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Alice Frame – Program Coordinator - Health Promotion for People with Disabilities Initiative - Disabilities Health Unit – Michigan Department of health and Human Services
Working with people with disabilities in planning for
emergencies is essential. In a perfect world, the needs of every person –
regardless of disability status – would be anticipated, and emergency services
would be well prepared to meet those needs. That isn’t possible, but emergency planning
professionals do their best to get as close as they can.
Emergency preparedness and response professionals dedicate
themselves to helping communities be prepared and resilient. They make sure
there are plans in place, shelters picked out, and distribution centers lined
up. They try to anticipate needs.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many people
will spend time with family in the coming weeks. Do any family members have disabilities?
Having a discussion with those members about emergency preparedness is great
for two simple reasons:
- When working as a first responder or in
emergency preparedness, it’s really easy to focus on the public and overlook
those closest. Take this time with family to make sure everyone has a plan.
- If discussing preparedness with people with
disabilities is a new concept, this is a good way to practice. Many people may
not know what types of accommodations people with different types of
limitations may need, and this is a great way to start learning about it.
So in between meals and football plays, take some time to
talk with family. Learn who has unique emergency needs and how those needs can
best be met. Take that information and use it going forward to help better
assist individuals with disabilities in disaster situations.
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