1. “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities
Approximately 33 million Americans sensory disabilities that affects how they receive or relay information:
● Lack of access to preparedness information
● Lack of access to emergency alerts/information
● Lack of access to services to mitigate losses
Before, During and After Disasters

2. “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities
Preparedness
there is plenty of information on “preparedness” issues…very few are available in formats that serve those with sensory disabilities;
As a Deaf person who relies on ASL, English is their second language and comprehension is not equal among the Deaf;
Incidental Learning is missed by Deaf and HOH individuals; most of what we learn we’ve heard others talking about, i.e., parents discussing finances, adult conversations at family get-togethers, debates, etc. (Deaf and HOH do not get this learning mechanism)
Using technology to provide this information in their preferred modality improves their general knowledge of safety and preparedness which helps them become “survivors, not victims.”
Creating ASL formats of information and hosting functions where they can congregate in one place to gain more info and get community support. Often times the presenters I’ve invited to join us (OEM, 211, RC, DHHS, LE, County Judges, meteorologists, etc.) gain an fresh perspective of the Deaf and HOH community at these workshops; it’s a win win for both sides. It’s true…the more you know the better prepared you’ll be. Better communication better access.

3. “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities
Alerting/Informing
The current warning system is not adequate for those with sensory disabilities (Deaf, HOH, Deaf/Blind, Blind);
Technology is available that enhances the alerting process in a variety of formats;
Utilizing this technology for citizens with sensory disabilities greatly improves their response time to impending disasters;
Technology allows for a more broader range of modalities delivered to ensure there are fewer who fall through the cracks;
Video formats ushers in a whole new way of interacting with the world for those who are Deaf or HOH and rely on ASL…its helping to teach them to become “survivors, not victims”.
Video formats allows the use of Deaf Americans most critical need…the interpreters hands. Alerts can be sent to PDA, PC, Cell phones; this technology is revolutionizing how the Deaf go about their daily lives…better communication better access.

4. “Threat To Life” Barriers For Persons with Sensory Disabilities
Services for Citizens
Evacuation Assistance: (211, State provided buses, etc.)
Medical and Triage assistance;
Mental Health, Counseling and other related services;
FEMA: Disaster Recovery Centers;
P.O.D’s: Points of Distributions (food and water);
Donations: (clothing, children’s toys, shoes, etc.);
Local Volunteers to help in any capacity:
(Deaf CERT: actively working to create alternate formats to accommodate alternate modalities (ASL, voice, captions)
In Shelter support (social chat, help with needs, etc.)
Those with Sensory Disabilities that show up at shelters are “more than lost”. They just left their comfort zones and are now in a place they are not familiar with nor can they adequately communicate with. The shelter generally has public phones but that won’t work for Deaf and HOH individuals. Totally isolated and cut off…that’s the feeling. However, provide communication solutions and their life (in that situation) will be much smoother and filled with less anxiety. Better communication better access.

5. DISASTER LIFE CYCLE
Disaster/Emergency Remote Interpreting Connection (DERIC)
AHAS - IN
Shelter Link
Deaf Link has provided solutions for each part of the Disaster’s life cycle.
AHAS - Broadcasters
Outreach
Shelter Link - wireless

6. MAJOR EVENTS ALONG THE AHAS TIMELINE
2004: Executive Order 13347: inclusion of individuals with disabilities to Emergency Preparedness; (AHAS™ was developed for sensory disabilities)
2005: Katrina/Rita exposed weaknesses in planning for Special Needs issues;
(AHAS Shelter Link™ debuted in TX shelters for Katrina evacs; AHAS™ alerts debuted with Rita)
2007: FEMA IPAWS pilot program in AL, MS and LA; AHAS was added to the IPAWS program for individuals with disabilities;
2008: Texas Storms (Dolly, Gustav, Edouard and Ike);
2009: Deaf Link receives Allen Clive award at National Hurricane Conference for communicating crucial information to persons with sensory disabilities during disasters (during the 2008 hurricane season);
2010: AHAS expanded to include all 254 counties in Texas; as well as the addition of Spanish alerts in text and voice and Deaf Link VRS in the Shelters and DRC’s.

7. What the AHAS™ program does:
Accepts authorized alerts/emergency information to be use in multi-modal formats and disseminated to multiple internet capable devices.
Provides TV broadcasters in the affected areas with AHAS™ alerts/emergency information formatted to be “broadcast compatible - air ready” (Voice, ASL and Text).
AHAS-IN™, allows persons with disabilities to voluntarily enroll to receive individual notification of alerts/emergency information. Alerts will be accessible in the preferred language modality and delivered to the internet capable devise they designate (service is free to the enrollee and include Warn level 2 (threat to life/or property) alerts, Silver and Amber alerts as well.
Works with local, State and Federal agencies with the Outreach program to inform, educate and prepare citizens with disabilities for disasters.
Provides ASL access support for shelters via Shelter Link™; in addition evacuees will now have access to Video Relay Services (VRS) via Deaf Link VRS (at no extra cost to the shelters)
Provides Disaster/Emergency Remote Interpreting Connection™ (DERIC) for FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) or other public support areas before, during or after a disaster.
Texas’ Accessible Hazard Alert System provides State and County Emergency Managers the ability to provide emergency information/alerts to Broadcasters within the affected area with an “air ready” format in Voice, Sign Language and Text.
Texas’ Accessible Hazard Alert System’s Individual Notification gives State or County Emergency Managers another way to contact the persons in the affected area. AHAS sends Individual Notifications to persons with disabilities to enroll in the program. The Individual Notifications are sent to text/internet capable devices, such as, cell phones, pagers, smart phones/pdas and on computers directing the person to the alert in a accessible format. .

8. Lessons Learned, :
Communication is critical. Miscommunication can be serious. No communication can be deadly.
Accessible technology… it works!
Accessible preparedness information … it works!
When media provides access… it works!
When Local, State, Federal and Volunteer Agencies work together to provide access…it works!

9. Statements from Individuals who rely on American Sign Language (ASL):

10. Contact Information
Kay Chiodo, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Houston, National Deaf Liaison/Dir. of Outreach
For more information go to: