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Alice Frame, MA - MDHHS Disabilities Health Unit Coordinator
Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized response structure that allows multiple agencies and groups to plan for and respond to emergencies together, by creating a common operating protocol. The ICS structure was first developed for the fire service and has since grown to use in many disciplines including public health and hospital preparedness. This system eliminates waste and conflict in the event of an emergency and maximizes the resources and response tools available. ICS helps agencies identify key roles and sections for emergency response. The standard sections include command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance. An organization may already use ICS for emergencies, however, integrating disabilities into ICS may not yet exist.
It’s important to have the needs and interests of all people represented within the organization incident command structure, to ensure response efforts are inclusive and accessible. People with disabilities should be represented or consulted during emergencies. Including a disability advocate or disability health promotion, professionals can maximize the efficacy and efficiency of all sections of ICS in meeting the needs of people with disabilities.
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Command – the command section coordinates communication and collaboration with all organizations and groups involved and works with local governments, media officials, and the community to keep people informed. A disability advocate or representative can help the command section identify disability organizations and groups in the community, assist in developing accessible and inclusive messages and information, and help answer any general disability-related questions and concerns.
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Operations – the operations section oversees all tactical operations and response and directs efforts at disaster sites. Disability advocates or consultants can help the team plan and implement tactical operations that include or impact people with disabilities. Among other things, they can help answer questions about the best ways to approach and communicate with people with different kinds of disabilities, how to interact with and treat service dogs, and other questions that arise in response efforts. They can also help plan for such situations.
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Planning – the planning section of ICS is tasked with all planning efforts. Having a disability advocate participate or consult allows the section to better plan for the needs of people with disabilities in an emergency. This helps ensure that emergency responders have appropriate skills and protocols in place to assist those individuals and that the unique needs of people with disabilities are acknowledged and identified in all written planning materials.
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Logistics – the logistics section oversees the resources, equipment, and facilities used by during an emergency. Including a disability advocate can help ensure that all facilities are accessible, that emergency responders have the appropriate equipment to assist individuals with disabilities, and that adequate resources are available.
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Finance – the finance section oversees all accounting efforts and tracks funds spent during response and recovery efforts. A disability advocate can help the finance team prepare for emergencies by identifying additional costs that may accrue related to accessibility and inclusion. Such costs could include hiring an American Sign Language interpreter for a disaster-related press conference, organizing transportation for people with mobility limitations or those who don’t drive during an evacuation or needing special food or feeding equipment that may be needed at an emergency shelter for individuals who have dietary restrictions or digestive limitations. Outlining these possible costs ahead of time can help the finance team plan accordingly.
Rather than waiting for an emergency to reach out to disability advocates and subject matter experts, including them in the ICS structure upfront helps expedite response efforts, allows responders to plan for different situations, and helps mitigate potential barriers ahead of time. It also allows for disability and inclusion to become part of the standardized operating procedures used across all organizations and groups, creating a more equitable approach to emergency preparedness and response.
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