Inclusive Plans for Quicker Response

Participate in public-private coalitions for Emergency Management to:

1. Raise awareness of benefits of, need for AT

2. Ensure AT Users are included in planning

3. Know & align with plans of other entities

4. Connect with partners for reciprocal MOAs

5. Get things done!LATAN – 9/1/15 - Jamie Landry Karam - jkaram@latan.org

Louisiana EMDAC

• Emergency Management Disability and Aging Coalition

• “Public” Members: Many State Offices & Depts., EMA

• “Private” Members: LATAN/AT Act, P&A, Disability-specific Orgs, Aging Orgs, ARC, ILC, an MCO

• Ask me for specifics if you wish!LATAN - 9/1/2015 - Jamie Landry Karam - jkaram@latan.org

AT/AT Reuse Awareness

• Share knowledge & benefits of, need for AT

• Same for AT Reuse in general and for emergencies

• Promote projects including AT awareness and information dissemination

• Promote inclusion of AT in all emergency processes

• Etc.! LATAN - 9/1/2015 - Jamie Landry Karam - jkaram@latan.org

Include AT Users

• Include AT Users in Table Top Exercises with Emergency Managers and First Responders

• Overcome worries on both sides

• Prepare for each other

• All plans originate with the inclusion of people with access and functional needs

• Creation & dissemination of materials with regard to EP & AT, and respect for people using screen readers, large print, Braille, reading level, etc.

LATAN - 9/1/2015 - Jamie Landry Karam - jkaram@latan.org

AT in Statewide Efforts

• AT included in local evacuation plans

• AT considerations included in shelter intake processes

• Creation & use of Shelter AT Needs Process

• AT included in Volunteer Caregiver Training

• AT included in Table Top Exercises & Preparedness Presentations

• Pre-staged AT in State & other sheltersLATAN - 9/1/2015 - Jamie Landry Karam - jkaram@latan.org

Partners

• Connect with existing and new colleagues with similar mission during emergencies

• Meet face-to-face with other coalition members and promote partnerships through reciprocal MOAs to accomplish goals

• More similar-minded worker bees getting more done, more quickly and efficiently for more effective response

• Become great resources for each otherLATAN - 9/1/2015 - Jamie Landry Karam - jkaram@latan.org