What First Responders Need to Know About Functional and Access Needs

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Gertrude Lang
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1 10 th Annual Rural Public Health Institute Conference March 12, 2014 What First Responders Need to Know About Functional and Access Needs Rose Coniglio, State Disaster Coordinator State Incident Response Center (SIRC) Liaison ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT ON AGING

2 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 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) Info provided by: Jessica Mitchell, FEMA Region V, Disability Integration Specialist

3 Aging Demographics (census bureau) Illinois total population 12.7 million Older Adults 60+ = 2.23 (17.4%) of Illinois total population Older women outnumber men 1.26 million women to 976,780 men 32% of older women live alone Reach age 65, average life expectancy will increase by 20 years female 17.1 years male 60 and over population is projected to increase to 3.68 million (24.3%) in fastest growing ( ) 2.2 million turned 65 (2006) 1.8 million died 73,674 centenaries, 0.19% population 97% increase from 1990 Elderly Minorities 21.2% in 2011 Median income for persons 60+ was $23,743. Older women receive approximately 45% less income on average than older men 184,000 older adults (8.2%) were below the poverty level in 2011

4 Anticipated Trends Outlook for longevity and health is not clear Increase in life expectancy Increase in number with poor health and disability including Alzheimer s Massive baby boom population Home Care Long Term Care Facilities

5 Large Increase in Vulnerable Elderly in 2030 Poverty and low income Oldest living alone Older women Elderly racial minorities living alone No living children Elderly unmarried persons No Siblings No Children

6 The number of Americans with disabilities is greater than the combined population of the 75 largest US cities 6

7 The number of people with disabilities in Michigan could fill The Big House 12 times 7

8 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

9 The number of people with disabilities in Illinois is equal to the population of Springfield and everything below it.

10 Deaf and Hard of Hearing The term deafness usually refers to the inability to recognize the sounds of speech. The phrase hard of hearing usually refers to any level of hearing loss. This can be mild to profound, depending on what the person with the hearing loss defines as the parameters.

11 Deaf and Hard of Hearing (cont.) DEAF May stare at the face of the person speaking Usually uses sign language to communicate If the person does not recognize the use of sign language, can be misinterpreted as being over reactive May use vocalizations which are not a part of the English language May use a different comfort space due to sign language needs HARD OF HEARING May stare at the face of the person speaking May answer questions with off topic information May appear tired May mouth words they see on your lips while you are talking May use a different comfort space due to speech reading needs

12 Tools to Communicate with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Get the person s full attention. If you cannot see their eyes, you will NOT be communicating. Give short, step by step directions. Use facial expressions and hand gestures as visual cues. Check to see if you have been understood and repeat if necessary. Don t talk while walking. You need to see their eyes and they need to see your face. 30% of speech reading is seen on a person s lips; island view, olive juice, and I love you, all look the same on the lips. Balance may be an issue. Ask yes/no questions, or closed set questions: Can you walk on your own? Do you need help walking? Remove items from your mouth. Don t over enunciate. Check lighting so that no shadow or glare is on your face while communicating. Offer pencil and paper. Write slowly and let the individual read as you write. Be patient the person may have difficulty understanding the urgency of your message.

13 Communicating with the Blind Don t feel overly conscious or obsess about being politically correct when talking to someone who is blind. People who are blind are generally not offended by words like see, look, and watch in everyday conversation. There s also no need to avoid using the words blind or visually impaired. Don t tip toe around it. Announce your presence, speak out (do not shout), and then enter the area. Speak naturally and directly to the individual. State the nature of the emergency and offer them your arm. As you walk, advise them of any obstacles. Offer assistance, but let the person explain what is needed. Do not grab or attempt to guide them without first asking them. Let the person grasp your arm or shoulder lightly for guidance. When you have reached safety, orient the person to the location and ask if any further assistance is needed. Service animals MUST BE evacuated with the person.

14 Cognitive Disabilities Say: My Name is I m here to help you, not hurt you. I am a (name your job). I am here because (explain the situation).

15 Cognitive Disabilities (cont.) Show: Your picture identification badge (as you say the above) That you are calm and competent Give: Extra time for the person to process what you are saying and to respond An arm to the person to hold as they walk. If needed, offer your elbow for balance.

16 Cognitive Disabilities (cont.) Use: Short sentences. Simple, concrete words. Accurate, honest information. Pictures and objects to illustrate your words. Point to your ID picture as you say who you are. Point to any protective equipment as you speak about it.

17 Cognitive Disabilities (cont.) Predict: What will happen (simply and concretely). When events will happen (tie to common events in addition to numbers and time, for example, By lunch time By the time the sun goes down ). How long this will last when things will return to normal (if you know). When the person can contact or rejoin loved ones (for example: calls to family, re uniting with pets).

18 Cognitive Disabilities (cont.) Ask and look for: An identification bracelet with special health information/allergies. Essential equipment and supplies (for example: wheelchair, walker, oxygen, batteries, communication devices [head pointers, alphabet boards, speech synthesizers, etc.]). Medication.

19 Cognitive Disabilities (cont.) Repeat: Reassurances (for example, You may feel afraid. That s ok. We re safe now. ) Encouragement (for example, Thanks for moving fast. You are doing great. ) Give: Frequent updates on what s happening and what will happen next. References to what you predicted will happen, for example: Just like I said before, we re getting into my car now. We ll go to now.

20 Cognitive Disabilities (cont.) Reduce: Distractions. For example: lower volume of the radio, use flashing lights only when necessary. Explain: Any written material (including signs) in everyday language. Public address system announcements in simple language.

21 Service Animals What are Service Animals? A service animal is a tool for the person, not a pet. Person uses service animal to maneuver.

22 Service Animals (cont.) How do you recognize a Service Animal? If the person tells you it is a service animal, treat it as such. A person is not required to give you proof of a disability that requires a service animal. The animal need not be specially trained as a service animal. People with psychiatric and emotional disabilities may have a companion animal please treat the animal as a service animal. Plan to evacuate the animal with the owner. Do not separate them! Do not touch the animal without the permission of the owner. However, if the animal is out of control, or presents a threat to the individual or others, remove it from the site.

23 Mobility Impairments Always ask the person how you can help before attempting any assistance. Unless emergent, allow them to evacuate independently. Don t make assumptions about the person s abilities. Ask if they have limitations or problems that may affect their safety. Some people may need assistance getting out of bed or a chair, but CAN then proceed with assistance. ASK!!

24 Mobility Impairments (cont.) Mobility Devices: Important things to Remember Unless absolutely necessary, individuals should not be separated from their wheelchairs during an evacuation. Ask: 1) how heavy is the chair; 2) what parts are detachable; 3) location of battery charger; and, 4) where can you grab to lift? Turn the wheelchair s power off before lifting it.

25 Mobility Impairments (cont.) Helpful Questions Are you able to stand or walk without the help of a mobility device like a cane, walker or wheelchair? You might have to stand/walk for quite a while on your own. Will this be okay? Please be sure and tell someone if you need assistance. Do you have full use of your arms?

26 Attitude is the Most Important Tool Understand the Needs of People with Disabilities. What can we do to help you? How/What s the best way for us to help you?

27 Resources Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Department on Aging Illinois Emergency Management Agency

28 Resources Administration on Aging American Red Cross Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Great Lakes ADA & Accessible Information & Technology Center Voice/TTY National Organization on Disability Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

29 Contact Information Rose Coniglio, State Disaster Coordinator Illinois Department on Aging One Natural Resources Way, #100 Springfield, Illinois Desk: (217) Cell: (217) E mail: rose.coniglio@illinois.gov

Tips for Effective Communications

Tips for Effective Communications People who have Mobility Impairments Always ask the person how you can help before attempting any assistance. Every person and every disability is unique. Even though it may be important to evacuate the