FEMA Releases Updated Training Course on Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations

FEMA is marking this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the release of a new version of its training course: IS:368 A. Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations, led by the agency's Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC). 

 

“The Office of Disability Integration and Coordination remains committed to ensuring that first responders at every level are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to infuse equity in emergency management,” said ODIC Director Sherman Gillums, Jr. “The release of this course signifies that our commitment to make disability inclusion a part of every program office in the agency.”

 

The course is designed for all personnel involved in disaster operations. It provides an introductory overview of information and strategies on how to include people with disabilities during mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

 

The course focuses on:   

• The difference between disabilities and access and functional needs. 
• FEMA’s actions supporting the integration of people with disabilities in disaster operations and ways to shorten the disaster cycle for them. 
• The differences between equity vs equality.
• Ways to ensure terminology is in alignment with the needs of people with disabilities. 
• Messaging to ensure inclusivity and accessibility to all emergency managers.
• Guidance to FEMA staff on how to ensure physical, program and communication access to the whole community.

 

The course is live now and can be accessed on FEMA.gov. The self-paced course should take two hours to complete.