Each year, the TASH Conference strengthens the disability field by connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders within the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for an inclusive world. This year’s conference theme, “Gateway to Equity,” explores inclusive communities, schools, and workplaces that support people with disabilities, including those with complex support needs, in living a fair, just, and balanced life. Return to TASH website.
Children with disabilities are highly vulnerable in emergency situations. They require more preparation and assistance to fully participate in emergency plans and procedures (Balbus, & Malina, 2009); yet their needs often are inadequately addressed in school emergency plans (Boon, Pagliano, Brown & Tsey, 2012). They also are likely to experience difficulty executing emergency plans. For example, children with physical disabilities can be less likely to act proactively and/or meet physical requirements for evacuation (Van Willigen, Edwards, Edwards, & Hesse, 2002), while children with cognitive disabilities may not recognize signs of environmental threat or become anxious and confused in response to emergency signals (Kailes & Enders, 2007). Children with disabilities also can experience adverse, psychological and physical reactions after an emergency (Somasundaram & van de Put, 2006). The purpose of the proposed presentation is to conduct a discussion regarding preparation, reaction, and responses to school emergencies for students with disabilities from an educational, law enforcement, and counseling perspective. A special educator, a mental health police officer, and college counselor will share experiences and ideas for proactively managing school emergencies for students with disabilities. Participants will be involved in discussions regarding current preparedness, identifying needs for specific students in terms of physical environment and school context, and planning for support of psychological and physical needs of students with disabilities following an emergency. This presentation aligns with the conference theme ƒ??Gateway to Equityƒ? by examining the needs of students with disabilities during school emergencies. Schools must be adequately prepared in emergency situations to protect the safety of all individuals they serve. . Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to ƒ?› Examine causes of school emergencies within their communities ƒ?› Distinguish between the current status and the proactive approach required to include children with disabilities in school emergency planning ƒ?› Identify supports for students with various types of disabilities and their caretakers during emergencies ƒ?› Design supports that are consistent with law enforcement and first responder objectives during an emergency ƒ?› Summarize means for proactively addressing studentsƒ?? psychological, physical and behavioral needs following an emergency.
