The Problem:
People with developmental disabilities are often less prepared for natural disasters. Caregivers and service providers may not know how to plan for emergency needs such as medications, medical devices, transportation, or communication supports. The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) heard directly from families and caregivers that they needed practical training and tools to help them prepare.
Action:
ACDD partnered with Alabama Lifespan Respite to provide a training on disaster preparedness for people with disabilities and their caregivers. The Council developed an Emergency Planning Guide to help individuals, families, and professionals prepare for emergencies. On January 16, the Council used this guide to deliver training for paid and unpaid caregivers and professionals across Alabama. The training shared practical steps people can take before disasters happen, including planning for medical equipment, communication needs, and backup supports.
Results:
Twenty-two caregivers and professionals attended the training and learned practical ways to better prepare for emergencies. Participants reported that the information filled an important gap and provided tools they could immediately use. One caregiver shared that learning about backup batteries for medical devices was especially important after experiencing a past emergency without one. The training helped caregivers better understand how to protect the health and safety of people with disabilities during disasters.
Unique Role of the Council:
ACDD responded directly to feedback from Alabama families and caregivers by creating both electronic and printed versions of the Emergency Planning Guide. The Council made the initial investment to create the Alabama Lifespan Respite and subsequent long-standing partnership helped bring this training to caregivers across the state.