Emergency Operations Plans for Individuals with Disabilities

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The proposed project is designed to fill an important yet unmet need by developing an online education program using simulations and scenario based learning to reach all public health and safety emergency responders and students responsible for emergency planning with and response for individuals with disabilities In Phase II the applicant organization Praxis Inc and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School will collaboratively complete development and field testing of a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response educational curriculum Emergency Operations Plans for Individuals with Disabilities EOPD We will add substantially to modules created in Phase I in order to create a comprehensive curriculum that both broadens and deepens first responder capacity to address the needs of persons with disabilities Phase IIandapos s six modules will include Disability Community Demographics and Disaster Experiences Efficient and Effective Interaction and Communication with Individuals with Disabilities Inclusive Whole Community Functional and Access Need Based Emergency Planning Mapping Techniques and Technologies for Vulnerable Populations Inclusive Mass Care Sheltering Physical Access Shelter Services and Resources and Accessible Evacuation and Transportation In addition to teaching disability specific information we will teach skills relatd to interaction and communication with people with disabilities before during and after emergencies and disasters We will also teach strategies for implementing a andquot whole communityandquot planning process Phase I included a prototype geographic information system GIS mapping tool a map and related editable database that learners used to locate shelters evacuation vehicles the flood zone hazard area and certain vulnerable populations This functionality will be revised and expanded in Phase II and will enable learners to add new information to the database and amplify the ways that this information can be displayed and used for critical emergency decision making Phase II will also expand the kinds of disabilities covered including hearing cognitive multiple disabilities and mental illness in addition to vision moblity disabilities and autism previously covered The program will be web based available andquot anytime anywhereandquot to anyone using any Internet connected device including computers tablets and smartphones Learners will gain new content and applied knowledge of appropriate emergency response actions sharpening their skills by applying this knowledge to simulated andquot real lifeandquot emergencies and adverse events that could potentially affect this population As trained first responders provide more equitable and efficient emergency planning and response for individuals with disabilities and as people with disabilities and service providers enhance collaboration to strengthen local preparedness and response American communities will become stronger and more resilient

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE The purpose of this project is to educate public health and safety emergency personnel responsible for responding to the needs of individuals with disabilities