Emergency Preparedness Online,
Fifth Edition

A resource directory for emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and accessible communications

Additional Disability Resources

A. Disability Centers

1. Administration on Developmental Disabilities Accessibility Resources

   The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) operates under the Department of Health and Human Service's Administration of Children and Families. The ADD is the Federal agency responsible for implementation and administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. ADD's mission is to improve and increase services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

   Visit the ADD website
   
   
   • Katrina: Information for People with Disabilities
     http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/resources/hurricanekatrina.html

     The ADD maintains a website with information for people with disabilities and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.

   • Coping With Disaster: Suggestions for Helping Children with Cognitive Disabilities
     http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/Sept11/addcoping.html

     This guide provides suggestions for helping children with cognitive impairments or delays to cope with this disaster. It provides strategies for caregivers and teachers to use with children with mental retardation, autism, or other disabilities affecting learning, communication, and understanding.

2. Center for Development and Disability Accessibility Resources

   The Center for Development and Disability (CDD) works to achieve the full inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in their community by engaging individuals in making life choices; partnering with communities to build resources; and improving systems of care. The CDD accomplishes this mission through innovative interdisciplinary training, dissemination of information, provision of exemplary direct service and technical assistance, and applied research.

   Visit the CDD website
   
   
   • Tips for First Responders
     http://cdd.unm.edu/products/tips_web020205.pdf

     Tips for First Responders , is an 11-page, laminated 4.5 x 5.5-inch field guide on how to assist persons with a wide range of disabilities, including: Seniors, People with Service Animals, People with Mobility Challenges, People with Mental Illness, Blind or Visually Impaired People, Deaf or Hard of Hearing People, and People with Cognitive Disabilities.

   • Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness

     The Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness is focused on helping ensure that all individuals are included in the development of and inclusion in plans for protection from both natural and man-made emergencies. The Center provides resources to assist local emergency planning organizations in the planning for individuals who need specialized communications, transportation, and medical supports. The Center has a wide variety of resources available including print and multi-media materials, bibliographical references, training materials and packages for training professionals on-site or through distance education. In addition, customized technical assistance is available for organizations that are evaluating and/or revising their emergency planning or procedures.

     Visit the Disability Preparedness Center's website
   • Disability Funders Network

     The Disability Funders Network (DFN) is a group that works towards the inclusion of disability concerns in grantmaking programs as well as the inclusion of people with disabilities in grantmaking organizations. DFN maintains a website that provides an extensive list of disability related information including resources, links to publications, tools for grantmakers, a DFN Newsletter archive, employment data, philanthropy links, and other pertinent lists.

     Visit the DFN website
   • Disability Resources Accessibility Resources

     Disability Resources (DR) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently. DR disseminates information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos, databases, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information to help people with disabilities live independently.

     Visit the Disability Resources website
     
     
     • The Disability Resources Monthly
       http://www.disabilityresources.org/index.html
     • Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities
       http://www.disabilityresources.org/DISASTER.html
3. National Disability Rights Network Accessibility Resources

   The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Through training, technical assistance, legal support, and legislative advocacy, the NDRN works to create a society in which people with disabilities are afforded equality of opportunity. The National Disability Rights Network serves a wide range of individuals with disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, and transportation.

   Visit the NDRN website
   
   
   • Links to Emergency Services
     http://www.ndrn.org/katrinalinks.htm

     This extensive webpage provides links to government resources, Katrina related resources, resources for those involved with disaster relief, advocacy centers, and information and referral centers.

B. Domestic Preparedness

1. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Accessibility Resources

   The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety, property protection, property loss mitigation and economic well-being by strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH partners with like-minded organizations from the public, private and non-profit sector; to demonstrate leadership through creation of useful and reliable disaster safety education programs. FLASH also sponsors ongoing outreach initiatives to encourage citizens to build, buy and use buildings that are constructed or retrofitted with disaster safety in mind.

   Visit the FLASH website
   
   
   • Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities
     http://www.flash.org/activity.cfm?currentPeril=1&activityID=166
   • FLASH Card
     http://www.flash.org/resources/files/Flash%20Disabilities.pdf
2. Independent Living Research Utilization Accessibility Resources

   The Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. Since ILRU was established in 1977, it has developed a variety of strategies for collecting, synthesizing, and disseminating information related to the field of independent livi

   Visit the ILRU website
   
   
   • Hurricane Relief Assistance for People with Disabilities
     http://www.ilru.org/html/whatsnew/announcements/katrina.html

     An extremely thorough list of resources for individuals and organizations that include listings of phone numbers, web links, advocacy, medical, and financial information.

   • ILRU Resources
     http://www.ilru.org/html/resources/index.html

     A variety of resources and useful links including information on ADA, independent living, grant writing, and technology resources.

3. Nobody Left Behind

   The CDC sponsored Research and Training Center on Independent Living developed Nobody Left Behind: Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Mobility Impairments as a research program to determine if disaster plans and emergency response systems for homes, businesses, and communities include the health, safety, and survival needs for persons with mobility impairment. Also to identify emerging or Best Practices models for counties to assist in disaster plans and emergency responses to meet the needs of persons with mobility impairments in hopes of preventing injuries and saving lives. Nobody Left Behind posts a website with a great deal of information about disaster preparedness for people with disabilities, resources for emergency managers and first responders, as well as recent news regarding disaster readiness.

   Visit the Nobody Left Behind website
4. Project Safe EV-AC: Evacuation and Accommodation of People with Disabilities

   Project Safe EV-AC is a three year development project which will improve evacuation from buildings, vehicles, and other settings during emergencies by providing training materials on the evacuation and accommodation of people with disabilities. This project is being funded by a Dept. of Education, NIDRR grant.

   http://evac.icdi.wvu.edu/

C. Emergency Managers

1. International Association of Emergency Managers Accessibility Resources

   The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the goal of saving lives and protecting property during emergencies and disasters. The mission of the IAEM is to provide information, networking and professional opportunities and to advance the emergency management profession. The IAEM produces an informative website complete with listings of events, resources, news items, and a discussion group.

   • Special needs and emergency preparedness 3/05 bulletin
     http://www.eadassociates.com/March2005IAEM%20bulletin.pdf

     A downloadable 2005 bulletin that focuses upon emergency preparedness for those with individual requirements.

   • Special needs and emergency preparedness 4/05 bulletin
     http://www.eadassociates.com/April2005IAEMBulletin.pdf

     Part two of the IAEM's special bulletin regarding emergency preparedness for those with individual requirements.

   • Information on Special Needs Committee
     http://www.iaem.com/about/committees/SpecialNeeds/SpecialNeeds.htm
2. New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Accessibility Resources

   The Emergency Management Section organizes, directs, staffs, coordinates and reports the activities of the Communications Bureau, Emergency Preparedness Bureau, and Recovery Bureau. The Section supervisor and staff facilitate the flow of information to and from the various Bureaus supervised and serve as a conduit for communication with other Division entities. The Section is also responsible for planning, directing and coordinating emergency operations within the State which are beyond local control.

   Visit the NJ Office of Emergency Management website
   
   
   • Resources and Links for Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs
     http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/plan/special-needs.html

     Online information and resource links about disaster readiness and people with disabilities.

D. Fire Safety

1. National Fire Protection Association Accessibility Resources

   Established in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) serves as the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and is an authoritative source on public safety. The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA membership totals more than 79,000 individuals from around the world and more

   Visit the NFPA website
   • Safety for People with Disabilities

     http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=824&itemID=20919&
     URL=Learning/Public%20Education/Safety%20for%20people%20
     with%20disabilities&cookie%5Ftest=1

     Downloadable information sheet, for people with disabilities, regarding the establishment of workplace escape plans and the importance of people with disabilities being included in safety planning.

2. The U.S. Fire Administration Accessibility Resource

   Operating under the Department of Homeland Security, the mission of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination, and support. The USAF serves the Nation independently, in coordination with other Federal agencies, and in partnership with fire protection and emergency service communities. The USAF provides public education, training, technology and data initiatives. The USFA maintains a website that provides fire statistics, public fire education campaign materials, and information on home fire safety.

   Visit the USFA website
   • Fire Home Safety for the Visually Impaired
     http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk/disabilities/fswy20.shtm

     Downloadable fire safety fact sheet produced by the USFA and geared towards people who are blind or visually impaired.

   • Fire Home Safety for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
     http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk/disabilities/fswy19.shtm

     Downloadable fire safety fact sheet produced by the USFA and geared towards people who are deaf or heard of hearing.

   • Fire Home Safety for People with Disabilities and their Caretakers
     http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk/disabilities/fswy22.shtm

     Downloadable fire safety fact sheet produced by the USFA and geared towards people with disabilities and their caretakers.

   • Fire Home Safety for People with Special Needs
     http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk/disabilities/fswy23.shtm

     Downloadable fire safety fact sheet produced by the USFA and geared towards people with special needs.

   • Fire Home Safety for Older Americans
     http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk/older/older_am.shtm

     Downloadable fire safety fact sheet produced by the USFA and geared towards older Americans.

   • Fire Home Safety: Removing the Barriers
     http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/fswy22.pdf

E. Health Centers

1. Administration on Developmental Disabilities

   Operating under the Administration for Children and Families, The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the U.S. Government organization responsible for implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. ADD provides nationwide funding, monitoring, and policy guidance to its programs. The ADD posts a webpage with links to resources, publications, and related programs.

   Visit the ADD website
   
   
   • Coping With Disaster: Suggestions for Helping Children With Cognitive Disabilities
     http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/Sept11/addcoping.html

     Online information and resource links regarding methods of aiding children with cognitive disabilities to contend with disasters and their aftermaths.

2. American Association on Health and Disability Accessibility Resources

   The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) exists to support health promotion and wellness initiatives for people with disabilities at the federal, state and local level. The AAHD is also dedicated to reducing health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population. AAHD achieves its mission through research, education, public awareness and advocacy.

   Visit the AAHD website
   
   
   • Emergency Preparedness and People with Disabilities
     http://www.aahd.us/research/BestPractices/emergencyPrep.htm
   • Emergency Managers and Emergency Planners
     http://www.aahd.us/research/BestPractices/
     EmergencyPrep/EmergencyManagers.htm
3. American Red Cross Disaster Services for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs

   Every year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters, including fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters. Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs.

   Visit the American Red Cross website

   PLEASE NOTE: Additional American Red Cross resource listings can be found in Section XV of EmergencyInfoOnline.

   • Prepare.Org: People with Disabilities
     
     http://www.prepare.org/disabilities/disabilities.htm

     The American Red Cross sponsors the Prepare.org website which provides a section that contains information designed to assist people with disabilities and medical concerns to prepare for disasters.

   • Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
     http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/disability.pdf

     A 48 page downloadable book designed to help people who have physical, visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities to prepare for natural disasters and their consequences.

   • Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs
     http://www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/preparedness/A4497.pdf

     A downloadable booklet that provides information about getting informed, making a plan, assembling a kit, and maintaining these plans for people with mobility problems or who have hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities.

   • American Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
     http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_9_,00.html
   • American Red Cross: Tips for People with Special Needs & Concerns
     http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/mobileprogs.html
   • American Red Cross: Sign Language for Emergency Situations
     http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont1249_lang0_566.pdf
4. Center for Disability Issues in the Health Profession Accessibility Resources

   Established in 1998, the Center for Disability Issues in the Health Profession (CDIHP) sponsors educational activities and curriculum development for health professionals serving people with disabilities. The Center also conducts applied research to develop continuing education programs for current health care providers. These activities are designed to improve patient care delivery through advocating basic changes in social and policy issues affecting the health of people with disabilities.

   Visit the CDIHP website
   
   
   • CDIHP Evacuation Preparedness Guide
     http://www.cdihp.org/products.html#eeguide

     Downloadable information for people with disabilities concerning disaster preparedness in the face of earthquakes, power outages, fires, floods, hurricanes, nuclear power plant accidents, tornados, tsunamis, volcanoes, winter storms and extreme weather.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Accessibility Resources

   Operating under the Department of Health and Human Services, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats. The CDC is globally recognized for conducting research and investigations and then applying these findings when responding to health emergencies.

   Visit the CDC website
   
   
   • Resources for People with Disabilities
     http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hurricanes/resources.htm
   • Earthquakes and People with Special Needs
     http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/disabilities.asp

F. Katrina-Related Resources

1. Administration for Children and Families Accessibility Resources

   Operating under the Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. The ACF posts a webpage with a downloadable directory of services, available in many different languages.

   Visit the ACF website
   
   
   • Katrina Information for People with Disabilities
     http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/resources/hurricanekatrina.html

     Informative list of websites and links regarding people with disabilities and the effects of Hurricane Katrina

2. Katrina Disability Information

   The Katrina Disability Info website is a comprehensive and up-to-date compendium of resources designed to help people with disabilities cope with disasters, as well as aiding them in finding support for their everyday needs. Developed by Information on Disability for Empowerment, Advocacy, and Support (IDEAS), this project was begun as a grassroots response to the inadequacy of aid to the disability community after hurricane Katrina demolished the gulf coast. This important website has topical pages, and a 'clickable' map that provides disability information for each state, territory & commonwealth.

   Visit the Katrina Disability Information website
3. Louisiana Disability Information Resource

   The Hurricane Katrina Louisiana Disability Information Resource is a website which was created to provide information to people with disabilities and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. The website is serving as a central location for the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, Louisiana Citizens for Action Now, Families helping Families of Louisiana, and Arc of Louisiana, all of which serve people with disabilities. This website offers information on financial aid, employment, events, schools, housing, medical assistance, and regional information. It also offers a link that provides information about Louisiana Disability Programs.

   Visit the Louisiana Disability Information website
   
   
   Visit the Disability Program Information website
4. National Center for Learning Disabilities Accessibility Resources

   The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) works to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work and life. NCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster effective learning and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities.

   Visit the NCLD website
   
   
   • Katrina Resources and Services for Students with LD
     http://www.ncld.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=422

     Online information about basic education rights of students affected by Hurricane Katrina. This site also offers a resource list compiled to ensure that students with LD gain access to special education services in their new schools.

G. Pediatrics and Geriatrics

1. Administration on Aging

   Operating under the Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration on Aging (AoA) provides home and community-based services to older persons through programs funded by the Older Americans Act. The AoA runs a National Family Caregiver Support Program that provides a variety of services to help people who are caring for family members with disabilities. The AoA posts a website with information on disaster assistance and the special needs of older disaster victims.

   More information on the AoA
   
   
   Access the AoA Disaster Assistance website
2. American Academy of Pediatrics Accessibility Resources

   The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization consisting of 60,000 pediatricians who are dedicated to achieving the maximum physical, mental, and social health and well being for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and young adults. The AAP posts a website that provides general and up-to-date health information for parents of children from one to 21. The website also features a section about 'Advocacy' with topics including Federal Advocacy and State Legislative Resources.

   Visit the AAP website
   
   
   • Emergency Preparedness for Children with Special Health Care Needs
     http://www.aap.org/advocacy/emergprep.htm

H. Transportation

1. Easter Seals: Project Action Accessibility Resources

   Congress originally commissioned Easter Seals Project ACTION, in 1988, as a research and demonstration project to improve access to public transportation for people with disabilities. With the passage of the ADA two years later, Easter Seals Project ACTION expanded their goals to help transportation operators implement the new law's transportation provisions. Project Action's current mission is 'Accessible Community Transportation in our Nation.'

   Visit the Project Action website
   
   
   • Accessible Transportation Fact Sheets
     http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_fact_sheets

     Informative resource in the form of downloadable fact sheets that briefly summarize pertinent information on topics related to accessible transportation in our nation. Developed by the Easter Seals Project Action staff, these fact sheets serve as introductions or easy references guides to a wide range of topics.

2. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Accessibility Resources
   • Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities
     http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/emergencyprep.asp

     The U.S. Department of Transportation's webpage with information on their Emergency Transportation Subcommittee, which serves as a mechanism to evaluate the status of emergency preparedness as it relates to people with disabilities and transportation systems

   • The U.S. Department Of Transportation's Website on Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for People with Disabilities http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/documents/dotpart/pwd_guidelines.htm

     Downloadable 2003 guidelines which require that each of DOT's Operating Administrators account for the unique needs of those with disabilities in their emergency preparedness plans.

I. United States Agencies

1. The National Citizen Corps Accessibility Resources

   The National Citizen Corps, in partnership with the Interagency Coordinating Council, brought together representatives from national disability consumer and advocacy organizations to form The National Citizen Corps Subcommittee on Individuals with Disabilities. Representing a wide cross-section of the disability population, the Subcommittee assists in the exchange of information between the disability community and the Interagency Coordinating Council. This Subcommittee also promotes the participation of the disability community in emergency preparedness training, exercises and volunteer programs.

   Visit the National Citizen Corps website
   
   
   • Accommodating Special Needs
     http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/start-3-1b.shtm#item1

     The Citizen's Corps' Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) maintains a webpage containing information on accommodations designed to ensure that everyone gets the most from the CERT program.

   • Citizen Preparedness Publications
     http://www.citizencorps.gov/ready/cc_pubs.shtm

     Website with downloadable publications on emergency preparedness with information about preparedness for those with disabilities.

2. National Council on Disabilities Accessibility Resources

   The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families. NCD's main goal is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. The NCD also works to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

   Visit the NCD website
   
   
   • NCD's Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning
     http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/saving_lives.htm

     Online report providing an overview of necessary steps to build a solid and resilient infrastructure that will enable the government to include the diverse populations of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness, disaster relief, and homeland security programs.

3. The U.S. Access Board Accessibility Resources

   Created in 1973, The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training on these requirements and on accessible design.The Board is structured to function as a coordinating body among Federal agencies and to directly represent the public, particularly people with disabilities.

   Visit the U.S. Access Board website
   
   
   • Resources on Emergency Evacuation and Disaster Preparedness
     http://www.access-board.gov/evac.htm

     An in-depth website containing information regarding evacuation planning and assistive products, resources on disaster preparedness, and requirements pertinent to emergency notification.