Accessible Communications Neil Mc Devitt www cepintdi org

Accessible Communications Neil Mc. Devitt www. cepintdi. org

People with disabilities Non-existent Emergency management and preparedness

Case Studies • FEMA Administrator Fugate in Baltimore, MD • Blackhawk County 9 -1 -1 • Faribault, MN • DEAF, Inc. - St. Louis Conference

What is “Social Media”? • Many technologies & products • Core concept is “word-of-mouth” & social networks now have a place online

The Social Media effect

Social Media in Emergency Services • • • New and evolving concept Few utilize it effectively Allows orgs to reach large number of people & nontraditional audiences

• • • What kind of messages? Personal / Professional Marketing / brand-awareness Relationship building is key Interaction with others Relaxed & casual atmosphere Finding balance between message and interaction

• How to use social media to reach non-traditional populations Remember - social media is a tool • • Doesn’t take the place of well-planned outreach activities Accessibility & accommodation need to be 24/7, not “special event” Helps raise social awareness Can be used to build community campaigns and keep stakeholders informed

Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc. . . are inherently accessible.

People with disabilities A new paradigm Emergency management and preparedness

Thank you. Neil Mc. Devitt nmcdevitt@cepintdi. org