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Collaboration is Key. Government and community collaboration during disasters. September, 2013. What is the “Whole Community” Concept?.
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Collaboration is Key Government and community collaboration during disasters September, 2013
What is the “Whole Community” Concept? • Focus on enabling participation in emergency management activities from a wider range of players from the private and non profit sectors, as well as a wide range of individual, diverse community members, in conjunction with participation of Federal, state, Tribal and local government partners. • Non-governmental organizations • Private companies • Individual citizens – including those who are often underrepresented or excluded • Agencies that serve individuals who are often underrepresented or excluded
Illinois Census Snapshot • People with disabilities make up 11.6% of the population • People over 65 make up 13.2% of the population • People under 18 years make up 23.8% of the population • Foreign born persons make up 13.7% of the population • People who speak a language other than English at home make up 22% of the population • Persons living below the poverty level make up 13.1% of the population • 14,055 people experiencing homelessness (depending on the definition used - Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness)
The number of people with disabilities in Illinois is greater than the population of Springfield and everything below it.
The number of seniors (65 and over) in Illinois is greater than If you visit 100 seniors per day, it will take you 44 YEARS to visit every senior in Illinois
Key Principles • Inclusion • Integration • Equal access • Self-determination • Physical access • Reasonable modifications • Effective communication • Universal access
FEMA Disability Inclusive Objectives • Provide guidance, tools, methods, and strategies to integrate and coordinate emergency management efforts that meet the needs of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. • Within FEMA • In collaboration with State, Local, Tribal and territorial partners • Promoting individual and community preparedness by working with community groups
FEMA Disability Inclusive Initiatives • February, 2010 – FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate established the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination • 2010 – Regional Disability Integration Specialists (RDIS) • 2013 – Disability Integration Advisor Cadre
Role of the Disability Integration Specialist • Internal Role • Guidance on accessibility of FEMA programs and Services • Inclusion of people with disabilities and organizations that support and advocate for people with disabilities • External Role • Outreach and education • Connections between emergency managers and the disability community
Disability Integration A Three-Pronged Approach to Planning • Involve individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them in planning activities and discussions • Identify the true needs of the community • Leverage existing services
Service Delivery Systems • Networks of organizations provide services to people with access and functional needs in the community on a daily basis. • Many fields of service (children, veterans, people with disabilities, seniors, criminal justice, etc) • Services are provided by • Public/governmental agencies • Nonprofit agencies • Private Sector agencies • Associations of individuals, volunteers, family members
Service Delivery Systems - Disability • Centers for Independent Living • Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers • Assistive Technology Projects • State Protection and Advocacy Agencies • Developmental Disability Councils • State Rehabilitation Councils • Lists of organizations that support people with disabilities in Illinois: http://www.equipforequality.org/resourcecenter/illinoiswebsites.php
Collaboration Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. --Henry Ford quotes on collaboration
Illinois Flooding Example • Previous relationship • Information exchange • Understanding of shared goals • Reaching out for assistance • Pooling resources • Follow through and follow-up
Contact Information Jessica Mitchell Regional Disability Integration Specialist FEMA Region V 312-408-5499 (Office) 312-576-2624 (Cell) jessica.mitchell@dhs.gov