Panelist Biography and Presentation Summary
Panel One: Panel One: Providing Accessible Alerting/Messaging in the Response
and Recovery Phases of Emergency Management
Sharon Behun, Director, Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Biography: Sharon Behun was appointed director of Pennsylvania’s Office for the Deaf
& Hard of Hearing (ODHH) on Sept. 21, 2006. As Director of ODHH, Behun oversees
the advocacy, information and referral services the commonwealth provides to all
Pennsylvanians. In addition, Behun has oversight of the Sign Language Interpreter &
Transliterator State Registration Act. ODHH is the administrator of act, enforces it and
maintains the database of registered sign language interpreters.
During her tenure as director, she has overseen several projects to increase the level of
advocacy with initiatives such as partnering with the Unemployment Compensation to
provide services to their claimants, who use American Sign Language via a videophone,
and collaborating with the Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Children Youth and
Families (OCYF) to improve their services to families who have a member who is deaf
or hard of hearing. Currently, ODHH is developing several informational documents to
educate Pennsylvanians on assistive technology, such as hearing aids, and
interpreters.
Behun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sign language interpreting from
Bloomsburg University, and is certified in transliterating and interpreting by the Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation for
the Blind
Biography: Scott White, who holds degrees in Business Management and Computer
Programming, has managed the NFB-NEWSLINE® service for the National Federation
of the Blind since 2006. Prior to working for the NFB, Scott was employed by Circuit City
Stores, Inc., in Richmond, Virginia, as a Senior Systems Administrator for ten years.
Presentation Summary: NFB-NEWSLINE® is an information source for persons who
cannot read conventional newsprint due to a disability such as blindness or deaf-
blindness. Currently the NFB-NEWSLINE® service provides over 340 publications,
including newspapers and magazines from across the country, to our subscribers.
Most importantly to emergency management, NFB-NEWSLINE® provides our
subscribers with instant on-demand weather alerts twenty-four hours a day, seven days
a week. In addition, NFB-NEWSLINE® can make emergency agencies’ announcements
that are provided after a disaster accessible to the blind and deaf-blind through the use
of our telephone service and NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile app for iOS devices.
In order to apply for the NFB-NEWSLINE ®service, visit www.nfbnewsline.org and fill
out the online application or call 866-504-7300 for more information.
Charles W McCobb, Program Manager, Integrated Public & Alert Warning System
(IPAWS), FEMA
Biography: Charles McCobb has been with the FEMA IPAWS Division since April of
2010. In this capacity he is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating
Program Requirements for the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System as well as
Public Outreach and Access and Functional Needs initiatives and requirements. The
IPAWS division is tasked with implementing an effective, reliable, integrated, flexible,
and comprehensive system to alert and warn the American people as outlined in
Executive Order 13407. The Executive order further requires FEMA to “include in the
public alert and warning system the capability to alert and warn all Americans, including
those with disabilities”.
Before joining FEMA, Mr. McCobb served as a Senior Program Manager for a
commercial contracting organization supporting the Department of Defense Research,
Engineering and Program Development sector. Mr. McCobb has also dedicated over 20
years in service to his country as a Military Officer and as such served as a an
Operational Communications Planner, Program Manager, Systems Acquisition
Professional and in support of the Wounded Warrior integration initiative while
supporting Military personnel with disabilities. Mr. McCobb is a graduate of Florida State
University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, San Diego State University of
California with a Masters of Business Administration and the Army War College with
Masters Degree in Organizational Management.
Presentation Summary: During an emergency, alert and warning officials need to
provide the public with life-saving information quickly. FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert
and Warning System (IPAWS) is a modernization and integration of the nation’s alert
and warning infrastructure designed to improve public safety through the rapid
dissemination of authenticated emergency messages.
By using Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a standard for alert messages, IPAWS
improves the dissemination of emergency alert information delivery to all Americans.
CAP alerts can transport rich multi-media attachments and links in alert messages,
which enables industry partners to develop and provide special content and/or devices
that can be used by access and functional needs communities to receive emergency
alerts.
The IPAWS presentation will discuss the multiple types of alerting devices receiving the
CAP messages and emerging technologies that can assist the access and functional
needs communities.
Panel Two: Distribution of Durable Medical Equipment in Response and Recovery
- Matching, Finding, Paying and Moving
Michael Senycz, Chief, Individual Assistance Branch FEMA Region III
Biography: Michael Senycz is the Individual Assistance (IA) Branch Chief in Recovery
for FEMA Region 3. Michael started with FEMA back in the summer of 2004 in
Richmond, VA for damages caused by Tropical Storm Gaston. During Hurricane Katrina
Michael managed the Recovery Support Center at FEMA Headquarters that was
created to support senior leadership within the Disaster Assistance Directorate. Michael
also had the opportunity to work on the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform
Act (PKEMRA) legislation and helped institute formaldehyde testing procedures for
FEMA temporary housing units. In response to the 2007 California Wildfires Michael
deployed as part of a “Tiger Team” and led the first Joint Housing Task Force used for
disaster operations. Michael’s experience includes over 20 disasters assignments and
managing Individual Assistance field operations serving as IA Branch Director in several
disasters for West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
Presentation Summary: Michael will explore what options FEMA has to preposition
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prior to an event and explain what options are
available for FEMA to pay for and replace DME under the Other Needs Assistance
(ONA) Program.
Jamie Arasz Prioli, Assistive Technology Specialist, Institute on Disabilities
Temple University
Biography: Jamie Arasz Prioli is a RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive
Technology Society of North America) Certified Assistive Technology Specialist at the
Institute on Disabilities, Pennsylvania’s University Center of Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities. She is the project coordinator of the Reused and
Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP), a program of the Commonwealth’s
statewide program under the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (Pennsylvania’s
Initiative on Assistive Technology [PIAT]). Ms. Prioli provides technical assistance
focused on emergency preparedness activities to the national technical assistance
center on assistive technology reutilization (“Pass It On Center”). She has been involved
in collaborative efforts with the Southeast Pennsylvania (SEPA) Functional Needs
Committee and is involved in collaborative efforts with FEMA addressing emergency
management, AT and people with functional needs, providing technical assistance and
actively participating in three regional summits (FEMA Regions III, IV, and VI). Ms. Prioli
has presented on emergency preparedness and people with functional needs in
national webinars as well as “in person” conferences, e.g. presentations on innovative
practices at the PA Disability Employment Summit (2012) Assistive Technology Industry
Association (ATIA) (2012), and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Society of North America (RESNA) (2012). Jamie has published several articles on
emergency preparedness and persons with functional and access needs (ARC PA
2012). She currently serves on the Board of Directors – Executive Committee for
RESNA. She received her Bachelor of Science from West Chester University in
Pennsylvania and post-baccalaureate studies at Montclair State University in New
Jersey.
Kathy Fulton, Director of Operations, American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN)
Kathy Fulton is director of operations for the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), a
non-profit supporting disaster recovery by engaging industry to address the unmet
needs of relief organizations, communities, and people. ALAN works specifically to
identify sources of logistics and supply chain aid including warehousing, transportation,
and expert knowledge.
Prior to her appointment as Director of Operations at ALAN, Kathy served as the Senior
Manager of Technical Services for Saddle Creek Logistics Services. She oversaw the
team responsible for infrastructure implementation and support, corporate systems, and
business continuity planning. An active participant in the supply chain community, Kathy
serves as secretary for the Central Florida Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain
Management Professionals (CSCMP). She is also a member of the technology
committee and drought response operations taskforce for the National Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster.
Kathy holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from Northwestern State University
of Louisiana and Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Management
Information Systems from the University of South Florida. Kathy and her family reside in
central Florida.
Panel Three: Long-term Recovery and Disability leaders
David Hoge, Director, West Virginia Homeland Security State Administrative
Agency
David Hoge is the Director of the WV Homeland Security State Administrative Agency.
David’s initiative and goals are to build capacity through stronger working relationships
between the volunteer community, the private sector, and the emergency management
community in West Virginia. Prior to his employment with the State of WV, he worked
for the American Red Cross from 1993-2006. In 1995, he helped form the West Virginia
Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) organization and served as the
chairman on three different occasions. He is a former chairman of the Kanawha
Putnam Emergency Planning Committee (KPEPC) which facilitates planning among the
chemical and energy sectors and first responders in the Kanawha Valley.
Presentation Summary: Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) help people with their
disaster-related unmet needs. Within that basic model groups can still be different from
one to another. But the best groups share certain traits including: (a) having the support
of a strong Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), (b) preparing, ideally
before the event, in building the network to include many different service providers, and
(c) being integrated with emergency management at all levels. Lessons in each of
these areas have been proven time and again in every state, but by using West Virginia
as an example we can share and learn from recent events.
The Rev. Phillip Huber, Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator for
Delaware and Maryland Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries
Biography: The Rev. Phillip C. Huber is the Disaster Response Coordinator for
Maryland and Delaware for Lutheran Disaster Response. He serves as Co-Chair of the
Maryland Long Term Recovery Committee and Vice Chair of the Maryland VOAD.
From 1998 to 1997 Pastor Huber served as a National Disaster Consultant for Lutheran
Disaster Response and responded to over a dozen federally declared disasters. In
almost all of those responses he was involved in helping to create long term recovery
committees. In addition to his disaster ministry, Pastor Huber is a church consultant
working with congregations in area of conflict, renewal and redevelopment of property.
He is an ordain pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and serves as
Pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Washington, DC.
Presentation Summary: In our panel today Pastor Huber will address the issues related
to formation and work of a Long Term Recovery Committee and its implications and
opportunities for assisting individuals with access and functional needs to achieve
recovery.
Bill Evans, Regional Emergency Management Specialist, Health and Human
Services/Administration for Children and Families
Biography: William (Bill) Evans is a Regional Emergency Management Specialist for
the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and
Families (ACF), Region III, serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West
Virginia and the District of Columbia. In his role, Bill provides technical assistance and
subject matter expertise to State Human Services and Emergency Management
Agencies and non-governmental organizations, the ACF Regional Administrator and
ACF Regional Program staff in planning for and responding to human services needs
during disasters and incidents of national significance; particularly as they relate to at
risk and access and functional needs populations.
In line with the missions of the US Department of Health and Human
Services/Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the ACF Office of Human
Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR) and FEMA, the goal of
the ACF Immediate Disaster Case Management Program is to achieve tangible, positive
outcomes for vulnerable populations in the aftermath of a disaster. In partnership with
FEMA’s State Grant Disaster Case Management Program, the Federal DCM Program is
based on the principles of human dignity and is intended to be sensitive to culture,
language and socio-economic status and accessible without creating barriers. Bill
Evans from ACF, Region III will describe the ACF Immediate Disaster Case
Management Program and how it can provide direct case management providers and
services to communities affected by disasters.
Lesleyanne Ezelle, Regional Disability Integration Specialist, FEMA Region III
Biography: LesleyAnne Ezelle is the Disability Integration Specialist for FEMA Region
III. In this capacity, she works closely with the Region and its partners and
communities to address the access and functional needs of adults and children with
disabilities in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters. With FEMA,
she has been deployed to Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania,
and West Virginia.
LesleyAnne has a long history, some 25 plus years, of working in the field of disability
with a specific focus on disability rights, both in the US and the UK. She started with
Region 10 January 2011 after working for the California State Council on
Developmental Disabilities for approximately 13 years. For 6 of those years, she
worked for SCDD Area Board 9 located in the central coast of California first as Lead
Staff, and then as the Executive Director. Among the many advocacy issues the
agency addressed, it also brought emergency preparedness planning to the community
through training and community collaborations with partners across agencies. Prior to
that, she worked for Area Board 4 providing advocacy services to individuals living in
institutional settings, both forensic and non-forensic. Before coming to California,
LesleyAnne lived in England for 16 years. She worked for Anglia Polytechnic University
as a Senior Research Fellow, working on projects with Health and Social Services to
close institutions and build community based services. She has co-published a number
of peer review articles.
LesleyAnne has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a certificate in Counseling
from Richmond College and she has a Master of Science in Child Development from
the Institute of Education, London England.
Presentation Summary: In her presentation, LesleyAnne will be sharing examples of
the positive contributions that disability advocacy agencies have brought to Long Term
Recovery Committees and the recovery effort. She will be identifying some of the
barriers that prevent successful integration into LTRC and make recommendations for
future integrative activities.
Panel Four: Disability Integration and Funding Initiatives
Janice Barlow, Grants Division Director, FEMA Region III
Biography: Janice Barlow is presently responsible for leading the Grants Division,
composed of financial and programmatic grant specialists providing guidance, direction,
and coordination to State and local governments, fire departments, non-government
organizations, private sector, and citizen groups within FEMA Region III in developing,
planning, and implementing all FEMA Grant programs, including Preparedness Grants,
Disaster Grants, and Mitigation Grants. The Division is responsible for over 350 grant
awards, totaling $3B.
Janice Barlow also has over 20 years experience managing various types of
organizations. Her Region III FEMA experience includes: Acting Grants Division
Director were she helped to establish the Region’s new Grants Division, acting Program
Integration Branch Chief in the National Preparedness Division, and a significant
deployment as the Operations Section Chief for the Community Relations Resource
Center, Atlanta, GA, and supporting Hurricane Katrina response.
Previous to FEMA, Janice was the Director of Operations at Galaxy Scientific
Corporation responsible for the profit & loss of a $4M dollar business unit. Her staff of
27 consisted of instructional designers, trainers, graphic artists, Visual Basic
programmers, and web developers, and was responsible for forecasting revenue and
projecting overhead expenditures. Janice was a Project Manager for Lockheed Martin
Services, leading matrixed teams producing computer and web based products for the
U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and the Japanese Navy. As a Project Manager, she was
responsible for developing and managing budgets and production schedules and
provided day-to-day direction to her teams. Janice’s experience also includes 10 years
as an Ordnance Officer in the U.S. Army with assignments as a Maintenance Shop
Officer, leading 200 soldier providing Automotive, Power Generation, Service (including
Welders and Tool and Die Makers), Heavy Engineering Equipment, and Electronic
Maintenance support to an Armored Division. As a company commander, she
commanded 320 soldiers responsible for training all of the U.S Army’s Automotive and
Tank Mechanics.
Janice Barlow attained a B.S. in Biology for Fairfield, M.A. in Zoology from Connecticut
College, and a M.Ed. in Instructional Systems from Penn State.
Presentation Summary: Janice will be discussing integrating disability access and
functional needs efforts into federal grant applications. She will give a brief over view of
the grants that support these requests with an emphasis on the fact that in the end,
even though the grants will fund such initiatives, when dealing with local organizations,
it is up to the State SAA’s to approve such requests and subgrant the funds.
David Hoge, Director, West Virginia Homeland Security State Administrative
Agency
Biography as above
Presentation Summary: The “door” is open for helping agencies to access state and
federal grant opportunities. By using West Virginia as an example, we can learn how a
state administers grants and serves the Whole Community in providing access to funds
that can improve our readiness and response to disaster.
Kathy Fulton, Director of Operations, American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN)
Biography as above
Kate Dischino, CEM - Manager, Emergency Response, AmeriCares
Kate Dischino works on the front lines of disaster preparedness and response by
building an integrated network of national, state and local partnerships to help
communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. At AmeriCares, Ms. Dischino
manages emergency responses in the U.S. and Latin America, providing medicines,
medical supplies and emergency aid to those in need. Ms. Dischino has served in
leadership roles in response to wildfires in Southern California, tornadoes in the
Southeast, flooding in the Midwest, and hurricanes Dolly, Gustav, Ike, Isaac and Sandy.
Presentation Summary: AmeriCares works in partnership with organizations/entities to
meet disaster-related health needs. Discussion will include an overview of AmeriCares,
experiences and lessons learned during hurricanes Isaac and Sandy, and how to
become a partner.
David Golin, Project Officer, Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
Biography: David Golin was born and grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. David has
worked as a project officer for the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
since 1992. He is a graduate of both Rider College in Lawrenceville New Jersey, and
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He lives and works in Harrisburg.
Presentation Summary: David will be discussing very briefly: 1) the purpose of
Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC); 2) Council’s Request for
Proposals (RFP) process that the PADDC uses to fund projects in furtherance of the
Council's Mission and Vision and its federal mandates under The Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill Of Rights Act, 3) the Council's role as a funder of
systems change and capacity building efforts that support the inclusion of people with
disabilities rather than as a funder of ongoing services, construction or equipment; 4)
quick tips on how to learn more about the Council and its activities and how to provide
input.