The annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) comes to a close this week. Held every October, NDEAM celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for this year — which marks 70 years since the first observance of this month — is "My Disability is One Part of Who I Am.” This year also marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To learn more about public safety efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and response for the disabled community, please see the following FirstNet blogs:
Training Program Supports Emergency Response Involving those with Disabilities
The Nation’s emergency response community is dedicated to protecting the safety and security of those in need. Our firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS providers, and other public safety personnel work to keep the public safe – including individuals who have difficulties with seeing, hearing, speaking and other disabilities.
Using Technology To Aid Emergency Response Involving People with Disabilities
David Whalen, who runs Niagara University's First Responders Disability Awareness Training (FRDAT) program, says that in today’s technologically driven world, considerations must be made to get information to the first responder in the most effective way, and vice-versa, when it comes to interacting with those with disabilities. He points to solutions like smartphone applications (apps) and Web programs to help responders with awareness, language translation, tips for communicating with those with speech impediments, and more.
North Carolina Works to Update, Increase Awareness about ReadyNC App
Most users of mobile applications consider them to be helpful features on their smartphones and tablets. In North Carolina, the ReadyNC app is regarded by the public safety community and members of the public as a live-saving tool. The application puts time-sensitive data into the hands of those who need it most – the public and first responders.
