This presentation and its materials are based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement Number HRD Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Permission is granted to copy these materials for educational, non-commercial purposes provided the source is acknowledged. Meadowlands Environment Center - MarshAccess © Copyright 2010 A New Jersey Meadowlands Commission Facility operated by Ramapo College of New Jersey Designing and Implementing Accessible Informal Science Education Programs

Outreach and Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Outreach How can I find groups in my community? –Brainstorming –Phonebook –Internet –Other groups

Outreach –Schools, after-school programs –College support programs –Organizations serving people with disabilities –Community day programs –Group homes –Senior centers –Recreation centers –Support groups both in/ out patient –Rehabilitation centers –Church/ religious organizations

Outreach Can everyone read and write? What level? What’s their dexterity? Can they peel off labels? Do they need help with completing activities such as…? Does anyone use a wheelchair, walker, crutches, or cane? Is fatigue an issue either physically or cognitively? Does a break help? How long? Are they verbal, non- verbal, how do they communicate? Is anyone blind or have low vision? Does anyone have a hearing impairment? Is there any behavior issue we should be aware of? Is there any teaching strategy that they know works best for their group that we should implement? Contact: mailing, phone

Outreach Sparking interest: traveling program Scheduling: –Transportation –Medication times –Breaks –Longer program Partner vs. visitor group

Emergency Evacuation Procedures Do not panic Speak loudly and with authority Immediately proceed to the closest/safest exit Get everyone out as quickly as possible Assist those who need help/ assign person to help Immediately alert fire warden/ security help if is needed Proceed to designated staging area Refer to “Emergency List” to account for everyone

Emergency Evacuation Procedures How do you safely assist people with disabilities? Deaf/ hard of hearingBlind/ low vision Cognitive Mobility Age-related

Emergency Evacuation Procedures Blind or low vision Completely describe the setting they are in Stand by exit so they can hear where it is Keep a clear path to feel where heading Describe in number of steps (walking, stairs) Assign sighted person to be responsible (1:2) Limited help- hand on shoulder Offer arm and walk 1 step ahead