ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters | PDF Source: U.S. Department of Justice Link: ada.gov/shleterck.htm (HTML) Link: ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap7shelterchk.pdf (PDF 66 pages)
Language Access and Effective Communication During Response and Recovery: A Checklist for Emergency Responders The checklist includes recommendations, specific action steps, and effective practices to assist emergency responders in ensuring effective language access for people in their communities with sensory, communication, and print disabilities, as well as people who may not be proficient in English. The checklist provides some basic principles responders can use to communicate with various populations who have communication needs. The checklist also includes additional federal resources and tools for first responders. Source: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services Link: www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/lang-access-and-effective-comm-checklist-for-emergency-responders.pdf
Emergency Preparedness and Response: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Planning ahead is required to protect yourself and your family when emergencies occur. You are in the ideal position to plan for your own safety as you best know your abilities and needs during and after an emergency or disaster. You can prepare for emergencies by planning ahead with your family and/or care attendants. Sources: Centers for Disease Control Link: emergency.cdc.gov/protect.asp
Emergency Preparedness: Including People with Disabilities Resources developed by CDC funded State Disability and Health Programs. Public health professionals, emergency personnel and communities can use them to create emergency preparedness and response plans that are inclusive of people with disabilities. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Link: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/emergencypreparedness.html
Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities Resources on becoming “Red Cross Ready” for any urgent situation, which means assembling a survival kit, making an emergency plan, and being informed. In addition, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, may benefit from the tips below about managing communications, equipment, service animals, pets and home hazards. Source: Red Cross Link: www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/disaster-safety-for-people-with-disabilities
Three Questions about Inclusive Emergency Preparedness for People With Disabilities As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, we are reminded of the importance of making emergency planning efforts inclusive of people of all ages and abilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. ACL interviewed two disability community leaders working to ensure that people with disabilities are included in emergency preparedness efforts. Source: Administration for Community Living (ACL) Blog Link: acl.gov/NewsRoom/blog/2016/2016_09_29b.aspx
Emergency Management and Preparedness – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Webinar Series Sponsored by the ADA National Network, this series of free, 90-minute webinars focus on key strategies at various levels (federal, state, and local) toward emergency management and preparedness and the inclusion of people with disabilities. All sessions are archived and real time captioned. Source: ADA National Network Link: adaconferences.org/Emergency
Communication Access Options for Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Have Speech Difficulties [PDF, 2 pages] This guide describes assistive technology products and other aids that can help emergency responders, shelters and caregivers communicate effectively with people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties. Technology vendors and cost information are included. Source: Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults Link: bit.ly/ga_ada_communication_access_options (PDF 2 pages)
TIPS Guide for First Responders [PDF, 32 pages] This quick reference guide provides specific, practical tips for working with people who have a wide range of disabilities. The information is organized for easy access before, during and after a crisis. It includes a list of the member organizations of the Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition. Source: Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults Link: bit.ly/ga_ada_tips_emergency (PDF 32 pages)
