Disability Awareness WV Disaster Summit April 23, 2013

What are Disabilities?

According to American Heritage® Dictionary dis·a·bil·i·ty (ds-bl-t) NOUN: pl. dis·a·bil·i·ties The condition of being disabled; incapacity. The period of such a condition: never received a penny during her disability. A disadvantage or deficiency, especially a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents normal achievement in a particular area. Something that hinders or incapacitates. Law A legal incapacity or disqualification.

Who does the Government Classify as Disabled? A physical, or cognitive impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (sometimes referred to as an “actual disability”) or a record of a physical or cognitive impairment that substantially limited a major life activity.

What are “major life activities?” 1.caring for oneself 2.performing manual tasks 3.seeing 4.hearing 5.eating 6.sleeping 7.walking 8.standing

9. sitting 10.reaching 11. lifting 12. bending 13. speaking 14. breathing 15. learning 16. reading 18. concentrating 13. thinking

14. Communicating 15. interacting with others 16. working

2010 ADA Revision Major life activities include the operation of major bodily functions, including functions of the immune system, special sense organs and skin, normal cell growth, digestive, genitourinary, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, hemic, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive functions.

This will also include the operation of an individual organ within a body system (the operation of the kidney, liver, or pancreas Ect.).

Disability Numbers There was no attempt to capture the number of people with disabilities in the United States until According to the 2011 Census Government Assistance report there were nearly 46 million people living in the United States with a disability. This is approximately 30.4% of the US population.

2010 Census In 2010 during the last Census a change was made on how they counted people with disabilities. You were not counted unless you drew a social security check for a disability. This has left a large number unaccounted for.

West Virginia 41.7% of the population of West Virginia is estimated to be disabled. According to the American Community Survey compiled by the US Census Bureau. This number is for non-institutionalized people over 18 years of age who receive public assistance.

People First Language Generally when speaking about someone with a disability always refer to the person and not their disability. A persons disability should never be used to define the person. It is only one characteristic of the whole person. This way you can focus on the person, and their needs.

Labels Labels are used by are society in many forms, and most have negative connotations. Some examples of these are: Moron Idiot Special Crippled Dumb

The “R” Word Mental Retardation is a term that is no longer used. The new term is Intellectual Disability or IDD Many States have worked on legislation to remove retardation from all laws, and legislation.

Becoming more aware of issues facing people with disabilities will help you to react appropriately, and to resolve situations during any emergency to keep everyone safe.

Visual impairment There is a big difference between total blindness, and visual impairments. Even individual's who are legally blind still have some sight. Announce your presence using a normal tone of voice speaking naturally and directly to them. Do not grab them, but ask to help guide them first.

Offer your arm and advise them of any obstacles you may encounter including doors, and stairs. Remember you must communicate any written material verbally. Upon reaching your destination orient them to the surroundings, and ask if they need any further assistance. You may have to accommodate their service animal as well.

Mobility Impairments People with mobility issues can usually express what their mobility, and transportation needs are. Respect their independence as much as possible. Never assume anything ask what their abilities are without the aid of their assistive device. (Since many may come to the shelter without this equipment.)

Tell the individual what you need to do and why before you act. People with mobility disabilities are experts on the best way to transfer or move them. So ask them. They also will be a wealth of knowledge about the best, and number of ways to evacuate them from a building.

Hard of Hearing or Deaf There are many variances in hearing impairments from the inability to hear certain sounds to total deafness. Hearing aids may only amplify background noise, or may not be adequate during stressful situations.

Establish eye contact with the person (not the interpreter, should one be present) Use both facial expressions, and gestures to get you point across. Make sure they understand you. You may want to use a note pad, and write your conversation. Be patient!!! It may be difficult to convey the urgency of the situation.

Do NOT allow anyone to interrupt you while you are conveying emergency information. During the evacuation provide them with a flashlight so they can signal their location should they become separated from the rescue team.

Cognitive/Intellectual (IDD) People with cognitive/intellectual disabilities may require you to give repeated direct directions. Do not talk to adults with cognitive/intellectual disabilities as if they were children.

The instructions given may have to be direct, and basic since they may have difficulty remembering or even responding to your instructions. Use short sentences with basic language. Use your ID/other objects to help express who you are, and what you need them to do. Always respect their dignity! Offer them your arm to hold while evacuating.

Psychiatric Disabilities People with psychiatric disabilities may need a lot of reassurance during stressful situations. Their symptoms may worsen during the emergency. Their disability may not be noticeable until They come under stress.

Ask if they have any issues that you can assist them with. They may, or may not tell you. If you suspect that someone has a psychiatric disability: 1.Keep all communication simple, and basic. (do not give complex or multiple commands) 2.Speak slowly, and in a normal tone of voice.

3. Should the person become agitated try to direct them away from the activity, and take a break. 4. If they are delusional do not try to talk them out of it, or argue with them. 5. Remain supportive. 6. Do not interrupt disoriented people.

In the shelter When you are helping people with disabilities during and emergency ask them if they have prepared and emergency kit to take with them. Ask about, and look for: ID bracelet, tags or tattoos Any assistive technology Medication

Emergency health information card. Their emergency contact list. Share this with others who maybe assisting them. Many people with disabilities are hesitant to share this information due to how they have been treated in the past. This will be especially true when dealing with the government and large agencies.

Educating yourself about issues facing people with disabilities, and their potential medical concerns will help you to respond quickly and appropriately. It will also help you to develop creative solutions to most problems you may encounter.

Long Term Recovery Just because the snow has melted or the water has receded does not mean the disaster is over.

Appalachian Center for Independent Living 4710 Chimney Drive Charleston, WV Base Counties - Boone, Clay, Kanawha, and Putnam Others served - Braxton, Calhoun, Doddridge, Greenbrier, Jackson, Nicholas, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Webster, Wirt, and Wood Mountain State Center for Independent Living 821 Fourth Avenue 329 Huntington, WV Base Counties - Cabell, Raleigh, and Wayne Others served - Brooke, Fayette, Hancock, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Ohio, Summers, Tyler, Wetzel, and Wyoming

Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living East Brockway, Suite A&B P.O. Box 545 Morgantown, WV Base Counties - Barbour, Berkeley, Braxton, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hampshire, Harrison, Jefferson, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Morgan, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, and Upshur Others served - Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Pendleton, and Pocahontas

Questions?

Thank You!

Eric Tissenbaum Independent Living Advocacy Specialist Appalachian Centers for Independent Living Elk Office Center 4710 Chimney Drive, Suite C Charleston, WV Phone: Fax: Toll-free: (Voice or TDD)