Preparing for emergencies and disasters is important for every individual and family. Missouri is prone to flooding, tornados, winter storms, and extreme temperatures. In addition, the location along the New Madrid Seismic Zone means the possibility for a major earthquake, along with significant liquefaction risk in the southeastern part of the state.
Emergency planning for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is vital and creating a plan is a very personal process. Individuals must consider their own specific needs and circumstances so the plan will work for them.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, reminds us:
- 16.1 million people have a cognitive, intellectual or mental health disability.
- About 6.7 million adults have a mental health disability.
- Many individuals have more than one of these conditions co-occurring in their lives.
- Like all citizens, they need early, timely, accurate and accessible information.
- This information should be delivered in age-appropriate, concrete language.
- The information should be delivered in any way that meets an individual’s needs – small “bites” of information, written language, spoken language, or sign language, for instance.
- It is necessary to follow up with the individual after a disaster, as the stress and trauma of the disaster may have an adverse effect on them.
- It is also possible that individuals may lose access to their medications or their regularly occurring services.
- Again, emergency and disaster planning is an individual process, so avoid making assumptions or decisions based on their diagnosis or disability.
Below are numerous resources, ideas, and tips for emergency planning. Take advantage of these resources and begin planning for emergencies and disasters for yourself and those you care about.
Disaster Preparedness and Planning
- Emergency Alert Systems
CAP and iPAWS are two systems, enacted by Executive Order, that ensure alerting systems are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)
The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) was introduced as a part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.Public Alert & Warning System (iPAWS)
Presidential Executive Order 13407 established the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (iPAWS) to ensure emergency warnings are available to everyone.- Disaster Preparedness and Planning: Individuals
The ADA and other laws apply in disasters and emergencies:
- Preparation.
- Exercises.
- Notification.
- Evacuation and transportation.
- Sheltering.
- First aid and medical services.
- Temporary lodging and housing.
- Transition back to the community.
- Clean up.
- Other emergency and disaster-related programs, services, and activities.
Emergency Planning Resources
Americans with Disabilities Act - Emergency Planning
State/local governments work to protect the public from the negative impacts of emergencies and disasters, including storms and other weather events. This work—known as “emergency management”—includes preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters.Federal Emergency Management Agency - Office of Equal Rights
The Office of Equal Rights serves the Agency and the Nation by supporting a discrimination-free work place and equal access to FEMA programs and services, for all disaster survivors.National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 establishes the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the single comprehensive incident management system for all disasters.National Response Framework (NRF)
Hurricane Katrina shed light on a number of different failures in emergency response and let to the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA), changing a great deal in disaster response, especially at the federal level. It led to the development of the National Response Framework (NRF).Ready - People with Disabilities
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.The Stafford Act
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988, commonly known as “The Stafford Act,” constitutes the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs. Understanding emergency management framework will help with emergency and disaster planning.- Disaster Preparedness and Planning: Responders
Department of Homeland Security - Reference Guide: Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services
Guidelines for use by those who serve individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster relief.Federal Emergency Management Agency - Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operation Plans
This guidebook provides guidance for developing emergency operations plans. It promotes a common understanding of the fundamentals of risk-informed planning and decision making to help planners examine a hazard or threat and produce integrated, coordinated, and synchronized plans.Federal Emergency Management Agency - Independent Study Course: Including People With Disabilities in Disaster Operations
The purpose of this course is to increase awareness and understanding of the need for full inclusion of disaster survivors and FEMA staff who are people with disabilities.Federal Emergency Management Agency - Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
Help people with disabilities before, during and after disasters.Federal Emergency Management Agency - Office of Equal Rights
The Office of Equal Rights serves the Agency and the Nation by supporting a discrimination-free work place and equal access to FEMA programs and services, for all disaster survivors.Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness
Presidential Executive Order 13347 created the Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness program, recognizing that disaster and emergency mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery planning efforts often overlook people with disabilities. With the goal of ensuring that people with disabilities become and remain an integral part of the nation’s disaster and emergency mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts the Interagency Coordinating Council was formed in recognition requires a concerted approach to address a myriad of complex issues.Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
Hurricane Katrina resulted in many reforms in the field of emergency management, including improvements in programs for individuals with disabilities.Presidential Policy Directive / PPD-8: National Preparedness
Presidential Policy Directive / PPD-8 is aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of the United States through systematic preparation for the threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of the nation, including acts of terrorism, cyber attacks, pandemics, and catastrophic natural disasters.Ready - People with Disabilities
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Additional Resources
- Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (amended in 2004)
Legislation was passed to help increase awareness of assistive technology, access to assistive technology, and acquisition of assistive technology.Assistive Technology at Administration for Community Living
The Office of Interagency Innovation within ACL's Center for Innovation and Partnership oversees the State Grant for Assistive Technology Program and the Assistive Technology National Activities funded under the Assistive Technology Act.Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance
State-by-state assistive technology program statistics, resources, and reports.National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center
National list of Assistive technology Project Agencies and information regarding various kinds of assistive technology programs and services.- Accessibility
A number of laws have been enacted to prevent discrimination and protect the rights of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, including:
- Fair Housing Act.
- Architectural Barriers Act.
- Stafford Act.
- Rehabilitation Act.
- Section 504: Guide to protecting the rights of students with disabilities.
- Section 508: Addresses access of electronic information.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Telecommunications Act.
- Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act.
- 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.
- Civil Rights Act.
Americans with Disabilities Act - Guide to Disability Rights Laws
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities.Guidance for Accessibility in Buildings
- Education Rights and Resources
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) discusses the rights of students with disabilities to an appropriate education.- Please note, new attention is being focused on transitions from education to postsecondary education, employment, and adult decision-making skills for individuals leaving secondary education.
- Disability Etiquette
Many people do not know how to act when they interact with individuals with disabilities. The United Spinal Association has created a Disability Etiquette publication (available in English, Spanish and Chinese). This publication provides tips to follow that will help create positive interactions and raise comfort levels.