Many individuals with disabilities and their caregivers have questions for Emergency Responders about what to do or what happens in case of an emergency and/or rescue situation. The opposite is also true for Emergency Responders and how to best interact with caregivers or individuals who have disabilities they may or may not be familiar with or trained to assist.

The following animated videos are an attempt at recreating the “discussion” between these two groups. In the first video, emergency responders answer questions from individuals with disabilities and caregivers. In the second video individuals with disabilities and caregivers answer questions from emergency responders.

First Responders Answer Questions from Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals with Disabilities Answer Questions from First Responders

We’re very excited to let you know about a new Technical Assistance and Training Center on Disability Inclusion in Emergency Preparedness. Our organization was asked to serve as a partner in providing input on their initiative, Prepared4ALL. Prepared4ALL takes an innovative approach to increasing disability inclusion in local emergency preparedness efforts. We know that people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by emergencies, disaster and pandemics.

Focused on investing in disability organizations at the local level, Prepared4ALL emphasizes the importance of collaboration across government entities, community-based and civic organizations, and other partners to ensure that local planning for emergency, disaster and pandemic response includes everyone in the community.

You are invited to be a part of Prepared4ALL and receive training and support to maximize your new or existing efforts related to disability inclusion in emergency preparedness.

The Prepared4ALL team is hosting a townhall-style meeting on Wednesday, January 27^th from 1-2pm ET where you can learn about Prepared4ALL, network with other disability organizations, and receive an overview of the toolkit they have created for your use. Please consider registering to attend the townhall meeting here: https://bit.ly/PreparedTownHall1

Here are a few documents that provide more information on Prepared4All and the upcoming Town Hall meeting that you might find helpful.
FAQ Document
Become an Affiliate
Townhall Meeting Info

Whether you are beginning work in the area of community emergency preparedness or your organization already has a lot of experience, we encourage you to get involved with Prepared4ALL by participating in the online training and attending town hall meetings. If you are interested, please complete the following interest form and register for their townhall meeting. Please feel free to reach out directly to the Prepared4ALL staff at prepared4all@aucd.org  with any questions you may have.

You may qualify for a home ramp or mobility modification!

The Center for Independent Living Options (CILO), through a grant from Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council and in partnership with People Working Cooperatively, is accepting applications to provide a limited number of home ramp or mobility modifications to individuals with newly acquired paralysis.

In order to be eligible, you should:

• Have newly/recently acquired paralysis;
• Currently reside in or wish to return to your private residential home;
• Otherwise be able to access resources to install modifications for an accessible home; and
• Have a desire to navigate your home safely in the event of an emergency.

Applications are being accepted through April 1, 2021.

If you believe you may qualify, or have any questions, please contact Debbie Moorehous, Director of Advancement, 513-241-2600 Ext 123, dmoorehous@cilo.net