Harkin Presses for Stronger Emergency Preparedness
And Response for People with Disabilities
Editor: You may recall that emergency personnel were pretty much
unprepared to deal with people with disabilities during the recent
emergencies in the US, and that people with hearing loss were most often
excluded from access to emergency services. Senator Tom Harkin has
introduced legislation that attempts to ensure that emergency planners
do a better job of considering the needs of people with disabilities.
One important provision is the creation of a Disability Coordinator
within the Department of Homeland Security! We applaud this effort.
Here's the press release from the National Organization on Disability
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Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced the
Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals with Disabilities
Act of 2005. The legislation will address the needs of individuals with
disabilities in emergency planning and relief efforts.
"Hurricane Katrina's aftermath has shown us that we need to have
a better emergency response plan, especially one that includes
preparations for assisting people with disabilities," said Harkin.
"This bill is an important step to ensure that the needs of
disabled Americans will be addressed in case of an emergency."
Under this legislation, a Disability Coordinator would be created in
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who will report directly to
the Secretary. The Coordinator would be responsible for:
* Working with local, state and federal authorities about the needs
of individuals with disabilities in emergency planning and relief,
* Developing a curriculum for first responder training on the needs of
individuals with disabilities,
* Ensure telephone hotlines and websites containing information about
evacuations are accessible, and
* Provide guidance about the rights of individuals with disabilities
regarding post evacuation residence and relocation, among other things.
The Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals with
Disabilities Act of 2005 will also require that 30 percent of temporary
housing for disaster victims be accessible, and usable by individuals
with disabilities, and would provide incentives to create more
accessible housing during reconstruction efforts.
Harkin is a longstanding advocate for individuals with disabilities
in the U.S. and has worked tirelessly to call attention to disability
rights. He was the chief sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), landmark legislation which seeks equality of opportunity, full
participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for
millions of Americans with physical and mental disabilities.
