Transcript PowerPoint
“Blindness separates you from things; Deafness separates you from people.” Helen Keller “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities Approximately 33 million Americans have sensory disabilities that affects how they receive or relay information: ● Lack of access to preparedness information; ● Lack of access to emergency alerts/information; ● Lack of access to services… Before, During and After Disasters “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities Preparedness • • • • there is plenty of information on “preparedness” issues…very few are available in formats that serve those with sensory disabilities; As a Deaf person who relies on ASL, English is their second language and comprehension is not equal among the Deaf; Incidental Learning is missed by Deaf and HOH individuals; most of what we learn we’ve heard others talking about, i.e., parents discussing finances, adult conversations at family get-togethers, debates, etc. (Deaf and HOH do not get this learning mechanism) Using technology to provide this information in their preferred modality improves their general knowledge of safety and preparedness which helps them become “survivors, not victims.” Department of Health and Human Services provides Emergency Information for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities http://www.accessibleemergencyinfo.com/ “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities Alerting/Informing • • • • • The current warning system is not adequate for those with sensory disabilities (Deaf, HOH, Deaf/Blind, Blind); Technology is available that enhances the alerting process in a variety of formats; Utilizing this technology for citizens with sensory disabilities greatly improves their response time to impending disasters; Technology allows for a more broader range of modalities delivered to ensure there are fewer who fall through the cracks; Video formats ushers in a whole new way of interacting with the world for those who are Deaf or HOH and rely on ASL…its helping to teach them to become “survivors, not victims”. “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities Services for Citizens • • • • • • • Evacuation Assistance: (211, State provided buses, etc.) Medical and Triage assistance; Mental Health, Counseling and other related services; FEMA: Disaster Recovery Centers; P.O.D’s: Points of Distributions (food and water); Donations: (clothing, children’s toys, shoes, etc.); Local Volunteers to help in any capacity: – (Deaf CERT: actively working to create alternate formats to accommodate alternate modalities (ASL, voice, captions) – In Shelter support (social chat, help with needs, etc., the trust factor found in “disability-likeness” is ). Deaf Volunteers Deaf Volunteers at Reception Center Buses arriving from evacuation zones © Deaf Link 2008 Mobile Command Unit / Reception Center © Deaf Link 2008 Deaf communicating with Deaf Link © Deaf Link 2008 ASL access in San Antonio Shelter © Deaf Link 2008 ASL Communication / FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) © Deaf Link 2008 Wireless ASL Communication / Galveston Shelter © Deaf Link 2008 ASL access to Law Enforcement / Richardson Shelter © Deaf Link 2008 Lessons Learned (2005-2011): •Communication is critical. Miscommunication can be serious. No communication can be deadly. •Accessible technology… it works! •Accessible preparedness information … it works! •When media provides access… it works! •When Local, State, Federal and Volunteer Agencies work together to provide access…it works! Contact Information Mike Houston, National Deaf Liaison/Director of Outreach [email protected] 210-209-8135 (VP) Dan Heller, President [email protected] For more information go to: www.deaflink.com