Thread by @edu4drr

THREAD: Individuals with access and functional needs (#AFN), such as adults with #disabilities, may have additional needs that must be considered in planning for, responding to, and recovering from a #disaster or public health emergency. This guide from: phe.gov/emergency/even…

C = #Communication
Individuals with communication needs may speak American Sign Language (#ASL), have limited English proficiency (#LEP), use braille print or use other auxiliary aids and devices to communicate or navigate their environment...

C = #Communication (continued)...These individuals may have limited ability to hear announcements, see signs, understand messages, or verbalize their concerns. Planning for these needs ahead of a #disaster or emergency is crucial.

M = Maintaining Health
Individuals may require specific medications, supplies, services, durable medical equipment (#DME), electricity for life-maintaining equipment...if you are moving someone from AtoB, ask them what THEY NEED to bring if they are able to verbalise their needs.

M = Maintaining Health (continued) Include #breastfeeding and infant/childcare, or #nutrition in order to reduce negative impacts of a #disaster or public health emergency on individuals’ health (yes, image is in #Spanish, linking to comms point consideration of other languages)

I = Independence
When relocating adults with disabilities to medical care settings and when discharging them home or into the community, it is crucial to ensure continuity of access to necessary mobility devices or #assistivetechnology, vision and #communicationaids...

I = Independence (continued)

...including #servicesanimals that assist the individual in maintaining their independence #postdisaster

S = Support
Early identification and planning for #AFN (access and functional needs) can help to reduce the negative impacts of a #disaster or public health emergency on individuals’ self-determination and general well-being.

S = Support (continued)
Some people may have lost caregiver assistance during a hospital stay & require additional support post-discharge; some may find it difficult to cope in a new environment or have difficulty understanding or remembering; and some may have experienced trauma

S = Support (continued)
or be victims of abuse. As a result, they may need additional personal care assistance; experience higher levels of distress and need support for anxiety, psychological, or behavioral health needs...

S = Support (continued)
...or require a trauma-informed approach or support for personal safety, health, & welfare post-discharge. Such supports should be provided with deference to the person-centered discharge plan developed with the individual. #postdisaster support = crucial

T = Transportation
Individuals may lack access to personal #transportation, be unable to drive due to decreased or #impairedmobility that may come with age and/or #disability, temporary conditions, injury, or legal restriction

T = Transportation (continued)...

#Disasters and public health emergencies can significantly reduce #transportation options in some communities, inhibiting individuals from accessing services and staying #connected.

T = Transportation (continued)...

#Disasterplanning requires coordination with mass transit and accessible transportation services providers. This is clearly better ahead of time so planning, preparation and drills to test #resiliency of frameworks and plans essential too.