Planning for students in emergencies means planning for all students, including those with disabilities and special needs. Lessons learned from recent disasters have not only emphasize this point, but they have also illuminated the critical steps schools need to take to protect their campuses. Meeting the needs of students with disabilities and special needs in the event of an emergency does not have to be a daunting or a costly task. It simply requires administrators and officials to take into account the entire school community, from students and staff members to visitor and volunteers, and then take the appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all. Please find additional resources and planning forms below.
Source: ERCM Express, Volume 2, Issue 1, 2006, U.S. Department of Education
- Fact Sheet from REMS - Source: Access and Functional Need Fact Sheet – Readiness for Emergency Management Technical Assistance Center (REMS TA)
- ERCM Express Newsletter - Source: ERCM Express, Volume 2, Issue 1, 2006, U.S. Department of Education
- REMS Website Resources - Source: Readiness for Emergency Management Technical Assistance Center (REMS TA)
- FEMA PPT - Source: Planning for the Whole Community, FEMA, 2011
- Dear Colleague Letter - Source: United States Department of Education, April 12, 2002
- Federal Register/FERPA Guidance - Source: Federal Register/Department of Education, December 9, 2008/Rules and Regulations
- Maricopa County Shelter Field Guide - Source: Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management
- Elementary School Planning Form - Source: ADE Work Group
- Middle/High School Planning Form - Source: ADE Work Group
- English Communication Picture Card - Source: Tulane University
- Spanish Communication Picture Card - Source: Tulane University