1. Regional Disability Integration Specialist
Michael Houston
Regional Disability Integration Specialist
FEMA Region IV

2. Disability Integration Specialist, Region IV
States in Region IV:
Kentucky*
Tennessee*
Mississippi*
Alabama*
Georgia*
Florida
South Carolina
North Carolina*
* RDIS deployment in 2011
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist

3. Disability Integration Specialist, Region IV
A little background: How I got here
What I’ve been doing since my arrival
Deployed to North Carolina (Irene)
State/FEMA Joint Field Office (Raleigh)
Working in the field (A.I.R. with CR teams)
Identifying and meeting with Disability Advocacy groups serving North Carolina
The issues we face and the solutions to solve them
Resources and solutions
Working in partnership with the State
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist

4. Engaging the Whole Community in Disability Integration
Build Stronger Coalitions Region-wide
Georgia Coalition for PWD and Older Adults
Things we’re working together on:
Multiple Disability groups represented
Whole Community Planning
Identifying resource providers
Centers for Independent Living
GA Assistive Technology Program
FNSS guidelines for GA
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist

5. Standard Operating Procedures
Facing Not So Standard
Standard Operating Procedures
Do you have a plan for the unexpected?
Example: What if a Disaster Recovery Center or shelter has:
Accessibility challenges?
Language challenges?
Solutions:
Independent Living Centers
Local and State Resources
American Sign Language
Braille and Large Print
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist

6. Preparedness for those with Functional Needs
Personal preparedness is important!
Ensuring that all information is:
Accessible
Understandable
Identifying Resources BEFORE a disaster strikes
Integrate Resources into policies and procedures
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist

7. Preparing for a Disaster
Preparedness info, including:
Making a disaster supply kit
How to plan for a disaster
What to do if you are in
a disaster situation
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist

8. Questions? Contact: Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA Office: Cell:
Michael Houston , FEMA Region IV, Regional Disability Integration Specialist