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Alice Frame, MA - Program Coordinator, Disability Health Unit - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Emergency responders must be prepared to meet the needs of
everyone during a disaster – including people with disabilities. Some of these
individuals may have unique needs and different methods of navigation and
interaction than what emergency personnel are accustomed to. For example, an estimated 1.3 million
American adults are legally blind, and 14 million Americans 12 years and older
have some level of self-reported visual impairment.
There are a few common misconceptions about blindness and
visual impairment that should be addressed:
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Being
legally blind doesn’t mean that a person lives in complete darkness. Most
individuals considered legally blind have some level of vision - either light
perceptions or shapes/shadows. It’s also important to understand that many
people who are legally blind do have functional vision through corrective
lenses or glasses. However, if their glasses or lenses are missing or broken
(which could reasonably happen in an emergency), they may no longer have
functional vision.
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Not all
individuals with blindness can read Braille. Most people with visual
impairment do not read Braille – especially those who have functional vision
with corrective eyewear. Even among individuals with complete blindness, there
has been a shift away from learning Braille with the
development of new technology.
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Not all
individuals with blindness use a white cane. Only about 2% of Americans who
are blind or visually impaired use a cane.
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Guide dogs
do not navigate for visually impaired users. The handlers know where they are going, not
the dog. Service dogs help them avoid obstacles, but do not navigate for them.
What should emergency responders keep in mind when
assisting people with visual impairment or blindness in a disaster?
First, make sure to narrate anything that is happening. It is important to talk when entering a room,
so no one is startled. Speak naturally and directly to the individual – there’s
no need to shout, because chances are, his or her hearing is just fine. Avoid
using gestures to direct people – make sure to provide verbal instructions. Second,
as with any person, always ask before helping. It’s important to offer
assistance, but let the individual explain what help is needed before acting.
That person is the best judge of what he or she needs. Never grab or try to
guide them without first asking.
Understanding the different and unique needs of individuals
with disabilities can help emergency responders efficiently and effectively
meet those needs in a crisis.
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