The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56109

Michael H. Fox, ScD¹, Glen W. White, PhD², Jennifer Rowland, MS², and Monika Suchowierska, MA². (1) Department of Health Policy & Management and the KU Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Kansas, Dole Building, Room 4089, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785 864-0587, mfox@ku.edu, (2) Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, 4089 Dole Ctr, Lawrence, KS 66044

County preparation for disasters face increased challenges due both to new threats such as environmental degradation and bio-terror, and to our population’s changing demographic characteristics. With laws and policies such as the ADA and the New Freedom Initiative, more segments of American society are now more involved in their communities. While disaster preparedness and response systems have been developed based upon escape or rescue techniques frequently requiring walking or running, they may not be appropriate for assisting persons with mobility impairments. Our work investigates whether counties experiencing disasters in the past five years have systems of workplace, home, and community disaster preparedness and emergency response in place for citizens with mobility impairments. FEMA data was used to select 30 counties from throughout the country that have experienced recent disaster. Both quantitative and qualitative data is being gathered that assesses effectiveness of surveillance systems and county practices and policies in place at the time of the disaster, as well as post-disaster changes that have occurred with respect to meeting the needs of people with mobility impairments. Preliminary findings will be shared. It is hoped that recommendations will contribute to a national model of disability disaster preparedness and emergency response that can reduce morbidity and mortality for large segments of our population experiencing mobility impairments.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• Identify challenges facing counties and first responders in serving the needs of persons with mobility impairments throughout disaster episodes.
• Recognize the public health implications of county level preparedness for disaster response to persons with disabilities.
• Understand the methodological challenges inherent in studying disaster preparedness for specific populations.
• Based on preliminary findings, recognize factors which have led some counties to change their disaster response planning to better accomodate persons with mobility impairments.

Keywords: Disability Policy, Disasters

Related Web page: www.rtcil.org/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.