People with disabilities, medical needs, and elderly

Persons with disabilities or medical needs are found throughout campus, with a significant concentration at the University of Washington Medical Center. Between students, staff, visitors, and medical patients, over 2,350 individuals with disabilities/medical needs are on campus during a typical weekday when school is in session. Peak levels are seen during the traditional school year and large sporting or special events. Recommendations:

• University units and programs that have or host individuals with medical needs/disability should update current emergency plans based on emerging medical needs/disability guidelines and lessons learned in recent disasters
• Include individuals with and experts of medical needs/disability in emergency planning and in emergency drills
• Improve dissemination of emergency information to individuals with medical needs/disability, faculty, and staff, making use of the university’s medical needs/disability resources
• Incorporate the individuals with disabilities/medical needs census into the map of campus hazards
• Investigate the possibility of implementing a voluntary emergency location and communication system using text messaging, two-way radios, or global positioning sensors

General disability resources

• The recent Presidential Executive Order 13347 to require the inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness planning has spurred educational outreach at the federal level.
• U.S. Fire Administration fire safety tips for people with disabilities
• National Organization on Disability Emergency Preparedness Initiative provides information on current policy issues and other resources for employers, individuals, and emergency responders
• Association on Higher Education and Disability is a professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in post-secondary education
• American Red Cross
• U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy provides information on emergency preparedness and accommodation law.
• UW Environmental Health and Safety Department evacuation planning information

For medical concerns:

• Red Cross tips for people with disabilities and medical concerns

For the elderly:

• American Association of Retired Persons: dealing with disaster