state firefighters’ & fire marshals’ association training conference and convention june 15...
TRANSCRIPT
STATE FIREFIGHTERS’ & FIRE MARSHALS’ ASSOCIATION TRAINING CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION
JUNE 15 T H , 2015
Disability Awareness & Etiquette in Emergency Situations
Presenters
Danielle Hesse, MA Planner, Department of State Health Services Chair, Training Subcommittee of the Disability Task Force
Katie Sanches, MPH Policy Analyst, Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Chair, Disability Task Force on Emergency Management
Laura Stough, PhD Associate Professor of Educational Psychology Training Coordinator, Center for Disability and Development, Texas
A&M University
Objectives
Increase knowledge of disability etiquette and develop interaction skills
Recall tips to communicate effectively and interact in a respectful manner with people with disabilities
Recall how the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to public safety situations
Recognize behaviors or signs that indicate that a person may have a disability and need an accommodation
Next steps
Why is this topic important?
1 in 5 persons has a disabilityVeteran population “Silver tsunami” Not all disabilities are “visible” Legal requirementsRight thing to do
Wedgewood Incident
Wedgewood Senior Apartments Constructed in 1962 297 apartments 11 story building with sprinklers
only located on the sublevel floor Independent living facility for
adults age 55+ Many are mobility-impaired and/or
suffer from chronic ailments associated with their age
Wedgewood Incident
Wedgewood Incident
Many residents had difficulty evacuating the 11 story building.
Division 11 (11th floor) had numerous occupants trapped. Attempt to use elevators
failed. 6 occupants were moved
to the balcony and were recused by an Aerial Platform
Wedgewood Incident Lessons Learned
Occupants with limited mobility and delayed escape characteristics create extra challenges for firefighters
These challenges and risks to occupants are even greater in high-rises that lack a sprinkler system
Fire Department pre-incident planning is essential for emergency response agencies in order to implement an informed action plan
Who Are People with Disabilities?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) an individual with a disability is a person who: 1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits
one or more major life activities; OR 2. has a record of such an impairment; OR 3. is regarded as having such an impairment.
Who Are People with Disabilities?
Does not apply to impairments that are transitory or minor (6 months or less)
Not an impairment that is unsubstantial Nearsighted Seasonal allergies
Applies to an impairment that is substantial but moderated by medication or assistive device Diabetes / medication Hearing loss / hearing aid
Who Are People with Disabilities?
A “major life activity” involves functions or activities that are of central importance to daily life such aso Caring for one's self o Performing manual tasks o Walking o Seeing or hearing o Speaking o Breathing o Learning o Working
Who Are People with Disabilities?
Approximately 1 in 5 (20%) people have a disabilityPeople with a sensory disability (i.e. deaf or blind).People with a physical disability (i.e. orthopedic or mobility)People with an intellectual disability (i.e. developmental or
learning).Hidden disabilities (emotional, cardiac, immune system, etc.).
Statistics on Individuals with Disabilities
12.6% of the working-age population12% of the school-aged population16.7% of the national population21.3% (almost 250,000) of the residents in the New Orleans
metropolitan area described themselves as disabled in the 2000 Census.
Implications for Emergency Services
Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in State and local government services, programs, and employment.
State and local governments must comply with Title II of the ADA in the emergency and disaster-related programs, services, and activities they provide
This requirement includes those provided through third parties, such as the American Red Cross, private nonprofit organizations, and religious entities
Access and Functional Needs
People who may or may not have a disability but who require goods or services which allow them to maintain their independence and safety
Key Concepts in Disability
IntegrationEqual-AccessSelf-DeterminationPhysical AccessEffective CommunicationReasonable Modification
People First Language
People who happen to have conditions we call "disabilities" have been subjected to devaluation, marginalization, prejudice, and more.
Think about derogatory terms we use…. Idiot, retard, short bus, gimp, crazy
Try This…
Instead of…. Use…
Handicapped Person with a Disability
A Down’s kid He has Down syndrome
Wheelchair bound Uses a wheelchairMentally retarded Intellectual disabilityAlways an Exception….o Deafo Blindo Autism
What Are Some Common Disabilities?
People who are deaf / have hearing lossPeople who are blind or have low visionPeople who use wheelchairs or other mobility devicesPeople with autism People with cerebral palsy People with epilepsy or seizure disorders People with psychiatric disabilities or mental illnessPeople with developmental disabilities People with traumatic or acquired brain injuryPeople who use service animals People with invisible disabilities
People Who Are Deaf / Have Hearing Loss
Difference between being hard of hearing and being deaf Hearing aids increase volume, not clarityFlick the lights when entering an area or room to get
attention Look at the individual not the interpreter Facial expressions and hand gestures Offer to write the message down
Effective Communication
ASL vs spoken or written EnglishASL vs ad hoc sign language Assistive technology Signage Deaf vs deaf Schools for the deaf, deaf-long apartment buildings
People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Visual impairment vs blindness Announce your presenceSpeak naturally and directly to the individualDo not shout State the nature of the emergency and offer your arm. Alert them to any obstacles as you walkDo not attempt to guide them without first asking
People Who Use Service Animals
Dogs or miniature horsesNot just “seeing eye dog” Required to be leashed but not muzzledEvacuate owner and service animal togetherNot required to wear a harness or vest, show proofMust not be out of control or present a threat
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are recognized by the Fair Housing Act and the Air Traffic Carrier Act
ESAs can be any type of animalRelieve anxiety or provide comfort Relief not necessarily related to the disability Documentation is often required by airline or leasing office A person can have multiple ESAs
People with Mobility Impairments – General
Always ask the person how you can help!
When carrying the person, avoid putting pressure on his or her arms, legs or chest.
Avoid the “fireman’s carry”. Use the one or two person carry techniques.
Retrieved from FEMA Photo Library 2006.
Crutches, Canes, or Other Mobility Devices
A person using crutches or a cane may be able to negotiate stairs independently. Do not interfere with the person’s movement unless asked to do so, or the nature of the emergency is such that absolute speed is the primary concern.
Ask if you can help by offering to carry the extra crutch. If the stairs are crowded, act as a buffer and run interference
for the other person.
Evacuating Wheelchair Users
If the conversation will take more than a few minutes, sit down to speak at eye level.
Wheelchair users are trained in special techniques to transfer from one chair to another. Depending on their upper body strength, they may be able to do much of the work themselves.
Ask before you assume you need to help, or what that help should be.
Motorized Wheelchairs
May weight up to 100 pounds unoccupied Lifting a motorized wheelchair and user up or down stairs
requires two to four people People in motorized wheelchairs know their equipment
better than you do! Ask about parts that may be removed. Tips on moving the wheelchair.
General Disability Etiquette
Don’t make assumptionsAsk before offering assistanceLook at the person when talking to them People first language / respectful language Just ask when offering assistance Just ask when not sure what to do
Remember These Key Principles
Be considerate When working with people with or without functional needs, treat them as
you would want to be treatedNever assume
Before you attempt to assist a person, ALWAYS ask the person if help is needed or wanted
Treat everyone with dignity and respect!!!
Personal Assistants
Many people with functional needs have human and non-human personal assistants: A service animal A personal assistant An ASL interpreter A family member or other caregiver
Never separate people with functional needs from their personal assistants!
Disability and Disaster: Explorations and Exchanges
Tools / Resources
TIPS Trainings on the internet (free)
Disability awareness and etiquette
Other apps FNSS Toolkit Effective Communications Toolkit
State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR)
SB 1987 84th Legislature
Hearing impaired emblem on TX license plates
Other License Plates That Indicate Hearing Impaired
Signs That Indicate Disability
Find email / link
Research and Education on Disability and Disaster
redd.tamu.edu
disabilitytips.tamu.edu
Service Animals
Contacts for Services and Support
http://disabilitytips.tamu.edu/
Advocacy and Support Groups
Disability Acronyms
Emergency Management Acronyms
http://disabilitytips.tamu.edu/
disabilityresources.tamu.edu
TX Disability Resources
TX Disability Resources Cont’d
Search Results
TX Disability Resources
About Us
Community Considerations
“Whole Community” concept – ensuring that all members of the community are planned for Integration of people with disabilities into ALL aspects of EM rather than as a supplemental or special plan
Pre-disaster planning and contracting meets the needs of children and adults with disabilitiesDurable Medical EquipmentAccessible transportationAccessible Housing
Inclusive and accessible stakeholder training
Because individuals with disabilities will be able to identify the types of disability-related needs that community residents and visitors are likely to have during emergencies as well as some of the community resources that may be available to help meet those needs.
Advance Planning
The most effective way for public health care workers to ensure that advance planning addresses the needs of people with disabilities is to involve community members with a wide variety of disabilities in the advance planning process.
Why?
Networking with the Disability Community
Advocacy groupsGovernment organizationsDisability agenciesCenters for Independent LivingProtection and Advocacy agenciesCommunity organizations
Networking with People with Disability in the Community
Community-based organizationsWork placesChurches and other faith-based organizationsSchools and higher educationRecreational clubs and facilities
Involve people with disabilities in identifying the communication and transportation needs, accommodations, support systems, equipment, services, and supplies that residents and visitors with disabilities will need during an emergency
Next Steps
Get everyone trained Get TIPS for every firetruck or every person Download the TIPS app and share with coworkers, friends and
family Learn what areas in your community have high concentrations
of people with disabilities School for the Deaf? Assisted Living Centers Centers for Independent Living
Reach out to those organizations and offer to give a talk on fire safety, review their evacuation plans, etc.
Questions?