Integrating individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional
needs into emergency management

ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments. Civil
Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. 2007.
http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/toolkitmain.htm
o The Tool Kit is designed to teach state and local government officials
how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities
from gaining equal access to state and local government programs,
services, and activities. It will also teach state and local officials how
to conduct accessibility surveys of their buildings and facilities to
identify and remove architectural barriers to access. Chapter 7 is
specific to emergency management.

Nobody Left Behind: Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Mobility
Impairments http://www.nobodyleftbehind2.org/resources/index.shtml
o This website provides resources to help personnel in the health,
emergency management, response, disaster relief or disabilities fields
learn more about preparing for disasters and assistance for people with
disabilities. Tools include:
 A free two hour course covers disability etiquette, terminology,
and communication and assistance techniques during disasters to
assist people with sensory, physical and cognitive disabilities.
 Disaster Checklists highlighting do's and don'ts for people with
disabilities and communities.
 A list of resources related to training, planning, and preparing
businesses and individuals for disasters.

A Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles,
Themes, and Pathways for Action. December 2011
http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/23781?id=4941
o This document published by FEMA outlines a foundation for increasing
individual preparedness and engaging with members of the community as
collaborative resources to enhance the resiliency and security of our
Nation through a Whole Community approach.

Functional Needs of People with Disabilities: A Guide for Emergency
Managers, Planners and Responders http://nod.org/assets/downloads/GuideEmergency-Planners.html
o This Guide highlights key disability concerns to officials and experts
responsible for emergency planning in their communities, and may assist
in developing plans that will take into account the needs and insights of
people with disabilities before, during, and after emergencies.

Special Needs for Katrina Evacuees Project
http://nod.org/assets/downloads/Special-Needs-For-Katrina-Evacuees.pdf
o In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, The National Organization on Disability
deployed teams of disability specialists and first responders to the Gulf
region to perform rapid assessments of the special needs and living
conditions of Katrina survivors with disabilities. The findings of this
Special Needs for Katrina Evacuees (SNAKE) Project were released in
two congressional briefings.

Report on California Registries, May 2008.
http://www.calema.ca.gov/ChiefofStaff/Pages/Report-on-CaliforniaRegistries.aspx
o California Emergency Management Agency, Office for Access and
Functional Needs, surveyed to the 58 County emergency managers
regarding the utilization of registries in planning for people with
disabilities. The purpose of the survey was to learn more about the
prevalence and effectiveness of registries in California.

Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning,
April 2005. http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2005/04152005
o A report from the National Council on Disability (NCD) which looks at
the experiences of people with disabilities and how their access to disaster
services could be improved by including them in emergency management
planning.
State and federal guidance for disaster preparedness, response and recovery
plan development


California Guidance on Planning and Responding to the Needs of People
with Access and Functional Needs. June 2009.
http://www.calema.ca.gov/ChiefofStaff/Pages/Guidance-On-Planning-andResponding-To-The-Needs-Of-People-With-Access-And-Functional-Needs.aspx
o This guidance was created by the Governor’s Office of Emergency
Services Office of Access and Functional Needs to assist emergency
managers and planners, and disability and older adult service systems, for
planning and responding, during disasters and recovery.
California Emergency Management’s Office for Access and Functional
Needs http://www.calema.ca.gov/ChiefofStaff/Pages/Access-and-FunctionalNeeds.aspx
o This is the official website for the California Emergency Management’s
Office for Access and Functional Needs (OAFN). This website contains
information about current programs and projects sponsored by the office
as well as additional resources to help emergency planners incorporate
people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into
disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Community Planning Toolkit for State Emergency Preparedness Managers
http://www.hhs.gov/od/disabilitytoolkit/index.html
o This toolkit was created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services for emergency planners. The guidance in the toolkit covers a
range of potential hazards affecting individuals with disabilities and
speaks specifically to issues about transportation, communication, medical
care, supervision and strategies for helping individuals with disabilities
and others with access and functional needs maintain independence.

Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans: Comprehensive
Preparedness Guide 101, FEMA. November 2010
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/divisions/npd/CPG_101_V2.pdf
o This document provides guidance for developing emergency operations
plans. It promotes a common understanding of the fundamentals of riskinformed planning and decision making to help planners examine a hazard
or threat and produce integrated, coordinated, and synchronized plans.
Addressed from a whole community approach the document contains a lot
of information pertaining to planning for people with disabilities and
others with access and functional needs specifically.
Legal guidance regarding access and functional needs planning and response


Americans with Disabilities Act in Public Law 101-336. United States
Congress. July 26, 1990. http://www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm
o The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, was
established to provide a clear nationwide directive for the elimination of
discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The act provides
enforceable standards to address such discrimination. Under the ADA,
privately-owned businesses that serve the public are required to allow
people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business
premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed. This rule
would apply to public emergency shelters.
Section508.gov http://section508.gov/
o This is an entire website dedicated to providing information about
Section 508 to the Rehabilitation Act. The website includes pages
describing the legal requirements and resources for ensuring you are
in compliance with the law.

Your Rights Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (H-8/June 2000
– revised June 2006 – English).
http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/sec504.htm
o Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that
protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their
disability. The nondiscrimination requirements of the law apply to
employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from
any Federal department or agency, including the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS). These organizations and
employers include many hospitals, nursing homes, mental health
centers and human service programs.

Laws with Summaries- Accommodating Individuals With Disabilities in
the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing, & Human Services
http://www.fema.gov/accommodating-individuals-disabilities-provisiondisaster-mass-care-housing-human-services
o This webpage contains a list of links under the heading “Laws and
Summaries” the key legislation governing the incorporation of people
with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into
disaster planning. Statutes referenced include the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Fair Housing Act of
1968, Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Communications Act of
1934, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of
1975.
Sheltering & Mass Care

Guidance on Planning for Integration of Functional Needs Support
Services in General Population Shelters. FEMA. November 2010.
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/odic/fnss_guidance.pdf
o This document is a planning guide to assist emergency managers and
shelter planners in understanding the requirements related to
sheltering children and adults with disabilities and others with access
and functional needs into general population shelters.

ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters
https://www.disability.gov/resource/ada-checklist-for-emergency-shelters/
o This resource from ada.gov provides step-by-step guidance for ensuring
your emergency shelter is accessible for people with disabilities and others
with access and functional needs and in compliance with ADA laws and
regulations.
FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
http://www.fema.gov/office-disability-integration-coordination/officedisability-integration-coordination/office-1
o This website provides guidance to assist with the integration of those
with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into
general population shelters. It also has guidance on how to
incorporate plans for those with access and functional needs into all
disaster plans and not separate them out from other disaster victims.


Accommodating Individuals With Disabilities in the Provision of
Disaster Mass Care, Housing, & Human Services
http://www.fema.gov/accommodating-individuals-disabilities-provisiondisaster-mass-care-housing-human-services
o Reference guide developed by FEMA for use by those who serve
individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster
relief.
Communications

Resources to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Response in Limited
English Proficient (LEP) Communities
http://www.migrationinformation.org/integration/language_portal/doc5.cfm
o This webpage catalogues a number of resources that may be valuable
for guiding emergency managers and others in overcoming language
barriers during major disasters and emergencies.

National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for
Culturally Diverse Communities http://www.diversitypreparedness.org/
o This website is a clearing house of information on emergency
preparedness in culturally diverse communities. Featuring information for
communicating about trending emerge topics the site also contains
translated materials, training guides and other resources.

FEMA Continues Innovations to Meet Access and Functional Needs
Integration. FEMA. December 2012.
https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2012/12/16/fema-continuesinnovations-meet-access-and-functional-needs-integration
o Press release highlighting several tools that FEMA used to help people
who were deaf, hard of hearing or blind during the Hurricane Sandy
disaster response.

Preparedness Resources: Tools for Communicating with All Audiences,
Including People with Disabilities http://www.fema.gov/office-disabilityintegration-coordination/preparedness-resources#Tools
o Under the “Tools for Communicating with All Audiences, Including
People with Disabilities” heading there is a list of links to a number of
resources for making communications accessible.

Emergency Communication: Disaster Preparation, Response and
Recovery for People with complex communication needs (CCN)
http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/index.php/pages/show/id/18
o This website provides information about communication methods for
people who are not able to use their natural speech to communicate.
Resources include planning considerations, communication tips, fact
sheets, display boards, and more.
Evacuation & Transportation

Access and Functional Needs Transportation and Evacuation Planning
Toolkit http://afntoolkit.nusura.com/default.html
o This toolkit created by Nusura for the state of California was created
to support counties in planning for the evacuation and transportation
needs of their citizens during an emergency. This series of short video
clips contains a plethora of information to guide emergency planners.

Transportation Resources from the National Organization on Disability
http://nod.org/disability_resources/transportation_resources/
o This webpage contains information and links to other resources about
accessible transportation for people with disabilities and others with
access and functional needs.

U. S. Department of Transportation Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for
People with Disabilities https://www.civilrights.dot.gov/page/departmentalguidelines-emergency-preparedness-and-individuals-disabilities
o This webpage provides answers to basic questions about emergency
preparedness and the needs of people with disabilities in the U.S.
Department of Transportation. These guidelines also list references to
websites offering more questions and answers and "how-to" program
information.

Preparing for Disaster: Getting All to Safe Ground
http://www.unitedweride.gov/United_We_Ride_Emergency_Preparedness_Fact_
Sheet_-_Jan_2012.pdf
o This document prepared by United We Ride’s (UWR) Emergency
Preparedness and Recovery Work Group provides information and
resources on addressing the needs of those with access and functional
needs in emergency preparation and disaster response.

Disaster Response and Recovery Resource for Transit Agencies, August
2006. http://transitsafety.fta.dot.gov/publications/safety/DisasterResponse/PDF/DisasterResponse.pd
f
o Based on lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina and other events,
the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) has documented practices and
procedures to improve emergency preparedness. The purpose of this
Disaster Response and Recovery Resource for Transit Agencies is to
provide local transit agencies and transportation providers with
useful information and best practices in emergency preparedness and
disaster response and recovery. The Resource provides summary
information for general background, and includes best practices and
links to more specific resources and more detailed information for
local agencies concerning critical disaster related elements such as
emergency preparedness, disaster response, and disaster recovery.
First Responders

Mobile App for First Responders from the Center on Disability Studies
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/afn-tips/id593795420?mt=8
o The above link is for Apple devices, but the application is also
available on androids. Search “AFN-TIPS”

Emergency Response for People Who Have Access and Functional
Needs: A Guide for First Responders from the National Terrorism
Preparedness Institute
http://terrorism.spcollege.edu/SPAWARAFN/flipbook.html
o This is a link to the electronic version of the National Terrorism
Preparedness Institute Center for Public Safety Innovation’s guide to
first responders for working with people with disabilities and others
with access and functional needs.

Health and Human Services, Office on Disability – Tips for First
Responders http://www.hhs.gov/od/about/tips.html
o This website outlines tips for first responders when working with
people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Orientation Manual for First Responders on the Evacuation of People with
Disabilities, FEMA. August 2002.
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/FA-235-508.pdf
o This guide was developed by the United States Fire Administration to
provide practical information: both rescue techniques, and
preparedness information for the first responder who will encounter
people with visible and invisible disabilities through their work.

Dealing with Disabilities – Tips for First Responders
https://www.disability.gov/resource/dealing-with-disabilities-tips-for-firstresponders/
o Fact sheets from Disability.gov, the federal government website for
information on disability programs and services nationwide, with
practical tips for first responders on how to effectively work with
those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs in
an emergency.

Federal Communications Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau Resources for First Responders and Public Safety Answering Points
(PSAPs) http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/clearinghouse/persons-withdisabilities.html
o On this website is a comprehensive list of resources, contacts and
reference materials for persons with disabilities and the public safety
community, which can serve as a source of information for creating and
implementing emergency procedures that include persons with disabilities.
Children

Children in Disaster Guidance. US Department of Homeland Security.
2012.
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/2012/fy12_hsgp_children.pdf
o This document provides guidance for incorporating considerations for
children into disaster planning efforts; equipment and supplies
purchasing strategies; and training and exercise activities.

Planning For The Whole Community: Integrating and Coordinating the
Access and Functional Needs of Children and Adults With Disabilities in
Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Mitigation; April 2011
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/odic/all_hands_0411.pdf
o This document is to assist governments and other agencies
understand the importance of including those with disabilities and
others with access and functional needs into their emergency
preparedness planning to ensure appropriate plans are made to care
for all members of society.
Post-Disaster Reunification of Children: A Nationwide Approach,
November 2013.
http://nationalmasscarestrategy.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/postdisaster-reunification-of-children-a-nationwide-approach.pdf
o The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Center
for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), United States Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), and American Red Cross (ARC)
recently released the Nation’s first attempt to establish a framework
and whole community approach for reunifying children separated
from their parents or legal guardians in the aftermath of a disaster.


Children and Disasters: Disaster Preparedness to meet Children’s Needs
http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-healthinitiatives/Children-and-Disasters/Pages/default.aspx
o This website from the American Academy of Pediatrics includes
information related to current events involving children in disasters
as well as general tips for working with children in disasters and
planning for them.
Personal preparedness for people with disabilities and others with access and
functional needs

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities
http://nod.org/assets/downloads/Readiness-Tips-Disabilities.pdf
o This brochure provides guidance to help people with disabilities
prepare for disasters and emergencies. The brochure also contains
links to nearly a dozen other websites for more information about
preparedness for people with disabilities and others with access and
functional needs.

Preparing Makes Sense Brochure Series
http://nod.org/assets/downloads/Preparing-Disabilities-Special-Needs.pdf
o In conjunction with the US Department of Homeland Security and
AARP and the National Organization on Disability, the Preparing
Makes Sense brochure series, highlights the key preparedness steps
senior citizens, Americans with disabilities and other special needs,
and their families and caretakers should take before emergencies
occur.

Ready.gov for Individuals with Disabilities or Access & Functional
Needs http://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs
o This extension to the Ready.gov national disaster preparedness
website provides information and resources, including downloadable
brochures, specific to those with disabilities and others with access
and functional needs about preparing for disasters.
Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special
Needs
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m424019
9_A4497.pdf
o Guidance brochure from the American Red Cross for people with
disabilities and others with access and functional needs and their
families/support networks with practical tips on preparing for
disasters.


Preparedness Resources for Individuals and Communities.
https://www.fema.gov/office-disability-integrationcoordination/preparedness-resources#Tools
o Under the “Preparedness Resources for Individuals ” and
“Preparedness Resources for Communities headings are lists of links
to a number of personal and community preparedness references
specifically targeted to addressing the needs of people with
disabilities and others with access and functional needs in an
emergency.