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In recognition of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) staff felt it appropriate to recognize several of NIDRR's grantees who have developed special information/assistance addressing emergency situations and people with disabilities. As we all know, a year ago, very little information addressing this area of need was publicly available. A more complete listing from the NCDDR can be found in my paper, Does God Have Enough Hands?
The Center for an Accessible Society
This Center has put online the seven key principles that should guide disaster relief in the article Disaster Mitigation for Persons with Disabilities and the stories of survival in Disaster Experiences of People with Disabilities . The Center provides additional links to other Web site resources. For further information, contact William G. Stothers (VOICE: 619-232-2727).
Hold The Door
Hold The Door is an organization established in memory of the people who lost their lives on 9-11. Devoted to supporting people who have experienced loss for any reason, the site is a great resource for survivors of trauma.
Illinois Assistive Technology Project (IATP)
The IATP prepared the document Emergency Evacuation: Last Invited In, Forced to be Last Out to acquaint readers with some evacuation devices on the market. For further information, contact Sherry Edwards (VOICE: 217-522-7985).
National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
One of the best store houses of information I know regarding emergency relief and supporting people with PTSD, the National Center is constantly updating its information and resources. Take time to explore the site; it is well worth the time.
National Organization On Disability -- Emergency Preparedness Initiative
This first EPI Guide for Managers, Planners, and Responders highlights key disability concerns for officials and experts responsible for emergency planning in their communities. The guide is also designed to help emergency managers, planners and responders make the best use of resources to include all citizens of the community in emergency preparedness plans. Click here for to copy an electronic version of the guide or write epi@nod.org or fax at (202) 530-0327 to request hard copies.
Promoting the Practice of Universal Design
This NIDRR grantee at the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University, has produced a booklet entitled Areas of Rescue Assistance. The ADA requires a safe waiting area to be provided at or near inaccessible exits for people who cannot climb stairs. This booklet also describes the importance of two-way communication systems when building evacuation is necessary. For further information, contact Molly Follette Story (Voice: 303-699-8133).
RRTC for Economic Research on Employment Policy for Persons with Disabilities
The RRTC and The Center for an Accessible Society HR Magazine, an official publication of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), published an article entitled Enabling Safe Evacuations in January, 2002, that focuses on emergency preparedness and safe evacuation planning. Authors Susanne Bruyere, Ph.D., Director, Program on Employment and Disability, RRTC for Economic Research on Employment Policy for Persons with Disabilities at Cornell University and William G. Stothers, Deputy Director, The Center for an Accessible Society, present ten steps that can assist employers in implementing safe emergency evacuation procedures for all their employees, including individuals with disabilities. An online version of the article is available in the archives. For further information, contact William G. Stothers (VOICE: 619-232-2727), and Dr. Susanne Bruyere (VOICE: 607-255-7727).
RRTC on Workforce Investment and Employment Policy for Persons with Disabilities and I.T. Works
While an Annenberg Senior Fellow, NIDRR Grantee Peter David Blanck developed a report, Disaster Mitigation for Persons with Disabilities: Fostering a New Dialogue, which presented seven points that reflect an emerging consensus about how best to respond to the needs of people with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster. Dr. Blanck is currently the principal investigator for the RRTC and I.T. Works. For further information, contact James Schmeling (VOICE: 319-335-8458).
OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES ADDRESSING DISABILITY-RELATED EMERGENCY ISSUES
America Responds To Terrorism
Protect Yourself - prepare for emergencies and disasters by learning about chemical, biological, and radiological weapons - is one of the articles presented on the U.S. Government's official web portal. Additional topics include travel safety, terrorism, laws and proposed laws, and others.
Assisting People with Disabilities in a Disaster
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepared this tip sheet to help people with disabilities who are self-sufficient under normal circumstances but may have to rely on the help of others in a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepared this document, along with several others, to help maximize preparation, rescue, and recovery during a disaster. It provides a list of supplies to have on hand and some other helpful tips.
American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
The American Red Cross has prepared this document to help people who have physical, visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities to prepare for natural disasters and their consequences. The document is online and available in downloadable versions.
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