C-MIST: The Functional Needs Framework BC Coalition of People with Disabilities

PERSON 1.With a complex set of needs 2.When needs are met 3.Person has ability to participate in community and contribute to society

PERSON WITH FUNCTIONAL NEEDS 1.With a complex set of needs 2.Experiences environmental barriers (physical, social and economic) to having needs met 3.Remove barriers 4.Person has ability to participate and contribute

People may have limitations in any of the following functional areas: Hearing Seeing Breathing Walking and mobility Manipulating objects Speech Communication Learning Understanding

For the purposes of emergency planning and response, the functional needs framework looks at 5 categories: C-MIST Communication Medical Independence Supervision Transportation

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS - Includes people who: Have limited or no ability to speak, read or understand English Have reduced or no ability to speak, see or hear Have limitations in learning and understanding

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS – During an emergency people may not be able to: Hear verbal announcements See directional signs to assistance services Understand the message

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS – Includes people who need assistance with: Activities of daily living - bathing, eating etc. Managing chronic or contagious health conditions, medications, IV therapy, tube feeds, wounds, catheters, ostomies Dialysis, oxygen, suction Operating power dependent equipment

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS - During an emergency: Some people may be separated from family and friends Early identification of needs and disaster response intervention can avoid costly deterioration of health and functional needs

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS – Includes people who use the following to function on a daily basis: Mobility aids - wheelchairs, walkers, scooters Communication aids - hearing aids, computers Medical equipment - oxygen, syringes Service animals Medications

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS – During an emergency: Individuals may become separated from their assistive equipment and devices or service animals Do not separate an individual from their service animal

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS - Includes people with any of the following: Dementia Alzheimer’s Depression Schizophrenia Anxiety Transfer trauma Brain injury Developmental disabilities Severe mental illness

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS – Includes people who can not drive due to: Disability Age Temporary injury Poverty Addiction Legal restrictions No access to a vehicle

Meeting functional needs requires a few extra steps… A person who is deaf may need referral to food and lodging + ASL interpretation services A senior with low vision may need registration and inquiry and psychosocial support + information in large print A new immigrant with low-proficiency in English may need first aid + interpretation and translation in their first language

Functional Needs Framework as an encompassing tool for planning It makes no sense to plan separately for each vulnerable population We need to shift away from “special needs” planning and response The FNF can be used to plan for the needs of all members of the community Think ALL HAZARDS ALL PEOPLE

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE Provide information and announcements in both verbal and plain language written formats – include large print Provide ASL interpreters

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE Have paper and pens and alphabet boards available for those who may need to communicate with you in this way Public phones should have TTY capability for people who are deaf and hard of hearing

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE People who are blind may be disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings - ask if they need help Some assistance animals may be disoriented because of the disaster and may not be able to assist their owner effectively - ask the person if they will need help

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE Have extra food and water for assistance animals that accompany people with disabilities

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE Reception Centres should be wheelchair accessible (including washrooms) Plan for loan replacement of equipment and assistive devices, such as: wheelchairs, walkers, canes etc.

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE Accommodation vouchers being provided to people with mobility disabilities should be for wheelchair accessible accommodation Food vouchers provided to people with mobility disabilities should be wheelchair accessible restaurants

EXAMPLE - MAKING RECEPTION CENTRES MORE ACCESSIBLE Allow people with mobility disabilities the option of going to the head of long lines Avoid using outdoor areas that are muddy, sandy, rocky or covered by thick grass - basically, slippery or uneven surfaces

EXAMPLE - EVACUATION Make sure transportation is provided for people without cars. Ensure that the equipment people need for medical reasons, communication and for functional independence is transported with them.

C-MIST Questions & Comments?

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities