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Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties |
Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities
October 2006 Updates |
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November 3, 2006 |
Volume 1, Number 10 |
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November 3, 2006 Volume 1, Number 10 |
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In This Issue
Quick Links
ICC Monthly Highlight
ICC Monthly Highlights
ICC Subcommittee Updates
ICC Emergency Communications Subcommittee
Upcoming Events
ICC Health Subcommittee
Recently Released Resources
ICC State, Local and Tribal Government
About the ICC
Recently Released Resources
Upcoming Events
Category of Links
About the ICC
www.disabilitypreparedness.gov
www.dhs.gov/disabilitypreparednessicc
Contact Us
disability.preparedness@dhs.gov
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ICC Monthly Highlights
Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities - Points of Contact Meeting
On October 17, 2006 the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) convened the staff-level Points of Contact (POC) meeting. The meeting agenda was primarily devoted to the review and discussion of key disability-related provisions within H.R. 5441 – Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Additionally, the ICC POC initiated discussion on strategies for strengthening the Council and priorities for the year 2007.
ICC Quarterly Newsletter Released – Emergency Preparedness NOW
The ICC Quarterly Newsletter, Emergency Preparedness NOW, was issued electronically on September 29, 2006. The quarterly newsletter communicates ICC activities, features effective emergency preparedness practices and spotlights individuals and/or organizations that make a positive impact on emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities. Highlights from this issue include: a spotlight interview with DHS Under Secretary for Preparedness, George Foresman; an overview of the HHS/DHS Working Conference on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities and the Elderly; information on Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network’s (CEPIN) new training course, Emergency Responders and the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community: Taking the First Steps to Disaster Preparedness; the DHS Nationwide Plan Review Report: Phase 2 Report Release; and Interagency Coordinating Council 2nd Year Highlights. To view Emergency Preparedness NOW please visit: http://ems-mx4.sradev.com/dhs/, or to obtain printed copies of the newsletter please contact Megan Hogan at megan.hogan@associates.dhs.gov.
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ICC Emergency Communications Subcommittee Chair: Federal Communications Commission – Disability Rights Office, Consumer & Government Affairs Bureau
FCC Announces E9-1-1 Disability Access Summit The FCC will host a Summit that focuses on E9-1-1 access for persons with hearing and speech disabilities on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Last year, the Commission initiated a proceeding seeking comment on how the Commission can ensure that consumers using Internet-based forms of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), specifically Video Relay Services (VRS) and Internet Protocol Relay (IP Relay), can access emergency services in the same way as all other consumers. In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, FCC 05-196, 20 FCC Rcd 19,476 (2005). Internet-based TRS calls do not originate on the PSTN (public switched telephone network) and therefore present unique challenges. The E9-1-1 Disability Access Summit is intended to provide an opportunity to explore challenges and potential solutions for users of Internet-based TRS services to access Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) by calling 9-1-1.
The goals of the Summit are: (1) To identify the various types of direct Internet-based E9-1-1 access that people with hearing or speech disabilities need; (2) To identify the technologies, services, and applications through which access should be offered; and (3) To define the technological, policy, and commercial issues involved in providing the needed access to persons with hearing and speech disabilities.
Participants will include representatives of other federal agencies; state and local emergency service providers; telecommunications and TRS industry; hearing and speech disability advocates; and FCC staff. Lessons learned from this Summit will help the FCC design and focus efforts to improve emergency communications access for persons with hearing and speech disabilities. The Summit is open to the public and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Summit will include panel discussions on the following three topics: needs of the hearing and speech disability communities; state of technology; and, interim options and solutions.
The Summit will take place on November 15, 2006 from 9:30AM – 2:00PM at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, DC in the Commission Meeting Room TW-C305.
For more information about the E9-1-1 Disability Access Summit, please contact Cheryl King at 202-418-2284 (voice) or Cheryl.King@fcc.gov (E-mail).
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ICC Health Subcommittee Chair: Department of Health and Human Services – Office on Disability
Defining the Role of HHS in Human Services Coordination
The ICC Health Subcommittee, chaired by the HHS Office on Disability, is addressing the new role of HHS during a disaster. The change is from “support” to “partner” in provision of human services under the National Response Plan ESF#6. This role change is an outcome of the White House Lessons Learned Report.
Immediate planning tasks include identifying: 1) anticipated human service needs; 2) types of assistance persons impacted by a disaster will require; 3) disaster-based resources to meet needs; and 4) HHS regional assessment disaster teams responsible for managing the human service emergency responses.
Long-term planning tasks include developing: efficient means of enrolling disaster victims for receipt of all needed/available services; and “one-stop human services centers that will include benefit enrollment and electronic benefits transfer. HHS has already surveyed HHS partners including State and local governments and NGOs to obtain recommendations on how both a one-step center and electronic benefits card should operate.
HHS is also developing standard operating human services procedures and training processes directed for human service providers to support the regional HHS disaster teams.
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ICC State , Local and Tribal Government Coordination Chair: Department of Homeland Security – Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)
Top Officials (TOPOFF) Exercises: TOPOFF 4 Full Scale Exercise (FSE) Initial Planning Conference – October 24-25, 2006
CRCL continues its involvement with TOPOFF exercise development. CRCL staff participated in a TOPOFF 4 FSE conference that focused on the high level planning strategy of the upcoming exercise scheduled for 10 days during October 2007. Attendees included about 150 representatives from across DHS, federal agencies, the Department of Defense, various armed forces services, state and local governments and the American Red Cross. The FSE will use a single common scenario that allows for the synchronization of national plans and T4 partner plans. One underlying theme for this exercise is “to test and evaluate the handling and treatment of special needs individuals during and after a terrorist event or incident of national significance.” CRCL will work closely with the Preparedness Directorate to ensure that disability issues are appropriately represented in various exercise development working groups.
Background: CRCL actively participated in the drafting of the TOPOFF 3 Full Scale Exercise After-Action Report submitted to Secretary Chertoff. That report included a Remediation Action Plan identifying shortfalls the exercise did not sufficiently address, and recommendations to correct those shortfalls. CRCL's primary concern was that the exercise did not sufficiently address the needs of people with disabilities in exercise planning, play, delivery or in the accommodation of observers with disabilities. CRCL made specific recommendations to have these issues remedied during TOPOFF 4.
CRCL Participation In New Target Capability Development Working Group
The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties continues to collaborate with the interagency group working on a new emergency management Target Capability, know in draft stage as “Functional and Medical Support Sheltering." On October 12, 2006, CRCL staff participated in a Target Capabilities List meeting with HHS staff which focused on efforts to estimate demand for functional and medical supports during sheltering. Additionally, the group discussed various approaches to further refine the estimates, e.g. the specific types of assistance individuals will need post disaster.
Background: The DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness recently reviewed many of the target capabilities established to assure that the nation is ready to respond to all-hazard disaster situations. Through discussion with subject matter experts, it became evident that the target capabilities did not ensure the establishment of a sheltering system that considered those with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, or other conditions impacting their level of functioning, or those with chronic medical or health conditions which precludes them from staying at a general population shelter.
The Target Capabilities List (TCL) identifies the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from major catastrophic events. It is a living document that will continue to be enhanced and refined over time. Currently, there are 37 capabilities to provide the Nation with a comprehensive set of capabilities across four homeland security missions: Prevent, Protect, Respond and Recover. More information about the TCL is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm.
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Recently Released Resources
Accessible Trailers for People with Disabilities Available from FEMA
As part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit, Brou v. FEMA, approved by the Federal District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana on September 26, 2006, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reaching out to notify Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuees with disabilities, or those living with someone who has a disability, that accessible trailers are available for temporary housing. Katrina and Rita evacuees with disabilities who do not have accessible temporary housing should contact FEMA and make their needs known, even if they have previously been in touch with FEMA about their housing needs. For more information please visit http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=30558.
Sacramento, CA Metro Region Prepares for Disasters with “Safely Out” Kits
SAFELY OUT™ is a project of Citizen Voice, developed in partnership with the Red Cross – Sacramento Sierra Chapter, to ensure that people with disabilities, seniors and young children are safely evacuated during a disaster. The kit, which enables easy access to critical emergency information, includes: A door hanger for placement on door or window indicating you "Need Help" or are "SAFELY OUT™," a refrigerator magnet for strong essential evacuation information (including contact details for nearby helpers to assist with evacuation), a bag for storing medications and additional information (prescriptions, insurance, etc.), and information sheets including a simple how-to-guide, helper information sheets and a wallet card. For more information on the Safely Out program visit http://www.citizenvoice.org/safely_out_home.shtml.
Project Safe EV-AC Training Library
Project Safe EV-AC (EVacuation and ACcommodation of People with Disabilities), a three-year development project designed to improve evacuation from buildings, vehicles, and other settings during emergencies, has released several training materials to better assist individuals with disabilities and first responders in emergency situations. Such publications include: Individual Pack - A packet of information to provide useful information to people with disabilities about their right to accommodation; In Advance - Information regarding planning for personnel training, site preparation, and acquisition of tools and equipment; and In a Pinch - A quick reference manual covering the techniques for evacuating people with disabilities from various sites and situations. For more information please visit: http://evac.icdi.wvu.edu/library/training.htm.
The Baylor College of Medicine Releases Guidelines for Elderly Disaster Victims
The Baylor College of Medicine, in collaboration with the American Medical Association, the AARP Foundation, and the Harris County Hospital District, has published a report entitled: Recommendations for Best Practices in the Management of Elderly Disaster Victims. The publication focuses on the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina in the Houston area, the development of the Seniors without Families Triage (SWiFT) instrument, and recommendations for best practices regarding older Americans in disasters. To view the entire report please visit: www.bcm.edu/pdf/bestpractices.pdf.
NEMA Releases After-Action Report for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Lexington, KY – The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) released its after-action report (AAR) for the 2005 Hurricane season response. According to the report, despite demands put on the system by the catastrophic natural disasters of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, the compact and its leadership worked effectively – delivering unprecedented levels of personnel and resources to the affected areas. For more information on the report please visit: http://www.emacweb.org/?1473.
TSA Changes in Allowances for Persons with Disabilities at Security Checkpoints
Since the initial ban on liquids, gels and aerosols took effect on August 10, TSA has made additional changes to allow travelers to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) in one, quart-size, clear plastic, sealable bag through security checkpoints. In addition, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board the aircraft.
TSA will continue to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. For a complete listing of allowable carry-on items, as well as a list of helpful tips for air travelers, visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm.
The Association of the Bar of the City of New York Releases Post-Katrina Accessibility Report
Ensuring Accessibility for People with Disabilities in the Wake of Katrina and of Other Natural and Man-Made Disasters report has been prepared on behalf of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York by its Committee on Civil Rights and its Committee on Legal Issues Affecting People with Disabilities in the hope that its compilation and discussion of the laws, regulations, and other resources it cites will be useful in advancing the understanding of, and compliance with, legal requirements for access to the built environment for people with disabilities as reconstruction takes place after natural and man-made disasters. To view the report in its entirety visit: http://www.nycbar.org/pdf/report/AccessibilityPostDisaster.pdf.
Red Cross Training Course Aims to Better Serve People with Disabilities Following a Disaster
The American Red Cross, in collaboration with DHS, National Organization on Disability, and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, has developed a training course to better prepare its employees and volunteers to serve individuals with disabilities in the aftermath of disasters entitled Serving People with Disabilities Following Disaster. The training begins with a 45-minute online self-study and is followed with an eight-hour instructor-led class to provide in-depth information for disaster workers in direct and constant contact with people with disabilities. For more information on the training course visit http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_5678,00.html.
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Upcoming Events
November 3-5, 2006 Abilities Expo – Northern California Santa Clara, CA The Abilities Expo is a show for independent and assisted living products and services. Abilities Expo also offers a full line up of free consumer and professional workshops, offered by leading individuals in the healthcare, education, and retail fields. For more information visit http://noc.abilitiesexpo.com/iaenoc/v42/index.cvn.
November 8, 2006 Hot Topics in Intergovernmental IT: Collaboration for Better Disaster Response Washington, DC Please note that this conference is for government officials only This year's program, on the topic of collaboration for better disaster management, offers panel discussions by an array of speakers, with time at the end for participants to share experiences and ask questions. Topics for discussion include: Two of the major players from the District and Fairfax County, VA, will introduce the National Capital Region’s Interoperability Program (NCRIP). The NCRIP is overseeing the development of a comprehensive data interoperability program for public safety and first responders. Federal, state and local health care and disease prevention officials will discuss how information technologies and systems can support the delivery of health care during natural and man-made disasters. For more information please visit: http://colab.cim3.net/file/work/OIS_news/face_to_face_Nov_8_2006.doc.
November 12-15, 2006 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2006 Annual Conference & EMEX Exhibit “Going All the Way…Putting Plans Into Action” Orlando, FL The IAEM Annual Conference purpose is to provide a forum for current trends, topics and the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and to advance IAEM committee work. Sessions encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health and related professions to exchange ideas on collaborating to protect lives and property from disaster. For more information visit: http://www.iaem.com/events/annual/intro.htm.
Nov. 14-16 , 2006 Transportation Disaster Response - Family Assistance Course offered by the National Transportation Safety Board NTSB Academy, Ashburn, VA Developed for commercial transportation officials, representatives of federal agencies and staff of non-governmental relief organizations and emergency managers, this course is instrumental in understanding how any organization involved in accident response can most effectively support family assistance efforts. For more information visit: http://www.ntsb.gov/Academy/CourseInfo/TDA301_2006.htm.
November 16-17, 2006 International Recovery Perspectives: Implications, Innovations, Implementation Toronto, Ontario The Leadership Project announces International Recovery Perspectives: Implications, Innovations, Implementation – Critical and creative exploration of leading edge approaches in Mental Health Recovery. Human Rights Advocacy and Recovery, The Supporting Role of Families in Recovery, and Medication: Informed Choices and Challenges are among the themes of the conference. For more information visit http://www.crct.org/events/show_event.cfm?id=289.
November 16-18, 2006 2006 ASHA Convention – Building Bridges Through Communication Miami Beach, FL The 2006 ASHA Convention offers a wide array of educational programs, special events and social functions focused on speech, language and hearing. Among the conference sessions are: Biological Marker of Auditory Processing (BioMAP): Implications for Learning Disabilities, Cross-Cultural Views of Disability in Children: An Evaluator's Checklist, and Using Aided Language Stimulation With Adults With Developmental Disabilities. For more information please visit http://www.asha.org/about/events/convention/.
November 17-19, 2006 World Congress & Expo on Disabilities (WCD Expo) Philadelphia, PA The WCD Expo, the world’s largest disability event, is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, their families and professionals who work with them. The WCD is intended to educate, inform and provide a useful exchange of ideas for people with disabilities and special healthcare needs and those involved in their care and development. For more information visit http://www.wcdexpo.com/.
December 13-14, 2006 Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference (For People with Disabilities, the Elderly, Pediatrics, and Animals) Washington, DC The Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference will cover all aspects of emergency management planning and response for people with disabilities, the elderly, pediatric populations, and animal issues. This conference will bring together national experts to discuss changes in policies, legislation, response protocols, workplace safety, and disaster management. For more information please visit www.homelanddefensejournal.com.
January 29-February 2 , 2007 Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference Daytona Beach, Florida The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference includes speaker presentations, panel discussion, and workshops that focus on timely emergency management issues and topics. In conjunction with the annual conference, association business is conducted; also, outstanding agency and individual contributions to the field of emergency management are recognized through an awards program. For more information visit: http://www.fepa.org/meetings.html
February 8-9, 2007 National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Carless Society New Orleans, LA The University of New Orleans Transportation Center, in partnership with the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the Regional Transit Authority, is organizing a National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Car-less Society. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita revealed the importance of evacuation planning, especially for people without the ability or means to drive. All cities in the United States are vulnerable to natural and human caused disasters. The focus of this conference is on evacuation planning for car-less residents, including the elderly, disabled, and transit dependent populations. Our intent is to bring together government officials, professionals, and experts to discuss how we can better prepare for those that are in most need. For more information go to www.carlessevacuation.org.
March 12-13, 2007 23rd Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities Honolulu, Hawaii The Pacific Rim Conference is an international educational forum for persons with disabilities, family members, researchers, service providers, policy makers and nationally recognized professionals in the various disciplines in the diverse field of disabilities. Pacific Rim provides opportunities to learn from one another, share resources and ideas that support the quality of life, community inclusion, and self-determination for all persons with disabilities and their families and help shape our world community. For more information please visit: http://pacrim.hawaii.edu/general/about/.
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About the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties oversees the implementation of Executive Order 13347, Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness, which was signed by President Bush in July 2004. This Executive Order is designed to ensure the safety and security of individuals with disabilities in all-hazard emergency and disaster situations. To this end, the Executive Order created an Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities. The ICC is comprised of senior leadership from more than 20 Federal departments and agencies. Its mission is to ensure that people with disabilities and their specific needs are fully integrated into all aspects of our nation's emergency management system; including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The Secretary of Homeland Security is the Chair of the ICC, and he has delegated that role to Mr. Daniel Sutherland, the DHS Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The Council has concentrated its work in eight major areas:
(1) Emergency Communications; (2) Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace; (3) Emergency Transportation; (4) Health; (5) Private Sector Coordination; (6) Research; (7) State, Local and Tribal Government Coordination; and (8) Technical Assistance and Outreach.
For more information about the ICC please visit www.disabilitypreparedness.gov.
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