Disability Task Force Started in Fall 2003 Unofficial

Disability Task Force • Started in Fall 2003 • Unofficial, ad hoc group of persons concerned with people with disabilities (PWD), under the auspices of Florida Department of Health • Members are PWDs or advocate for PWDs

Disability Task Force Concerned with preparedness of • Hospitals and EMS to appropriately care for PWDs • General population shelters to appropriately provide services to PWDs • Preparedness of PWDs for all hazards

Disability Task Force Accomplishments – Matrix of disabilities and considerations sent to Florida Hospital Association – Statewide conference on Preparedness of Persons With Disabilities – Local conferences in Pensacola and Ft. Lauderdale – Survey of PWDs on Emergency Preparedness

Disability Task Force • Funded Activities Underway – Planning for June conference in Stuart – Planning for July conference in Jacksonville – Phase 2 Survey of PWDs – Training Module based on Phase 1 Survey, to be distributed to hospitals and EMS • Seeking funding for Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Disability Preparedness Coordinator position

Disability Task Force • Individual Preparedness and community preparedness are firmly linked • PWDs must help others prepare for them, such as: – County emergency managers – Emergency shelter managers – Family and friends – Support coordinators – Service agencies

Disability Task Force Evolving model for preparedness: – Self reliance to maximum extent of abilities and resources – Close coordination with others for needs beyond own abilities and resources – Recognition that “wants” are not the same as “needs”

Disability Task Force Individual preparedness relates to Personal plans – Supports of family and friends – Supports arranged by support coordinators – Capabilities of agencies –

Disability Task Force Personal plans for • Events with warnings • Events with no warning

Disability Task Force Personal Preparedness plan steps: • Write down the plans • Discuss the plans with family and friends • Discuss the plans with others, including community supports and shelter managers

Disability Task Force Personal Preparedness plan steps • Discuss the plans with principal health care providers • “Walk through the plans” • Practice/exercise the plans