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Citizen Preparedness: Helping Our Communities Help Themselves, Testimony of Graham Hill, Member, National Council on Disability
Title: Testimony of Graham Hill, Member National Council on Disability
Date: June 13, 2007
Author: Graham Hill
Institution: National Council on Disability
Bibliographic Entry: Hill, Graham. “Citizen Preparedness: Helping Our Communities Help Themselves.” Testimony Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. http://homeland.house.gov/SiteDocuments/20070613141202-88424.pdf (accessed June 19, 2007)
Electronic Link: http://homeland.house.gov/SiteDocuments/20070613141202-88424.pdf
Key Words: National Council on Disability (NCD), emergency evacuation, disabilities
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
The Hill testimony on behalf of the National Council on Disability (NCD) focuses upon the problems faced by people with disabilities in regards to emergency management. The testimony assets that people with disabilities were frequently discriminated against in regards to shelter, relocation, and aid during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation. Most disaster response systems are not designed for those with disabilities, and often include walking, running, and responding physically very quickly to directions. The testimony includes information regarding the Saving Lives report produced by the NCD that makes recommendations to the Federal Government on alterations that must be made in order to accommodate those with disabilities in the arena of emergency response and ensure their safety.
In addition to the above report, Hill expounds upon the uses of CBO’s (Community Based Organizations), their experience with disaster mitigation, and response, and the importance of networking with these organizations by Government Emergency Response Agencies to strengthen resources and promote safety during disasters for individuals with disabilities. Many of CBO’s strengths and experiences were listed, and the importance to emergency management is emphasized.
Finally, the report makes several recommendations to the Federal Government and that will focus more upon ensuring the safety of individuals with disabilities, both physical and psychological during times of emergency.
Name of Researcher: Crystal Boson
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: June 20, 2007