Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Equal Opportunity—People with disabilities must have the same opportuni-
ties to benefit from emergency programs, services, and activities as people
without disabilities. Emergency recovery services and programs should be
designed to provide equal choices for all people. This includes choices relating
to short-term housing or other short- and long-term disaster support services.
4. Inclusion—People with disabilities have the right to participate in and receive
benefits of emergency programs, services, and activities provided by govern-
ments, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Inclusion of people
with various types of disabilities in planning, training, and evaluation of pro-
grams and services will ensure that all people are given appropriate consider-
ation during emergencies.
5. Integration—Emergency programs, services, and activities typically must
be provided in an integrated setting. Providing services such as sheltering,
information intake for disaster services, and short-term housing in integrated
settings keeps people connected to their support system and caregivers.
6. Physical Access—Emergency programs, services, and activities must be
provided at locations that all people can access, including people with dis-
abilities. People with disabilities should be able to enter and use emergency
facilities and access the programs, services, and activities that are provided.
Facilities typically required to be accessible include: parking, drop-off areas,
entrances and exits, security screening areas, toilet rooms, bathing facilities,
sleeping areas, dining facilities, areas where medical care or human services
are provided, and paths of travel to and from and between these areas.
7. Equal Access—People with disabilities must be able to access and benefit
from emergency programs, services, and activities equal to the general popu-
lation. Equal access applies to emergency preparedness, notification of emer-
gencies, evacuation, transportation, communication, shelter, distribution of
supplies, food, first aid, medical care, housing, and application for and distri-
bution of benefits.
8. Effective Communication—People with disabilities must be given informa-
tion that is comparable in content and detail to that given to the general pub-
lic. It must also be accessible, understandable and timely. Auxiliary aids and
services may be needed to ensure effective communication. These resources
may include pen and paper; sign language interpreters through on-site or
video; and interpretation aids for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of
hearing or have speech impairments. People who are blind, deaf-blind, have
low vision, or have cognitive disabilities may need large-print information or
people to assist with reading and filling out forms.
9. Program Modifications—People with disabilities must have equal access to
emergency programs and services, which may entail modifications to rules,
policies, practices, and procedures. Service staff may need to change the way
questions are asked, provide reader assistance to complete forms, or provide
assistance in a more accessible location.
