Lani is a 29-year-old woman with an intellectual disability who frequently walks in her neighborhood. During an extremely hot week, she became dizzy while waiting at a bus stop and didn’t know how to respond. Her caregiver didn’t realize heat could affect her more quickly than others.
After attending a Council-supported community training on heat safety and vulnerable populations, both Lani and her caregiver learned how developmental disabilities can increase risks during extreme weather. They also implemented practical tools shared in the session: a buddy system, hydration reminders, and registering Lani’s access and functional needs through Smart911 so first responders would know how to assist her.
A month later, emergency responders used that Smart911 information during a welfare check, allowing them to support her safely. Her caregiver later said, “We didn’t know what we didn’t know. The training wasn’t just helpful, it protected her rights, dignity, and safety.”