, and FEMA’s Federal, State, local, and private sector partners.

National Organization on Disability, Emergency Preparedness Initiative

>>Emergency Preparedness Conference Materials

Executive summary, conference report and other materials from the Conference on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities, held in September 2004. The conference was sponsored by the by The National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Organization on Disability.

>>Emergency Preparedness Initiative Guide for Emergency Managers, Planners and Responders

This Guide highlights key disability concerns to officials and experts responsible for emergency planning in their communities, and seeks to assist them in developing plans that will take into account the needs and insights of people with disabilities before, during, and after emergencies.

>>Report on Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees (SNAKE) Project

On October 5, 2005, the National Organization on Disability released the findings of its Special Needs for Katrina Evacuees (SNAKE) Project. In the month of September, SNAKE teams were deployed throughout the Gulf region to perform rapid assessments of the special needs and living conditions of Katrina survivors with disabilities.

Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response

The Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response is committed to developing and delivering services that advance healthcare planning, preparedness and response for emergency events and disasters through collaborative partnerships and coordinated programs within Connecticut, across the nation and around the world.  Biweekly, the Center publishes The Preparedness Report, which is a digest of informational links that contain current news clips, press releases and new information from a variety of sources on the subject of emergency preparedness and disaster response.  Click >>here to see current and recent copies of the report.

Universities

Temple University

>>Institute on Disabilities at Temple University

Committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of interdependence and inclusion through training, technical assistance, services and supports, research, dissemination and advocacy.

>>Temple University VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)

Coordinates Disaster Response Teams (DRT) with each College, School, Center, Institute or Administrative Department at the University in order to increase community involvement and service. Also houses the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional durable medical equipment (DME) project for response to emergencies and disasters within five counties (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and County).

Private Organizations

Elizabeth A. Davis & Associates, LLC

>>Resources

A wide range of resources concerning emergency management and disabilities.

>>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | >>Administration for Children & Families
>>
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