Interacting with Persons with Disabilities during Sheltering Operations Donna Platt, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator NC EMA Conference, Sunset Beach, NC October 13, 2015

Demographics in North Carolina Over 1.2 million with hearing loss (2010) By 2030, hearing loss population increase by 41% to 1.7 million

Types of Hearing Loss Deaf Late-Deafened Deaf-Blind Hard of Hearing Newly-Deafened

Hearing Loss Invisible No hearing loss is alike Each person has her/his own communication preference. There is no one size that fits all.

Communication Modes American Sign Language (ASL) Lipreading Gestures Print on palm Typing/Writing Notes Dry erase board Drawing Pocket talker and/or assistive listening devices Use communication board

Expect the unexpected

Do Not: Be afraid of us Ask us if we can read Use interpreter to fill out forms for consumers Assume to understand us Call us “death”

Do: Be patient Ask us what is best way to communicate Be creative in communicating with us Set up signage in simple language with graphics at appropriate height

How Can You Be Prepared? Receive training on communication tools Review the agency’s Communication Plan Compile list of resources (interpreters, places for hearing batteries, etc)

How Can You Be Prepared? continued Pack Communication Kits Can be taken to a shelter each time Can be shared with other emergency responders (stockpile) Review devices to be used as multi-purposes Invite community members to participate in exercises

Who Can You Contact for Assistance in Preparation? Community Accessibility Consultant at one of seven DSDHH’s Regional Centers loss/regional-centers-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing Free – no cost for consultation and training Will travel!

The goal of Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) is to assist various emergency entities in ensuring the safety and health of individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing in North Carolina.

Contact Information Donna Platt Emergency Preparedness Coordinator North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing