Monthly Updates - April 2007

ICC Monthly Highlights

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ICC Monthly Updates

US Department of Health and Human Services

Development of Emergency Preparedness Toolkit for State and Local Planners

The charge of the Health and Human Services Work group is to meet the health and human services challenges of persons with disabilities in emergency preparedness. To meet that charge, under the leadership of the HHS Office on Disability and the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR), a web based training toolkit targeting State and local emergency response managers is being developed. This toolkit will also be available in other media including written and audio formats.

The web-based toolkit will combine existing guidance and best practices in an accessible and useful site. The information will be organized based upon the criteria below:

• All-Hazards Approach: FEMA currently issues planning and SOP guidance based upon an all-hazards model. The toolkit will follow this approach to ensure consistency with current methodology and familiarity to the emergency planner.
• Emergency Support Function (ESF): After identifying the hazard, the user will filter for ESF-focused guidance.
• Category of Disability: Disabilities may be grouped into one or more of the following categories: physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and chronic. The toolkit will address various planning considerations and best-practice research for functional limitations in each category.
• Output: After the user navigates through the schema, the toolkit will generate output to address planning considerations for each phase of emergency management.

In addition to the toolkit development, there will be an introductory web based training module on disability. It will first be used to educate HHS Public Health and civil service staff on detail during an emergency event.

US Department of Transportation

Federal Transit Administration Issues New Circulars for Human Service Programs

The Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) includes three human service transportation programs administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) - hElderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities; Job Access and Reverse Commute; and New Freedom. These three federal programs provide formula funding for States and communities and are targeted to enhance transportation services for specific populations that depend on alternative transportation options for their day-to-day mobility.

These programs also include a NEW requirement for developing a coordinated public transit-human service transportation plan for people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with lower incomes. This plan, developed by local stakeholders is intended to address the comprehensive transportation needs of the community.

For more information please visit http://www.unitedweride.gov/.

US Department of Education

Lead and Manage My School - 2007 Emergency Management for Schools Training Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools is offering a 1.5 day training to provide schools and school districts with information and resources on emergency management. The Emergency Management for Schools training is primarily designed to provide an opportunity for school personnel to receive critical training on emergency management issues, resources and practices. Emphasis for the Emergency Management for Schools trainings will be placed on emergency management plan development and enhancement within the framework of the four phases of emergency management: prevention & mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. These trainings present an exciting opportunity for school-based staff and administrators from Local Educational Agencies (LEA) or nonpublic schools to acquire requisite knowledge to help develop effective, all-hazards emergency management plans. To assist with our ongoing curriculum development work, participants will be asked to evaluate the training curriculum and provide recommendations and feedback to the Department of Education for future Emergency Management for Schools trainings.

The next training is scheduled on May 9-11, 2007, in St. Louis, Missouri. On-site registration begins at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2007. Additional information on the Emergency Management for Schools training is available at http://www.sei2003.com/Calendar/Default.asp.

US Department of Justice

Disability Rights Online Newsletter

Disability Rights Online News is a bi-monthly update about the Civil Rights Division's activities in the area of disability rights. The Division enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, housing, access to businesses serving the public, access to government programs and services including voting and public transportation, and unconstitutional conditions in institutions of confinement.

Among the topics featured in this month's issue are: "Owners and Managers of Michigan Apartment Complex Will Compensate Tenant for Retaliation Based on Disability," "Hotels in Arizona and South Carolina will Make Accessibility Improvements," and "Case Involving Discrimination Based on Race, Disability, and Family Status is Resolved." To view the online newsletter visit http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/newsltr0407.htm.

Federal Communications Commission

News from the Disability Rights Office - http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/headlines.html

Dismissal of Snap Telecommunications, Inc.'s Request for Limited Waiver of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Interoperability Requirements – CG Docket No. 03-123

On July 14, 2006, Snap Telecommunications, Inc. (Snap) filed a request for a temporary waiver of the interoperability requirements concerning the provision of Video Relay Service (VRS). On March 6, 2007, Snap filed a letter with the Commission stating that Snap has started providing VRS and is in compliance with the VRS interoperability requirements. Snap therefore requests that the Commission dismiss its waiver request as moot. As a result of this letter, the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau hereby dismisses Snap's request for temporary waiver as moot.

A copy of this Public Notice and related documents are available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Suite CY-A257, Washington, D.C. 20554, (202) 418-0270. These documents also may be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor at Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, D.C. 20554. Customers may contact the Commission's duplicating contractor at their web site: http://www.bcpiweb.com or by calling 1-800-378-3160. Filings also may be found by searching on the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs (insert CG Docket No. 03-123 into the Proceeding block).

To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). This Public Notice also can be downloaded in Word or Portable Document Format (PDF) at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro.

US Department of Homeland Security

DHS Teams Up with Minor League Baseball and Boy Scouts to Encourage Families to Prepare for Emergencies

Through its Ready Campaign, DHS is teaming with Minor League Baseball and the Boy Scouts of America for the fourth consecutive year to educate and encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. Forty-nine baseball teams are joining many local Boy Scout councils in stepping up to the plate and encouraging fans to prepare for all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

"We appreciate the continued support of Minor League Baseball and the Boy Scouts in helping us to spread the Ready message to American families," said Secretary Chertoff. "Through the assistance of these organizations, millions of baseball fans will learn how to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that can occur."

Boy Scouts and community organizations will distribute emergency preparedness brochures throughout the 2007 season at team-sponsored Ready Nights across the country. The brochures and educational materials are available at www.ready.gov and provide valuable information to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies. Teams will also feature the Ready public service announcements on their scoreboards and in game programs.

More information is available at: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1175712102184.shtm. Homeland Security Today – April 9, 2007 – Vol. 5, Issue No. 12

National Response Plan (NRP) Revisions

Staff from the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) participated in the Emergency Service Function (ESF) # 6, Mass Care, partners meeting. The ESF # 6 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was discussed and a draft was forwarded for comments following the meeting. CRCL followed up by submitting comments in response to this draft by the deadline of April 13, 2007. Among the recommendations submitted was the addition of a data category describing the number of accessible direct and temporary housing units issued and the use of a "special needs" definition that is consistent with the definition submitted for inclusion in the revised NRP.

TOPOFF 4 Activities

During the TOPOFF 4 National Seminar on Public Information, CRCL staff presented a session on the development of critical communication strategies to reach individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, people with chronic health conditions, and other populations who will need to receive information in non-traditional ways following a terrorist event. The seminar was held in Washington, DC, April 4 and 5 for the benefit of public information officers, public affairs staff, and emergency management personnel who will be involved in the National exercise scheduled for October 2007. Its purpose was to educate public affairs officers on public information issues involved in the exercise scenario; coordinate public affairs planning and response across departments, agencies, and jurisdictions; discuss strategies for internal, organization-level media communication plans; and increase risk communication capabilities. The discussions raised levels of understanding of the public affairs roles and resources with regard to a terrorist incident.

Background: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's TOPOFF is a Congressionally mandated exercise designed to strengthen the nation's capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from large-scale terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). 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 issues 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.

Adventist Community Service (ACS) Disaster Response

In mid-April, CRCL initiated contact with ACS Disaster Response and discussed warehousing of durable medical goods following a disaster. The National Director for Adventist Community Services Disaster Response, Joe Watts, expressed ACS's willingness to collaborate with CRCL and other organizations that represent people with disabilities.

The Disaster Response arm of Seventh-Day Adventists conducts donation management during disasters. One of their principal services is warehousing and distribution of whatever is needed during a disaster event. Their toll free number is 1-800-381-7171, which is available at all times, but with additional staffing during an event.

ACS is a voluntary service to assist individuals, families, and communities victimized by natural disasters and unforeseen tragedies. They provide the following services to disaster survivors, their families and communities in cooperation with ACS Disaster Response partners: emergency distribution of relief supplies, warehouse operations, donations coordination center, community collection centers, and crisis response counselors.

For more information please visit: http://www.communityservices.org/SiteResources/Data/Templates/templatec.asp?docid=527&DocName=Disaster%20Response

DHS – Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Outreach Activities and Events

On April 9th and 10th, members of CRCL staff presented the latest information on national emergency management planning strategies and future developments that impact individuals with disabilities at the 2007 Oklahoma Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities. This conference brought together disability advocates, emergency management professionals, and policymakers in an effort to provide current information in the field of emergency planning as it applies to individuals with developmental disabilities. CRCL's presentation addressed strategies for engaging the community in emergency planning and provided practical tips for creating personal preparedness plans.

During the week of April 17th, 2007, CRCL staff attended the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Conference in Albuquerque, NM to network with partners in the voluntary sector and to learn about how individuals with disabilities are being incorporated into the emergency preparedness activities of these partners. Staff attended informational sessions daily and served as a resource when topics were discussed related to activities in which CRCL has been directly involved.

Recently Released Resources

GAO Study – Current Emergency Alert System Has Limitations, and Development of a New Integrated System Will Be Challenging

Through the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the media plays a pivotal role assisting emergency management personnel in communicating accurate and timely information to the public. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed the media's ability to meet federal requirements for participating in EAS, stakeholder views on the challenges facing EAS and potential changes to it, and the progress made toward developing an integrated alert system.

GAO reviewed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed rulemaking on EAS and interviewed media outlets, state emergency management officials, and federal agencies responsible for EAS, including FCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

To view this report, visit: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-411. To view the report highlights, visit: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07411high.pdf (1 pg, 63 K).

Help with viewing PDF files is available from the "Help" section of http://www.gao.gov. Check the information in the section titled, "Help with Reading Portable Document Format Files" if you have difficulty.

NFPA Releases Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities provides information on the five general categories of disabilities: mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, and cognitive impairments. It also outlines the four elements of evacuation information that occupants need: notification, way finding, use of the way, and assistance.

The Guide features a checklist that building services managers and people with disabilities can use to design a personalized evacuation plan. The annexes give government resources and text based on the relevant code requirements and ADA criteria.

Download the guide in PDF format (60 pp, 1 MB)
Download the guide as a Word document (60 pp, 1.9 MB)
Download the "Personal Emergency Evacuation Planning Checklist" as a Word document (4 pp, 192 KB)

For more information please visit:
http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=824&cookie%5Ftest=1.

The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Launches Journal on Disability and Health

The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) announces The Journal on Disability and Health and will become the official publication of the American Association on Health and Disability. The journal is a peer reviewed scholarly, scientific and multi-disciplinary journal for reporting original contributions that advance knowledge in disability and health. Such contributions may include:

• Reports of empirical research on the characteristics of persons with disabilities, environments, health outcomes and determinants of health;
• Systematic reviews and tightly conceived theoretical interpretations of research literatures; and
• Research evaluations on new interventions, technologies and programs.

For more information on the Journal contact: Roberta Carlin, AAHD Executive Director, rcarlin@aahd.us or Dr. Ronald Blankenbaker, AAHD President, Ronald.blankenbaker@erlanger.org.

CRS Report for Congress Released: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., provides broad nondiscrimination protection for individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, and public accommodations and services operated by private entities. Although the ADA does not include provisions specifically discussing its application to disasters, its nondiscrimination provisions are applicable to emergency preparedness and responses to disasters. For example, this would mean that emergency planning should include individuals with disabilities and that emergency shelters should be accessible to individuals with disabilities. In order to further the ADA's goals, President Bush issued an Executive Order 13347 on July 22, 2004 relating to emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities and establishing the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued its Nationwide Plan Review Phase 2 Report, which includes a discussion of people with disabilities and emergency planning and readiness. The National Council on Disability has also issued recommendations on emergency preparation and disaster relief relating to individuals with disabilities. The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 added the position of Disability Coordinator to FEMA. This CRS report will be updated as appropriate.

To view this report please visit: http://www.ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/06Jul/RS22254.pdf (6 pp, 42 K).

To view this report in HTML please visit: CRS Report HTML

FEMA Online Independent Study Program: IS-197 SP Special Needs Planning Considerations for Service and Support Providers

Course Overview:
All individuals, advocacy groups, organizations, and institutions within the special needs service and support system are encouraged to be proactive and develop emergency plans. The purpose of this course is to provide representatives of the special needs service and support system with the basic information and tools to develop their own emergency plans.

This course is designed for people who work with the elderly and people with disabilities, and teaches how to partner with local Emergency Management to better prepare for all phases of an emergency.

Course Goals:

• Describe the impact of different types of hazards on special needs populations.
• Describe challenges during the different phases of an emergency.
• Explain how to develop emergency plans and work with emergency management and other local officials during the planning process for your local community.

To access the course please visit: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS197SP.asp

Upcoming Events

May 2 – 4, 2007
Restoration 2007: 2nd Annual Conference on Innovation, Leadership & Networks for Post-Disaster Recovery
New Orleans, LA
This second annual conference on community and economic redevelopment following a disaster will feature a selection of educational sessions, peer exchanges, and a solutions-oriented exhibit hall with private firms, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The conference will cover topics such as public and private financing strategies, restoring and retaining jobs and economic activity, and renewing a community's sense of place.

For more information please visit: http://www.restoration2007.org/en/index.aspx.

May 30 – 31, 2007
Crisis Management Plan Writing
Arlington, VA
The "Crisis Management Plan Writing" workshop is designed to help attendees write an emergency management plan. Attendees will organize and consolidate existing policies, procedures and protocols into a comprehensive crisis management plan document. For more information please visit: http://www.homelanddefensejournal.com/hdl/Crisis-Management-Plan-Writing-May.htm .

June 4 – 7, 2007
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute Annual Conference
Emmitsburg, MD
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is hosting the 10th Annual Invitational Emergency Management Conference, June 4-7, 2007, for representatives of colleges and universities that (1) have an existing hazard, disaster, emergency management program in place, or (2) are attempting to develop and implement a hazard, disaster, emergency management program on their campus (e.g., a degree, certificate, minor, or concentration). The primary goal of the invitational conference is to provide a forum for academics to discuss problems and issues surrounding hazard, disaster, and emergency management educational programs. For more information please visit: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/educonference07.asp.

June 10 – 13, 2007
National Conference on Citizen Preparedness
Alexandria, VA
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), the National Association of Emergency Managers (NEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will jointly host the National Conference on Citizen Preparedness on June 10-13, 2007 in Alexandria, VA. Anyone interested in community and citizen preparedness is invited to attend. Conference participation is an allowable use of Citizen Corps grant funding from DHS.

Conference Objectives: Share best practices on community preparedness; get suggestions on how to reach out to specific population segments; learn innovative approaches to funding; hear updates on Department of Homeland Security initiatives; network with other Citizen Corps partners; find out how others are addressing liability issues; hear ideas on engaging elected officials; and listen to findings from citizen preparedness research.

More detailed information and online registration is available through the IAEM web site at: http://www.iaem.com/NCCC2007.htm.

June 28, 2007
Emergency Communication and Notification Solutions for Government and Business Training Conference
Washington, DC
The "Emergency Communication and Notification Solutions for Government and Business Conference" will inform federal, state, and local and business leaders on current trends and directions in the emergency communications sector. Government and commercial case studies will profile best practices. Industry will report on this important sector, trends, directions and emerging solutions – all geared to assist government and commercial emergency response planners as they prepare to define needs and requirements.

For more information please visit: http://homelanddefensejournal.com/hdl/Emergency-Communication-notification.htm.

July 8 – 11, 2007
17th World Conference on Disaster Management: "Emergency Management & Business Continuity Working Together"
Toronto, Canada
This conference addresses issues common to all aspects of disaster and emergency management. The program includes speakers from many parts of the world and provides opportunities for training and networking among those in all fields relating to emergency management.

For more information please visit: http://www.wcdm.org/

August 6-7, 2007
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Annual Conference: Empowering Employers to Build an Inclusive Workforce
Crystal City, VA
For over 23 years, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has provided focused, trusted, and informed answers to these and other questions. This annual conference unites JAN consultants with featured speakers who have expertise in employment law, innovative employment practices, and disability issues. For more information please visit: http://conference.jan.wvu.edu/.

November 11 – 14, 2007
International Association for Emergency Managers (IAEM) 55th Annual Conference
Reno, NV
The IAEM Annual Conference provides a forum for current trends and topics, information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and advances 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 please visit: http://www.iaem.com/.

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 http://www.disabilitypreparedness.gov.