REFERENCE POINTS:  Emergency Preparedness Resources

PREPARING MAKES SENSE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS
Information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on how to prepare
for an emergency and what to consider if you or a family member has a
disability. Includes a list of recommended emergency supplies, how to make a
plan and the importance of staying informed about the types of emergencies
that are likely to affect your area.  This information sheet is available in
English at
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/PrinterFriendly_DisabilitesSpecialNe
eds.pdf or in Spanish at
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/PrinterFriendly_DisabilitiesSpecialN
eeds_ES.pdf

PLANNING FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY: A FUNCTION-BASED APPROACH This PowerPoint
presentation was developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on emergency planning and the
function-based definition of special needs populations adopted in the
National Response Framework. Areas addressed in this presentation include
planning for and maintaining independence, communication, transportation,
medical care, accessible shelter and mass care. To access the presentation
go to
http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/nccp/Parsons_Fulmer_Planning_for_the_Entire_
Community_8-11-09.pdf

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK
The Long-term Disaster Recovery Working Group, chaired by the Secretaries of
the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Homeland Security, is
seeking public input into a National Disaster Recovery Framework. The
Working Group has posted 16 specific questions on it website, such as "How
can the nonprofit and private sectors be better integrated into recovery?"
This is an opportunity for grassroots advocacy organizations to give input
about the needs of people with disabilities as communities work to recover
from disasters. To provide comments, see:
http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/questionnaire/

EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTER FROM THE PASS IT ON CENTER The Pass It On Center
is developing an emergency response system based on an existing network of
Assistive Technology (AT) Centers. At the foundation of this project is a
national survey designed to develop an understanding of the current
involvement of a variety of programs in efforts related to assistive
technology reuse and emergency planning, management and response.
Information obtained will be vital to developing effective emergency
response systems for all populations.  To access the survey go to
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wSOEqoWYnhBjNQ541bKy2A_3d_3d

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AWARENESS OF CALIFORNIANS WITH DISABILITIES IN DAILY AND
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS This new study from the PAS Center, examines the
telecommunication awareness, access, practices, and preferences of
Californians with disabilities in both daily and emergency situations.
Interviews were conducted with participants from six broad disability
categories: deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low-vision, difficulty using
hands/mobility impairment, and speech impairment. Participants were asked
about Internet usage, cell phone or wireless device usage, use of land line
phones, their favorite way to communicate, areas for improvements and
communicating in emergency situations. This report presents the findings of
those interviews. To access the report go
http://www.pascenter.org/publications/publication_home.php?id=981 ;

PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS IN THE WORKPLACE AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT This technical assistance document provides information about Titles I
and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and pandemic planning in
the workplace. It identifies established ADA principles that are relevant to
questions frequently asked about workplace pandemic planning. For more
information go to http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/pandemic_flu.html ;



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REFERENCE POINTS is administered by PACER Center http://www.PACER.org as a
technical assistance activity of the TATRA Project. The TATRA Project is
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