Access & Functional Needs
Disasters affect everybody, but not everybody is affected in the same way. All Washingtonians should prepare before disaster strikes, including individuals with access and functional needs.
Historically, disasters tend to impact some people more than others; it is important for individuals with access and functional needs (AFN) (i.e. older adults, children, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and people with unique transportation needs) to prepare for disasters and have access to resources before, during, and after a disaster.
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Preparedness is not a one-size-fits-all activity and can easily be adapted to each individual and family unit. Individuals with access and functional needs should consider their unique abilities and needs when planning and preparing. Some considerations for preparing before disaster strikes are:
- Has a personal support network been established?
- How will emergency alerts be received?
- What options are available for refilling and storing extra medications?
- What communication options are available in a power outage?
- What alternate transportation options are available?
- What is the plan for evacuating?
- What are alternate shelter options if evacuation is required?
- Is the personal support network familiar with how to operate specific mobility devices?
DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH
July is Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Disability Pride is about:
- Visibility and empowerment of disabled identities
- Rejecting stigma and embracing disability as part of human diversity
- Advocating for accessibility and equal opportunities
People with disabilities make up approximately 27% of the nation's population. Fourteen percent of Washingtonians are people with a disability living in the community. Disability is a natural part of life and occurs in every economic, cultural and ethnic group. Disability is also the only minority anyone can join at a moment’s notice.
Despite a lack of accessibility and appropriate supports in our society, people with disabilities contribute to all areas of life, art, music, commerce, science, public service and human rights, bringing a unique perspective and resilience. When we make accessibility for people with disabilities a focus, we often make life better and easier for everyone else. We all benefit from captioning, curb cuts, automatic doors, ramps and many other accessibility features in our society.
Earthquake Country: Resources for People with Disabilities
Ready.gov – Individuals with Disabilities
- American Red Cross: Inclusive Preparedness Resources
- ASL Preparedness Videos (From Pierce County)
- Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP)
- CIEP After Action Report – 2020 Fire Season Recap
- Washington State Independent Living Council
- WA State Independent Living Council – Additional Resources
- The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
- National Organization on Disability: Emergency Preparedness Initiative
- Accessible Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training in the news; Redmond, WA
- CalOES: Office of Access & Functional Needs
Three Steps to Preparedness
| Learn your Hazards | Have a Plan | Build Kits |
Learning about the hazards near where you work, play, and live will help you and your family be prepared for disasters that could happen, like earthquakes, floods, and pandemics. | Having a family disaster plan gives you peace of mind when a disaster happens. Decide as a family where your meeting locations are and who your out-of-area contact is. | You and your family may be on your own for at least two weeks when a disaster happens. Build a 2 Weeks Ready kit at home and smaller kits for work, school, and vehicles. |
Resources for Preparedness
| Download Publications | Outreach Activity Requests | Prepare in a Year |
Connect With Us
Sue Pniewski
Access and Functional Needs Program Manager
Washington Emergency Management Division
Office: 253-512-7053 | Cell 509-531-3911
E-Mail: susan.pniewski@mil.wa.gov
Email: public.education@mil.wa.gov