Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
10. No Charge—People with disabilities may not be charged to cover the costs
of measures necessary to ensure equal access and nondiscriminatory treat-
ment. Examples of accommodations provided without charge to the indi-
vidual may include ramps; cots modified to address disability-related needs;
a visual alarm; grab bars; additional storage space for medical equipment;
lowered counters or shelves; Braille and raised letter signage; a sign language
interpreter; a message board; assistance in completing forms or documents in
Braille, large print or audio recording.
The remainder of this chapter is dedicated to identifying challenges and solu-
tions in addressing planning and response relative to the nondiscrimination con-
cepts identified above and the FNSS Guide in general.
Practical Considerations
Mass care and shelter planning should consider functional and access needs as well
as chronic medical conditions. Chronic medical conditions prevalent in our society
include cancers, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, mental disorders, and
pulmonary conditions. The primary services that enable independence for those
with access, functional and medical needs include
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Reasonable modifications to policies, practices and procedures
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Durable medical equipment
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Consumable medical supplies
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Personal assistance services
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Other goods and services as needed
With these services in mind, the primary challenges to modifying existing mass
care and shelter plans to accommodate effective integration of people with func-
tional needs include: (1) estimating space requirements and layout consideration;
(2) identifying sources for equipment and services; and (3) modifying plans to
reflect integrative policies. These issues are addressed in detail below.
Space Requirements and Layout Considerations
Throughout general population shelters, cots and other furniture should be organ-
ized to allow routes that are accessible to people who use wheelchairs, crutches, or
walkers. According to the American Red Cross, 20 square feet per person should be
available for short-term sheltering and up to 40 square feet per person for sheltering
longer than 72 hours. People who use wheelchairs, lift equipment, service animals,
and personal assistance services may require up to 100 square feet.
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In addition to
