Nothing about us, without us: An inclusive preparedness programme for the whole community from inception to sustainment
Abstract
Nearly one fifth of the US population has a disability that impacts their communicative, mental or physical function. There are often not enough opportunities for people with disabilities to receive basic emergency preparedness training to help them be more resilient in times of crisis as preparedness education typically targets the general population. The Kent County Health Department, in collaboration with local disability advocates and preparedness educators, developed an inclusive preparedness programme to provide basic preparedness training for the whole community. This paper describes the evolution of the programme along with lessons learned by the participants and instructors.
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Karla Black is the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at the Kent County Health Department, Grand Rapids, MI. Dr Black is recognised as a master exercise practitioner by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and as a professional emergency manager through the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
Patricia Draper is the Emergency Preparedness Specialist for Kent County Health Department. Her focus is on preparedness for those populations most vulnerable to impacts from emergencies and disasters, and for the agencies and organisations that serve them. Ms Draper is recognised as a professional emergency manager through the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
Citation
Black, Karla and Draper, Patricia (2019, December 1). Nothing about us, without us: An inclusive preparedness programme for the whole community from inception to sustainment. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 13, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.69554/QXGS1321.
Publications LLP