Monthly Updates - September 2006

ICC Monthly Highlights

Ready.Gov Develops New Information for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced joint efforts with AARP, the American Red Cross (Red Cross), the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to assist older Americans and individuals with disabilities in preparing for emergencies.

"We’re pleased to join with AARP, the American Red Cross, the National Organization on Disability and the National Fire Protection Association to unveil these important new resources for individuals and businesses," said DHS Under Secretary for Preparedness George Foresman. "National Preparedness Month, the anniversaries of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and last year’s devastating hurricanes serve as serious reminders that emergency preparedness is important for all citizens, especially older Americans and people with disabilities."

Through its Ready Campaign, DHS encourages all Americans to create an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the types of emergencies that can occur and how to appropriately respond. The new Ready materials recommend that seniors and people with disabilities include, in addition to basic survival supplies, other necessary items such as medicines, medical records, and hearing aid batteries in their emergency supply kits. The brochures also recommend that individuals develop an emergency plan tailored to their unique needs and a personal support network that they can call upon in the event of an emergency. In addition, the brochures urge Americans to learn about the types of emergencies that can occur where they live and the local plans in place in their communities.

For free copies of the new emergency preparedness brochures for older Americans and people with disabilities or more information about emergency preparedness for individuals, families and businesses, visit www.ready.gov, or call 1-800-BE-READY.

National Preparedness Month Collaboration with Salvation Army

In support of National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort sponsored by DHS to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools, the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and the Salvation Army USA co-hosted a pilot training of Salvation Army’s simple, yet innovative project. These events, held September 26 and 27 in Hartford, CT and Newark, NJ introduced the Salvation Army's plan to utilize its vast network of volunteers to provide one-on-one guidance to individuals with disabilities and senior citizens who need assistance with personal preparedness planning. Representatives from local churches, community agencies, and support groups participated in the events. The Salvation Army grassroots preparedness concept has the potential to reach segments of these communities who may not be receptive to traditional outreach methods such as advertisement campaigns, web based information, or community emergency preparedness meetings.

2006 National Association for State Relay Administration (NASRA) Conference

Claudia Gordon, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security, delivered keynote remarks at the 2006 NASRA Conference in Louisville, KY September 7-9, 2006. The audience consisted primarily of state relay service administrators. The purpose of the annual NASRA conference is to educate its members about the regulatory standards governing the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) industry and to advocate for regulatory changes that will improve the quality and efficiency of the TRS for all consumers. Jay Keithley, Deputy Chief for Policy, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), also addressed conference attendees discussing FCC re-certification and current updates. For more information on the conference please visit http://www.nasra.org/index.asp.

The Kentucky Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Kentucky Black Deaf Advocates Present: Emergency Preparedness: Your Rights and Your Responsibilities

The Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Kentucky Black Deaf Advocates sponsored a workshop entitled Emergency Preparedness: Your Rights and Your Responsibilities on September 9, 2006. The guest speaker, Claudia Gordon, DHS-CRCL, updated attendees on DHS activities relating to emergency preparedness and people with disabilities and offered personal preparedness tips including a demonstration on creating an emergency supply kit. A panel discussion followed Ms. Gordon’s presentation.

ICC Emergency Communications Subcommittee
Chair: Federal Communications Commission – Disability Rights Office, Consumer & Government Affairs Bureau

FCC Announces E9-1-1 Disability Access Summit

The FCC will host a Summit that focuses on E9-1-1 access for persons with hearing and speech disabilities on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Last year, the Commission initiated a proceeding seeking comment on how the Commission can ensure that consumers using Internet-based forms of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), specifically Video Relay Services (VRS) and Internet Protocol Relay (IP Relay), can access emergency services in the same way as all other consumers. In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, FCC 05-196, 20 FCC Rcd 19,476 (2005). Internet-based TRS calls do not originate on the PSTN (public switched telephone network) and therefore present unique challenges. The E9-1-1 Disability Access Summit is intended to provide an opportunity to explore challenges and potential solutions for users of Internet-based TRS services to access Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) by calling 9-1-1.

The goals of the Summit are:

1. To identify the various types of direct Internet-based E9-1-1 access that people with hearing or speech disabilities need;
2. To identify the technologies, services, and applications through which access should be offered; and
3. To define the technological, policy, and commercial issues involved in providing the needed access to persons with hearing and speech disabilities.

Participants will include representatives of other federal agencies; state and local emergency service providers; telecommunications and TRS industry; hearing and speech disability advocates; and FCC staff. Lessons learned from this Summit will help the FCC design and focus efforts to improve emergency communications access for persons with hearing and speech disabilities. The Summit is open to the public and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Summit will include panel discussions on the following three topics: needs of the hearing and speech disability communities; state of technology; and, interim options and solutions.

The Summit will take place on November 15, 2006 from 9:30AM – 2:00PM at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, DC in the Commission Meeting Room TW-C305.

For more information about the E9-1-1 Disability Access Summit, please contact Cheryl King at 202-418-2284 (voice) or Cheryl.King@fcc.gov (E-mail).

ICC Emergency Transportation Subcommittee
Chair: Department of Transportation – Office of Civil Rights

DOT Implements New Strategy Paper and Checklist for Communities on Addressing the Needs of Transportation Dependent Populations During an Emergency

ICC Health Subcommittee
Chair: Department of Health and Human Services – Office on Disability

New Target Capability Development Working Group

The DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness reviewed many of the target capabilities established to assure that the nation is ready to respond to all-hazard disaster situations. Through discussion with subject matter experts, it became evident that the target capabilities did not ensure the establishment of a sheltering system that considered those with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, or other conditions impacting their level of functioning, or those with chronic medical or health conditions which precludes them from staying at a general population shelter. Currently the capabilities include two sheltering categories: 1) general population for individuals who can function independently or needing only minimal assistance, and 2) medical shelters for those who have medical conditions and must receive treatment to maintain their current function level. The HHS Office of Public Health and Emergency Preparedness and DHS deemed it necessary to develop a new capability that establishes criteria for focusing on an individual’s functional ability as a measure to determine the most appropriate shelter placement and/or medical support needed. This includes the establishment of criteria for a third shelter focusing on care for those requiring functional and medical support not provided in the other types of shelters. In doing so, a team of disability advocates, federal disability and emergency management experts (including HHS and CRCL), American Red Cross representatives and state and local government emergency management personnel met on September 13 and 14, 2006 to continue to work together in the development of a this new capability. The working group is defining what population this shelter will serve and the necessary level of staffing and resources. An additional working group meeting is scheduled for late October.

In addition to this important work, HHS is currently participating on many other Target Capability working groups to ensure that disability and medical considerations are incorporated into the capability criteria that guides federal, tribal and/or local level planning.

The Target Capabilities List (TCL) identifies the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from major catastrophic events. It is a living document that will continue to be enhanced and refined over time. Currently, there are 37 capabilities to provide the Nation with a comprehensive set of capabilities across four homeland security missions: Prevent, Protect, Respond and Recover. More information about the TCL is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm.

ICC Private Sector
Chair: Department of Homeland Security – Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

CRCL Participation in Fifth Plenary Meeting of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Homeland Security Standards Panel (HSSP)

CRCL staff participated at the Fifth Plenary Meeting of the ANSI Homeland Security Standards Panel held September 25 – 26, 2006 at New York University. The meeting focused on emergency preparedness in the public and private sectors. The meeting brought together the homeland security standards community to review progress that has been made and further work that needs to be done in the field of emergency preparedness. Program sessions included: Assessing Private Sector Preparedness; Emergency Preparedness in the Public Sector; Emergency Preparedness Standards/Initiatives Making a Difference; and Credentialing for Emergency Responders and On-Scene Personnel. The second day included breakout sessions on: Planning for a Global Pandemic, Mass/Public Transportation Security and All Hazards Planning, Response and Recovery. CRCL will continue to provide expertise to the ANSI-HSSP panel regarding emergency preparedness and individuals with disabilities.

ICC Research Subcommittee
Chair: Department of Education – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research

NIDRR Seeks Comments on Proposed Research Priorities

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is pleased to announce the publication of proposed research priorities in the areas of (1) Inclusive Emergency Evacuation of Individuals with Disabilities; and (2) Emergency Management Technologies. The public is invited to comment on these proposed priorities. Comments are due on or before October 19, 2006.

Instructions for commenting on the proposed priorities:

DEADLINE: We must receive your comments on or before October 19, 2006.

ADDRESS: Address all comments about these proposed priorities to Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6030, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20204-2700. If you prefer to send your comments through the Internet, use the following address: donna.nangle@ed.gov. You must include the term "Proposed Priorities for DRRPs and RERCs'" in the subject line of your electronic message.

YOUR COMMENTS: Please be sure to name the specific priority about which you wish to comment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle or Lynn Medley. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 (Donna Nangle) or (202) 245-7338 (Lynn Medley). If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request from Donna Nangle or Lynn Medley.

ICC State, Local and Tribal Government Coordination
Chair: Department of Homeland Security – Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)

State, Local and Tribal Coordination Endeavors

Throughout the month of September, CRCL engaged key partners both inside and outside DHS to advance coordination efforts with State, local, and tribal governments:

Target Capabilities Guidelines
As reported within the ICC Health Subcommittee, CRCL representatives collaborated with FEMA and HHS in the development of new target capability guidelines that will define state-managed shelter services for individuals needing functional and medical supports.

DHS Office of Grants and Training
CRCL's disability policy staff participated in priority setting meetings of the DHS Office of Grants and Training (G&T). CRCL participation aimed to provide a focus on individuals with disabilities within DHS's FY07 grant priorities. Similarly, CRCL is collaborating with G&T to explore strategies for providing technical assistance to state homeland security offices related to planning for individuals with disabilities.

2006 Conference of the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council
On September 11, CRCL staff participated on a panel presentation at the 2006 Conference of the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council. CRCL remarks focused on the authorities underpinning disability civil rights in emergency preparedness and on the importance of building collaboration between the disability and emergency management communities at the local level.

National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Conference
CRCL staff participated in the 2006 Conference of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), forging new relationships and identifying new project opportunities with state emergency management professionals.

American Indian Higher Education Consortium
CRCL met with representatives of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. This meeting focused on opportunities to collaborate with tribal colleges in providing technical assistance to tribes regarding the interface of homeland security and individuals with disabilities.

Recently Released Resources

TSA Changes in Allowances for Persons with Disabilities at Security Checkpoints

Since the initial ban on liquids, gels and aerosols took effect on August 10, TSA has made additional changes to allow travelers to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) in one, quart-size, clear plastic, sealable bag through security checkpoints. In addition, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board the aircraft.

TSA will continue to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. For a complete listing of allowable carry-on items, as well as a list of helpful tips for air travelers, visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm.

The Association of the Bar of the City of New York Releases Post-Katrina Accessibility Report

Ensuring Accessibility for People with Disabilities in the Wake of Katrina and of Other Natural and Man-Made Disasters report has been prepared on behalf of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York by its Committee on Civil Rights and its Committee on Legal Issues Affecting People with Disabilities in the hope that its compilation and discussion of the laws, regulations, and other resources it cites will be useful in advancing the understanding of, and compliance with, legal requirements for access to the built environment for people with disabilities as reconstruction takes place after natural and man-made disasters. To view the report in its entirety visit: http://www.nycbar.org/pdf/report/AccessibilityPostDisaster.pdf.

Red Cross Training Course Aims to Better Serve People with Disabilities Following a Disaster

The American Red Cross, in collaboration with DHS, National Organization on Disability, and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, has developed a training course to better prepare its employees and volunteers to serve individuals with disabilities in the aftermath of disasters entitled Serving People with Disabilities Following Disaster. The training begins with a 45-minute online self-study and is followed with an eight-hour instructor-led class to provide in-depth information for disaster workers in direct and constant contact with people with disabilities. For more information on the training course visit http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_5678,00.html.

NFPA Announces New Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities

NFPA announced its new Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities designed to aid individuals with disabilities and businesses prepare for emergency evacuation events set to be released later this year. For more information please visit NFPA’s Homeland Security Fact Sheet: http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=628&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fact%20sheets/Homeland%20Security.

NFPA Emergency Evacuation Training Workshop to Include Evacuation Planning for Individuals with Disabilities

NFPA is offering a series of training workshops throughout the country for professionals concerned with preparedness and protection in workplace facilities. This one-day workshop prepares workplace professionals to develop and practice emergency evacuation and relocation plans. For more information and to find dates and locations please visit http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=NFPA+Catalog&pid=EEW#TabAnchor.

Compensation now available for 9/11 Workers and Volunteers Who Participated in Rescue, Recovery or Cleanup Work

The work of organizations to assist responders with health problems continues. There have been newspaper reports on responders who are now ill or who have died as a result of time spent at Ground Zero in rescue, recovery or clean up efforts. The United Church of Christ and Church World Service with local New York partners—New York Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) and Mt. Sinai WTC Clinic—along with many of others have continued to lobby for workers' compensation for responders. Recently, the Governor of New York signed into law a compensation registry which will eliminate the 2-year cut-off date for filing a claim.

For more information contact www.nycosh.org.

Women and Infants Service Package (WISP) Guidelines to Help First Responders Assist in the Special Needs of Pregnant and New Mothers During a Disaster

Katrina focused unprecedented attention on pregnant women and newborns as an acutely vulnerable population during emergencies. A year later, those concerns are driving a push to add provisions for both groups to national preparedness guidelines for disasters, epidemics or terrorist attacks. To view the entire Washington Post article visit: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/16/AR2006081601516.html.

Upcoming Events

October 10, 2006
Pandemic Influenza: Principles and Techniques for Communicating Effectively in High Stress & High Concern Situations Workshop
This one-day training workshop-which will take place one day prior to the Pandemic Influenza Conference-will help individuals and organizations prepare for high stress and high concern situations by focusing on specific challenges and solutions for integrating risk and crisis communications and operational response. For more information visit http://www.homelanddefensejournal.com.

October 11 - 12, 2006
Preparing for Pandemic Influenza Conference
Sheraton National, Arlington, VA
This conference will bring together an influential gathering of medical and public health leaders to review and discuss the National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan and our nation's preparedness and response efforts and goals. For more information visit http://www.homelanddefensejournal.com.

October 8-14 , 2006
Fire Prevention Week 2006
Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat" - is the message of this year's Fire Prevention Week (FPW). From October 8-14, NFPA be spreading the word that more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home - and teaching families and kids how to keep cooking fires from starting in the first place. For more information, visit http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1194&itemID=28246&cookie%5Ftest=1.

Emergency Responders and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Taking the First Steps to Disaster Preparedness
Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN) has developed this course, designed for and by emergency responders and deaf and hard of hearing consumers. It is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The course is free and open to only 40 participants: 20 who are hard of hearing/deaf/deaf-blind, and 20 Emergency Responders. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information contact Lise Hamlin, lhamlin@nvrc.org. The course will be held at the following locations:

• October 18, 2006
  Hearing and Speech Agency, Baltimore, MD
• October 24, 2006
  Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Fairfax, VA

October 24-26, 2006
Pacific Northwest Preparedness Society
Vancouver, British Columbia
This year's Conference has several themes including: the impact and aftermath of hurricane Katrina - lessons to be learned, Avian influenza, pandemic preparedness, forgotten victims - animals in disasters, Neighborhood preparedness, and Fraser River flood hazard. For more information visit http://www.epconference.ca.

October 25, 2006
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Fairfax, VA
Emergency Responders and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Taking the First Steps to Disaster Preparedness: Train the Trainer
Pre-requisite for the course: successful completion of the CEPIN course: "Emergency Responders & the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community: First Steps to Disaster Preparedness," experience in the field and experience as a trainer. Applicants must submit a resume and application letter. Trainees who receive a certificate of completion are eligible to provide the direct delivery of the CEPIN course in their community. For more information contact Lise Hamlim, lhamlin@nvrc.org.

November 3-5, 2006
Abilities Expo – Northern California
Santa Clara, CA
The Abilities Expo is a show for independent and assisted living products and services. Abilities Expo also offers a full line up of free consumer and professional workshops, offered by leading individuals in the healthcare, education, and retail fields. For more information visit http://noc.abilitiesexpo.com/iaenoc/v42/index.cvn.

November 12-15, 2006
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2006 Annual Conference & EMEX Exhibit
"Going All the Way.Putting Plans Into Action"
Orlando, FL
The IAEM Annual Conference purpose is to provide a forum for current trends, topics and the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and to advance 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 visit http://www.iaem.com/events/annual/intro.htm.

Nov. 14-16 , 2006
Transportation Disaster Response - Family Assistance
Course offered by the National Transportation Safety Board
NTSB Academy, Ashburn, VA (near Washington, DC)
Developed for commercial transportation officials, representatives of federal agencies and staff of non-governmental relief organizations and emergency managers, this course is instrumental in understanding how any organization involved in accident response can most effectively support family assistance efforts. For more information visit: http://www.ntsb.gov/Academy/CourseInfo/TDA301_2006.htm.

November 16-17, 2006
International Recovery Perspectives: Implications, Innovations, Implementation
Toronto, Ontario
The Leadership Project announces International Recovery Perspectives: Implications, Innovations, Implementation – Critical and creative exploration of leading edge approaches in Mental Health Recovery. Human Rights Advocacy and Recovery, The Supporting Role of Families in Recovery, and Medication: Informed Choices and Challenges are among the themes of the conference. For more information visit http://www.crct.org/events/show_event.cfm?id=289.

November 17-19, 2006
World Congress & Expo on Disabilities (WCD Expo)
Philadelphia, PA
The WCD Expo, the world's largest disability event, is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, their families and professionals who work with them. The WCD is intended to educate, inform and provide a useful exchange of ideas for people with disabilities and special healthcare needs and those involved in their care and development. For more information visit: http://www.wcdexpo.com/.

January 29-February 2 , 2007
Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference
Daytona Beach, Florida
The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference includes speaker presentations, panel discussion, and workshops that focus on timely emergency management issues and topics. In conjunction with the annual conference, association business is conducted; also, outstanding agency and individual contributions to the field of emergency management are recognized through an awards program. For more information visit: http://www.fepa.org/meetings.aspx.

February 8-9, 2007
National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Carless Society
New Orleans, LA
The University of New Orleans Transportation Center, in partnership with the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the Regional Transit Authority, is organizing a National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Car-less Society. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita revealed the importance of evacuation planning, especially for people without the ability or means to drive. All cities in the United States are vulnerable to natural and human caused disasters. The focus of this conference is on evacuation planning for car-less residents, including the elderly, disabled, and transit dependent populations. Our intent is to bring together government officials, professionals, and experts to discuss how we can better prepare for those that are in most need.

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.