Kentucky

VERY Rural Ranks 44 th in poverty Ranks 8 th in unemployment Estimated 874K with disabilities Fire, EMS are volunteers in rural areas

Kentucky Disasters Flood Tornado Ice Storm Gulf coast evacuation center New Madrid Earthquake

How it all began! Collaboration began in 2005 National conference on disabilities Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Health, Department of Community Based Services, Office on Aging and the Developmental Disabilities Council At The Governors Request

WHAT AM I DOING HERE ????????????????????

THROUGH GUIDED FACILITATION We accomplished – A knowledge base of each agency and the role each plays in all areas of disaster – A work plan - ‘NEXT STEPS’ that is updated annually. – Other partners that were needed – A readiness to work cooperatively

Partnership expanded Private organizations representing individuals with disabilities, children and the aging population University programs, state agencies, private disaster agencies, human services organizations Individual advocates About 40 in total

What have we accomplished Held a large Summit that included anyone that was interested in all aspects of emergency planning for individuals with disabilities Over 150 attendees from every part of the state Held break out session with facilitated discussion on – preparedness, response and recovery Developed an outcome focused project plan based on the input provided by the Summit attendees

First Responders and Community Responders Held two conferences to focus on First Responders and Community Response agencies to at the local level – All presentations were provided by individuals with disabilities – OUTCOME DIALOGUE WAS OPENED Distributed over 2500 First Responder handbooks Preparations underway for 4 th conference due to demand – will focus on rural Appalachian Mountains

Individuals and Families Hosted smaller venue preparedness activities for individuals with disabilities – Open house – responders, utility, pharmacy Allows for a relaxed atmosphere If possible hold at shelter Explain how to plan and what will happen if evacuation Homeland Security begins at Home – Tools for planning Neighbors Helping Neighbors Distributed over 200 ‘Ready Bags’

The BEST PART Considered a valuable partner and resource Always at the table

The 3 T’s Trust, Turf and Time

Collaboration Defined As: an exchanging of information, altering activities, sharing resources and enhancing the capacity of another for mutual benefit. To achieve a common purpose by sharing risks, responsibilities and rewards.

Trust and Turf Is not built overnight - it takes TIME Building is a transformation process that must – Respect diversity of values – Respect diversity of perspective – A willingness to listen – A willingness to respectfully educate – A willingness to share power – Mutual Learning – Mutual accountability – A willingness to draw out ideas and information in ways that contribute to effective problem solving – Leave ‘ego’ at the door

Trust and Turf cont. It comes through building relationships through engaging honest sometimes NOT PC but respectful conversation Put away ‘this is the way we have always done it’ or ‘it’s the law’ Put on your teaching and listening hats

Things to consider Engage a facilitator when beginning We all view the world through different lenses – Cultural (native heritage, work/living environment, generational) – Language (native heritage, acronyms, work living environment, generational) – Do not continue to restate the problem – move forward – FIND SOLUTIONS

Last But Not Least Maintain a VERY good sense of humor and flexibility especially during those times when the process gets a bit messy.

Pat Seybold Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities