Temporary Modifications for Accessible Shelters Karin Ford, MSPS, IACEM Iowa Department of Public Health 2012 Whole Community Conference July Lisle, Illinois Photo courtesy of FEMA/Patsy Lynch

Overview Understanding emergency management and Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA Identifying shelter locations Temporary modifications Training shelter staff Identifying partnerships

Low Hanging Fruit Accessible disaster shelter can be achieved Provides resource typing Creates shelter coalition Once established, must be maintained

ADA and Emergency Management Emergency management compliance would fall under Title II All goods, services programs provided by state and local government, including third parties entities This includes Red Cross, faith based and nonprofits ADA requires most integrated setting

Shelter Types-Historically Mass Care or general population shelters Special needs or medical shelters – which are meant to house people who have type or level of care provided by medical personnel, nursing homes, or hospitals Typically people with disabilities were sent to these types of shelters Accessibility was not top priority for either

Medical Shelters Must be staffed with doctors, nurses and trained personnel Best case scenario, pre-established transfer locations at same level of care before disaster Need medical shelters so hospitals are not overwhelmed

Shelter Accessible general population shelters Heating and cooling shelters/centers Medical shelters Pet shelters

Temporary Modifications ADA requires most integrated setting Temporary modifications for physical accessibility Must be readily available

Where to Begin Survey current sites for accessibility-follow DOJ/ADA guidelines Categorize accessible to not at all Determine is temporary modifications can increase accessibility Inventory – know what you have and what you need

Four Main Areas Parking Entrance Common areas Bathrooms/shower Typical surveys begin out and work in Start with bathroom and work out

ADA Compliant Parking Most states adopt ADAAG

Number of Accessible Spaces 1 to 25 – 1 26 to 50 – 2 51 to 75 – 3 76 to 100 – to 150 – to 200 – to 300 – to 400 – to 500 – to 1000 – 2 percent of total 1001 and over – 20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1000

Temporary Shelter Parking Three stalls = two accessible Use the middle as an access aisle Accessible side walk Close to entrance Flat surface

Temporary Accessible Shelter Parking

Orange Cone Temporary Blocks traffic Easy to move

Temporary Upright Signage Print and laminate Post on temporary stand Post high enough

Ramps Can be temporary Must meet ADA specifications – Not like the photo Need Handrails on both sides if – over 6 inches high – 72 inches long No ski slopes

Entrance Exterior doors follow local fire code Automatic openers are recommended not required 32 inch clear opening Sidewalk leading up to 36 inches Signage to accessible entrance Communication devices must have both visual and audible signals

Common Areas Sleeping Eating All goods and services on one level, unless working accessible elevator Signage and warning systems accessible Quiet room is desirable Path of travel

Adequate Space 40 square feet per person Generally need 80 square feet for access and functional needs – Medicots are higher and wider – Service animals Reserve wall space – use for stability, ease of transfer Near exit

Bathroom/Shower Both need to be accessible Toilet – can use riser to meet minimum height of 17 – 19 inches Temporary grab bars, must hold up to 250 lbs Transfer benches for showers Handheld or adjust features Purchase insulation for sink pipes at big box stores Soap and towels on counters

Temporary Fixtures

Bathroom-Water Closet

Sink

New 2010 Guidelines New construction or structural remodeling needs to follow new regulations Would include water closet, signs at accessible/inaccessible entrance/exit 60% of entrances/exits be accessible 1 in every 6 accessible spaces must be van

Service Animals - Dogs Been individually trained to do work or perform tasks to mitigate disability Must be on harness, leash or tethered unless interferes with work Controlled through voice or other device Do not need to be registered or show proof Can only remove if the service animal posses a threat or is not housebroke If asked to take the dog, use the leash not the harness or they will think they are on duty Photo courtesy of Mary R. Vogt

Service Animals – Miniature Horses Generally inches from shoulders Weigh between 70 – 100 pounds Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies where reasonable Been individually trained to do work or perform tasks Must be under control, housebroken Will not compromise safety Facility can accommodate the type, size, and weight

Service Animals in Shelters Staff may ask two questions Is it required because of a disability What work or task has it been trained to preform Cannot ask about the persons disability Cannot require medical documentation, special identification card or training documentation Or ask the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task

Training Shelter Staff Understand the anatomy of a disaster Incident Command National Incident Management System How to support people with access and functional needs in the shelter Personal/family preparedness Donations management

Resources Maintain a resource list for assistive technology, durable medical equipment, consumable medical goods, medications Within the area and out Identify needs at intake and send to logistics Partner with community providers

I Wish It Were This Easy

Take Away Stop planning for disability specific Plan using the access and functional needs approach Establish partnerships with providers Educate each other Everyone has something to offer

How Am I Going To Remember All This? ADA Homepage has toolkits and checklists FNSS Guidance Department of Justice technical assistance (800) voice Call me

Contact Information Karin Ford, MSPS, IACEM Iowa Department of Public Health Lucas State Office Building 321 E. 12 th Street Des Moines, Iowa