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Home > Monthly Updates > July 2007 Monthly Update
Monthly Updates - July 2007In This Issue
Category of Linkswww.disabilitypreparedness.gov Contact Usdisability.preparedness@dhs.gov ICC Monthly HighlightsFEMA Issues Formaldehyde AdvisoryFEMA has issued an advisory for occupants of FEMA-provided housing units. The advisory provide information to help occupants understand what formaldehyde is and how it can affect living and health conditions. To receive additional information and/or discuss disaster housing situation with a FEMA specialist, call 1-866-562-2381 Voice or 1-800-462-7585 TTY. ICC Monthly UpdatesUS Department of EducationNational Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)The NIDRR awarded a grant to West Virginia University to conduct research on emergency evacuation and individuals with disabilities. The grant is called "Evacuation Methodology and Understanding Behavior of Persons with Disabilities in Disasters: A Blueprint for Emergency Planning Solutions." This Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project totals $1,329,015 over three years. West Virginia University will survey people with disabilities, the elderly, emergency managers and other local service providers to understand emergency evacuation experiences and behaviors, and then develop, pilot, and disseminate best practice guidance. Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR)The ICDR authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is holding a meeting to seek comments from the public with respect to the federal disability and rehabilitation research agenda. This dialogue with the public is of critical importance. The ICDR is encouraging individuals with disabilities, persons who represent service providers, service provider organizations, disability and rehabilitation research and policy groups, and representatives of advocacy organizations with specialized knowledge and experience to suggest specific ways to improve future research for individuals with disabilities. The ICDR is also interested in hearing from individuals concerning how well the existing federal research programs are responding to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities. Within the context of this approach, the ICDR is also asking for input on the continuum of care for wounded, injured or ill military service members. The meeting will take place Aug. 14, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Capitol Hill, 415 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20001. The telephone number for the hotel is 202-638-1616. The meeting will be open and accessible to the general public. Public comments will be analyzed, along with other sources of information, to make recommendations for future research directions and to coordinate the federal research effort in disability; however, the ICDR cannot respond individually to comments. All individuals planning to attend the public meeting, including those presenting comments, must make reservations by July 31, 2007, by contacting Constance Pledger, executive director of the ICDR, using the contact information below. Individuals who wish to present comments must request time on the agenda, which will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be allowed approximately five minutes to present their comments. Prior to the meeting, participants must submit written copies of their comments, along with any other written or electronic versions of supporting information, such as agency or organization policy statements, recommendations, research findings and research literature. Walk-ins must bring two written copies of their comments. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend or participate at the meeting (i.e. interpreting services, assistive listening devices, material in alternative format) should notify Constance Pledger by July 31, 2007.
Constance Pledger, Executive Director, ICDR A copy of the Federal Register notice can be viewed at http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2007-2/062807f.html US Department of LaborOffice of Disability Employment PolicyDisabilityInfo.Gov introduces new state and local resources map to assist visitors in locating disability-related information close to homeThe federal government's one-stop Web site for disability-related information and resources (www.DisabilityInfo.gov) recently unveiled a new feature, a state and local resources map, designed to assist visitors with finding disability-related information in their own states and localities. While DisabilityInfo.gov is now well-known as a comprehensive source for government information at the federal level, this new feature enables users to search for disability service organizations at the state and local government levels, as well as federal offices close to home, in every state and U.S. territory. DisabilityInfo.gov also offers a free subscription service to DisabilityInfo Connection, the site's quarterly electronic newsletter, as well as e-mail alerts on new information in a specified state. Additionally, the site features an online press room that contains news releases, links to research and statistics, and ready-to-publish news briefs and articles. The award-winning DisabilityInfo.gov site connects visitors to information on a wide range of disability-related topics. Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, the site is a collaborative effort among 22 federal government agencies dedicated to making it the leading, one-stop federal resource for disability-related information. The site aims to provide nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities and others the national, state and local tools they need to pursue personal and professional goals. US Department of Health and Human ServicesContinued Collaboration with the American Red CrossA Shelter Tool and a Memorandum of Understanding to use Guidelines developed for identifying persons with disabilities and medical conditions during triage has completed the clearance process and has been signed by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Senior Vice President, Preparedness and Response Department of the American Red Cross. The Shelter Intake Tool is intended to ensure that all persons are assigned to the shelter option that provides the best supports for maintaining independence and has been released for use by the American Red Cross and the Department of Health and Human Services Federal Medical Stations. HHS is encouraging use of this tool by other entities as appropriate. In addition, an Evacuation Matrix is being developed to assist Federal/State emergency managers in determining appropriate means of transport for individuals. This matrix is based on the Shelter Intake tool and considers such factors as the individual's ability to function over the period of transport and the accessibility of the transportation. Federal Communications CommissionFCC Takes Action to Further Strengthen Emergency Alert System: Order to Ensure Efficient, Rapid Transmission of Emergency Information to the PublicThe Federal Communications Commission ("Commission") adopted a Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("Order" or "Further Notice") that strengthens the nation's Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Commission's Order promotes the development of fully digital Next Generation technologies and delivery systems that will better serve the American public. The Order requires EAS participants to accept messages using Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), the groundwork for Next Generation EAS delivery systems, no later than 180 days after FEMA announces its adoption of standards in each case. The use of CAP will help to ensure the efficient and rapid transmission of EAS alerts to the American public in a variety of formats (including text, audio and video) and via different means (broadcast, cable, satellite, and other networks) and to promote the development of Next Generation EAS. One result of these developments will be enhanced access to EAS alerts and warnings for persons with disabilities and for non-English speakers. The Further Notice seeks comment on how best to deliver EAS alerts as well as broader emergency and public safety information to these groups, and commits to adoption of a final order within six months. In light of the examination of these issues in the Further Notice, the Order leaves open the issues raised in a petition filed by several groups representing non-English speaking persons. The Commission directs the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau to convene a meeting — or series of meetings — as soon as possible on providing emergency information to non-English speakers. The stakeholders should submit into the record a progress report on these discussions within 30 days of the Order's release. The Order also requires terrestrial EAS participants to transmit state and locally targeted EAS alerts that are originated by governors or their designees. The Further Notice seeks comment on whether Participants should be required to deliver EAS alerts originated by local, county, tribal, or other state governmental entities. In addition, the Order expands the EAS system by requiring participation by wireline video providers. Finally, the Order states the Commission's intention to ensure that the EAS network is prepared to operate as intended. The Further Notice seeks comment on several possible means for achieving that goal, including additional testing, station certification, and post hoc assessments of how well the system worked after an EAS warning has been triggered. Action by the Commission May 31, 2007, by Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-109). Chairman Martin, and Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate and McDowell. Separate Statements issued by Chairman Martin, and Commissioners Copps Adelstein, Tate and McDowell. EB Docket No. 04-296 Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Contacts: Dana Shaffer at (202) 418-0832 or dana.shaffer@fcc.gov, or Tom Beers at (202) 418-0952 or tom.beers@fcc.gov. The document is on the FCC website at: http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/. US Department of Homeland SecurityDHS — Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Outreach Activities and EventsOn July 23rd, Claudia Gordon, Senior Policy Advisor, presented at the Top Official 4 (TOPOFF 4) Planning Conference held in Washington, DC. Conference attendees primarily consisted of federal, state, and local government emergency management officials. Ms. Gordon discussed the inclusion of special needs considerations in every element of federal, state, tribal, and local response. She emphasized that planning for the entire community naturally includes special needs populations. The conference also included a presentation by Cindy Daniel, the recently appointed FEMA Disability Coordinator. Ms. Daniel's remarks further stressed the importance of integrating individuals with disabilities into all aspects of emergency planning. On July 17, Ms. Gordon took part in a panel presentation during a training session for the 2007 Hurricane Season. Ms. Gordon's contribution to the panel topic, "Federal Partner Roles and Responsibilities in Resolving Post-Katrina Key Issues," focused on effectively serving special needs populations. The participants included the six nominated Principal Federal Officials (PFOs) for the 2007 hurricane season, as well as their regional team members including Deputy PFOs, Federal Coordinating Officers, Senior Federal Law Enforcement Officials, Infrastructure Liaisons, etc. FEMA - Individual Assistance/ ESF # 6 ConferenceOn July 22nd — 25th, FEMA hosted a conference in Baltimore, MD to provide Individual Assistance (IA)/National Recovery Plan stakeholders with information, updates, and to discuss new national initiatives and policies for Individual Assistance and ESF # 6. The conference objectives were: to develop a common understanding of current IA recovery programs, capabilities, and related operational policies and guidance; introduce new national program initiatives, identifying current implementation strategies and outstanding development requirements; promote enhanced coordination between Federal, State, local, tribal, and non-governmental recovery partners; and introduce, demonstrate, and discuss with participants the wide array of tools and developments that FEMA has produced in recent years. U.S. Department of JusticeIn commemoration of the 17th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Justice Department marked the occasion by the signing of two new Project Civic Access Agreements. Project Civic Access (PCA) is a Justice Department initiative to ensure that states, cities, counties, towns and other government entities comply with the ADA by eliminating physical, communication, and policy barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community life. Following the events of September 11, 2001, the Department expanded its PCA initiative to include emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. The Department has signed PCA agreements in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, improving access to government programs and facilities for over 3 million people with disabilities in the communities involved. On July 26th, at an ADA anniversary event in New Orleans, LA a Project Civic Access (PCA) agreement with the City of New Orleans was signed. This agreement sets out a plan to ensure equal access for people with disabilities to the city's emergency operations and other programs, services, activities and facilities. Under this agreement, the Department will provide an expert ADA architectural consultant, at no cost to the City, to assist in rebuilding in compliance with the architectural requirements of the ADA. The consultant will review certain design plans for City facilities and provide training and consultation for City staff involved in the design and construction of City facilities. The consultant will also provide training and live ADA consultation for the business community in New Orleans to encourage businesses that are building or rebuilding in New Orleans to do so in full compliance with the ADA. The other key component of the PCA agreement addresses the city's obligation under the ADA to ensure equal access for people with disabilities to the City's emergency management operations. The Civil Rights Division will provide the City with technical assistance to ensure that its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) complies with ADA requirements. The Department will also work with the State of Louisiana and the other entities that are responsible for implementing the EOP. Also on July 26th, a similar agreement was signed with Harrison County, Miss., another gulf coast community that was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The Harrison County agreement includes similar provisions to provide expert architectural consultant services to the County and the business community to help ensure ADA compliance in rebuilding as well as provisions relating to the County's ADA compliance in its emergency operations. DOJ also announced the release of Chapter 7 of the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit, which provides technical assistance for state and local government officials on steps they should take to achieve ADA compliance in their emergency management programs. Chapter 7 of the ADA Tool Kit includes a discussion of key ADA obligations that apply to all aspects of emergency management, including planning, preparedness, evacuation, shelters, medical and social services, lodging and housing programs, recovery, and rebuilding. It includes two survey tools - one to help identify facilities that are good candidates for accessible emergency shelters, and the other for use in surveying emergency shelters to determine if they are accessible to people with disabilities. Chapter 7 also includes a technical assistance document that explains many of the key access issues encountered by people with different disabilities in emergency shelters and the obligations that shelter operators have under the ADA to provide access and avoid discrimination. Finally, Chapter 7 includes a checklist that state and local government officials can use to determine if they have established the appropriate policies and procedures and made the advance planning and preparations necessary to address the needs of people with different disabilities in emergencies and disasters, consistent with the requirements of the ADA. People interested in finding out more about the ADA, the agreements, or the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit can access the ADA Home Page at http://www.ada.gov, or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Recently Released Resources
White House Releases New Freedom Initiative Report
U.S. Nursing Home and Hospitals Atlas Upcoming EventsAugust 6-7, 2007 September 16-19, 2007 September 19, 2007 September 19, 2007 October 10-11, 2007 November 11-14, 2007 April 1-2, 2008 About the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with DisabilitiesThe 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:
For more information about the ICC please visit http://www.disabilitypreparedness.gov. |
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