Avagene Moore: Welcome to the EIIP Virtual Forum! We are pleased you could join us today! Avagene Moore: Today's topic is "Special Needs Populations: Katrina and Beyond." We are most fortunate to have three very knowledgeable people as our speakers today. I will tell you more about them momentarily. Avagene Moore: For the benefit of any first-timers, we will begin today's session with a formal presentation followed by an opportunity for your questions. Avagene Moore: We will provide further instructions on the protocol for asking questions or commenting just before we begin the Q&A part of our session. However, it is wise to jot down your questions or comments as we go along. Avagene Moore: Please do not send private messages to our speakers or the moderator - it is distracting and we will be busy with the presentation. If you need assistance, you may send a private message to Amy Sebring. Avagene Moore: The transcript of today's session will be available late this afternoon or early this evening -- just check back on our home page. We will also send a notice to our Partner and EIIP Mail Lists. Avagene Moore: It is a pleasure to introduce our guest speakers today. First in our lineup is Michael Weston, President of Servision, Inc. Mike is the former and founding Director of Disaster Planning and Operations for the State of Florida's Department of Elder Affairs. Avagene Moore: He currently serves as a Disaster Consultant to the US Administration on Aging (AOA) and in that capacity has been tasked by the Department of Homeland Security as the Federal Coordinating Officer over recent presidential declared disaster events. Most recently he deployed to the Gulf Coast region as the Director of Field Operations for AOA during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Avagene Moore: We welcome back our second speaker, Elizabeth Davis, JD, EdM, EAD & Associates, LLC founder and Managing Director. Elizabeth is an internationally recognized and published expert in the fields of emergency management and special needs planning. The first Director of the National Organization on Disability's (NOD) Emergency Preparedness Initiative (EPI), she is now an advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Avagene Moore: Elizabeth co-chairs the National Hurricane Conference's Health Care/Special Needs Committee, chairs the International Association of Emergency Managers' (IAEM) Special Needs Committee, and sits on the Advisory Boards of several national disaster preparedness and response organizations and research teams. She brings more than a decade of passion, dedication, experience and accomplishments to her work. Avagene Moore: Last but not least on our panel today is Daniel W. Sutherland who was appointed by President Bush to serve as the first Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the US Department of Homeland Security. This unique position calls for Mr. Sutherland to provide legal and policy advice to the Secretary and the senior leadership of the Department on a full range of issues at the intersection of homeland security and civil rights and civil liberties. Avagene Moore: Dan has been a civil rights attorney throughout his legal career, serving fourteen years with the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice and nearly two years with the Office for Civil Rights at the US Department of Education. Avagene Moore: If you have not read the background page, I urge you to do so after our session today to learn more about our speakers'respective expertise and experience. Avagene Moore: Mike Weston, Elizabeth Davis and Daniel Sutherland - we welcome you to the EIIP Virtual Forum today. Mike will speak to us first. Mike, I now turn the floor to you for your formal remarks. Avagene Moore: Mike, please. Mike Weston: Good day to all in the Virtual Forum. If asked to title my remarks today, I would call them "Aging Network Answers Unmet Need: Concept Becomes Reality. Mike Weston: A response capability that would be necessary to utilize during catastrophic events was first contemplated when I directed emergency services for the elderly in a large metropolitan service area. When I became Florida's first and founding director of Disaster Planning and Operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, the concept was further refined. Mike Weston: Now, as I am utilized as the Director of Emergency Field Operations for the United States Administration on Agency, the dire and overwhelming events of Hurricane Katrina necessitated that concept become reality. Mike Weston: For illustrative purposes we will explore Florida's Emergency Mutual Aid Compact (EMAC) response and support of the State of Mississippi's aging network. Bearing in mind that the legendary work Texas did for Louisiana is another fine example of cooperation between States. Mike Weston: These recent events further justify the creation of nation-wide aging strike-force capability. It will be the key to coping with the number of victims that we have been told to expect in a large catastrophic event. This will be a system that will convert senior centers into treatment centers for people with special needs and train independent elders to become first responders. Mike Weston: We must recognize that we do have the strength to overcome these extremely stressful events. However, if we fail to act, then what is left unchecked will immobilize and delay help getting to where it is needed most. Mike Weston: Fundamental to the evolution of this system is the key placement of trained personnel (lay and professional) that can only expedite the triggering of the response mechanism in the likely event that an activation would be indicated across the expanse of the aging network. Mike Weston: A strike-force capable, with mutual aid as its foundation, will by design operate in conjunction with other disaster response systems, yet still have to be self sufficient and self-sustaining. The mission is to alleviate individual suffering and organizational despair experienced by the local aging network due to a sudden disaster or other devastating event. Mike Weston: This strike force will provide a quick response team of trained responders that will assist and assess new, as well as, existing clients in an area affected by the catastrophe. The development of a parallel emergency management team at the national level would also provide relief to the administrative structure of a community in the event that its programmatic capabilities were significantly damaged and rendered incapable of functioning. Mike Weston: In response, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs recruited, deployed and managed teams (72 staff persons total) of aging network staff to blanket the hardest hit areas and to conduct rapid needs assessments of elder hurricane victims residing in the community, shelters and/or health care facilities. Mike Weston: The Florida teams included aging professionals from the Department of Elder Affairs and the Long Term Care Ombudsman, mental health counselors from the Department of Children and Families as well as federal public health nurses. The teams were deployed at one-week intervals for a period of 4 weeks. Some of the deployment teams' actions included: Mike Weston: Conducting rapid needs assessments and referrals Provision of emergency food, water and supplies Assisting with relocation On-site medical treatments Crisis counseling Populating cruise ships used as shelter Arranging for aging services. Mike Weston: In addition to the deployment teams, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs also donated computers to the Mississippi Unit on Aging to replace the local computers damaged or destroyed during the storm. Mike Weston: This strength and endurance is founded on the principles of Command, Control, Communication, and Cooperation. Even at its formative stage, the fact that agencies and organizations at the national, state and local level are shaping and sharing a single vision will insure that this concept will advance and evolve. Mike Weston: A worried and nervous nation needs assurance that, even if we fail to prevent the next event, we will survive it. EMAC transcends being yet another plan, but in truth is a product that possesses joint ownership that in turn gives it its operational capability. Mike Weston: This concludes my formal remarks. I turn you back to our Moderator. Avagene Moore: Thank you, Mike. And now, we will hear from Elizabeth Davis. Elizabeth, please. Elizabeth Davis: Thank you, Avagene. And thank you Mike for the work you have done and for taking the time to share some of your experiences with us. Elizabeth Davis: I will spend the next few minutes sharing information about another unique experience that occurred in response to Hurricane Katrina -- the SNAKE (Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees) project. Elizabeth Davis: My firm, EAD & Associates, LLC was approached just days after Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, to coordinate and deploy rapid assessment teams to each of the four states greatly impacted: Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Our client was the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.). Elizabeth Davis: The singular purpose of the project was to capture a snapshot in time through a representative sampling of experience and observation on the ground. The capture and analysis of information we presented in a full report to our client enabled that information and the findings to be disseminated to appropriate authorities. Elizabeth Davis: This resulted in not just marking issues for further review but more importantly listing systemic issues in need of immediate attention/rectification in order to meet the disaster needs of hurricane victims with disabilities. Elizabeth Davis: We used a unique approach to form the teams. Each of the four teams was made up of 3 professionals: two seasoned emergency managers paired with one special needs subject matter expert. The teams were purposely set up in this way so that the assessment would be richer by combining the knowledge of "both sides" of the issues. This also helped the teams to gain access in a variety of locations to capture great amounts of information in a short period of time. Elizabeth Davis: The teams were not deployed to be involved with the process or to resolve problems (which was difficult as most of the team members are used to being involved as actual first responders). Instead, the teams spent three days on the ground observing and collecting data at shelters (including medical needs shelters), Emergency Operation Centers, FEMA recovery centers, etc. Elizabeth Davis: They interviewed professionals in the emergency management field (at the local, state, and federal levels) and those working or advocating directly with the special needs populations (people with disabilities, seniors, or individuals with medical needs). They were guided by questions formatted in survey forms that were created prior to the deployment. Elizabeth Davis: Simultaneously, the surveys, as completed, were sent to an analysis team, made up of experts in this area (not acting in a capacity affiliated with any specific organization or agency). The benefit was that the analysis team could take the real-time information from the teams, and begin to compare findings across state lines. Elizabeth Davis: This allowed them to identify systemic issues that were occurring in multiple locations. They were able to "see the big picture" which is impossible to do when you are on the ground. Elizabeth Davis: The client's final report, with findings and recommendations can be downloaded in full at http://www.nod.org/emergency. To give you an example of some of the findings, here are three that I think are incredibly important: Elizabeth Davis: * In each state, there was often no designated entity or individual, at any level, to "own" and coordinate disability and aging issues. 85.7% of community-based organizations interviewed who work with disability and senior populations answered that they did not know how to link with the emergency management system. Elizabeth Davis: * Assistance provided to disability and aging populations often over-emphasized a medical model instead of independent living or advocacy models. This perspective resulted in some people being separated from families and support networks and transferred unnecessarily to medical shelters or nursing homes. Others were not identified because of the lack of trained eyes as well as the lack of or inadequate screening questions. This caused some individuals' conditions to deteriorate to the point that they did require transfer to a hospital, nursing home, or medical shelter. Elizabeth Davis: * Disability and aging specific organizations, heavily involved in the Katrina response effort are reporting that their usual operating budgets have virtually been depleted as a result of disaster services provided to meet immediate needs. Elizabeth Davis: As we look for ways to address these and other systemic issues (identified in Katrina as well as after many earlier disasters across the nation), I think it equally important to consider what structures already exist within the national response system and how can modifications be instituted so to be more inclusive of the special needs populations. Elizabeth Davis: For example, Mike illustrated how EMAC can be effectively utilized to bring in a very specific and necessary skill set, the aging services network in this case, but extend that concept even further to include disability agencies/organizations for instance. Elizabeth Davis: Another example we can draw on from the response to Katrina is in the case of the donations clearinghouse that was established by DHS. At first, this clearinghouse did not include specialized items such as durable medical equipment (DME), for example, but once this was realized it was expanded to include these types of items. I am sure Mr. Sutherland will speak to this point in more detail. Elizabeth Davis: Lastly, I draw from an example during 9/11. Upon request by the FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer in NYC, two questions were added to the intake interview process specifically dealing with special needs to enable self- identification. A special needs sub-unit, made up of personnel more highly aware and trained in special needs issues, would handle any applications that were flagged for one-to-one special needs follow up under this system. Elizabeth Davis: The two things I draw from the prior examples are: 1. Look to enhancing existing emergency management standards and protocols to be more inclusive and to meet the concerns of individuals with special needs. 2. Take practices that are successful and effective, and codify them as standard operations procedures moving forward to avoid recreating solutions each time. Elizabeth Davis: With that, I thank you for your interest in this important topic area and pass the session along to Dan Sutherland. Avagene Moore: Thank you, Elizabeth. Dan Sutherland, we turn the floor to you at this point, please. Dan Sutherland: It is a pleasure to join this outstanding panel, and to talk with all of you via this unique forum. The topic we are talking about today is incredibly important. Why do I say that? Consider that approximately one-fifth of the people in the Gulf Coast region affected by the hurricanes were people with disabilities. Dan Sutherland: Putting that a different way -- Census Data showed that over 250,000 residents of the city of New Orleans were categorized as people with disabilities. I can give you more details on those numbers, drill down a bit. But the bottom line is that many of the people most severely impacted by these hurricanes were people with mobility impairments, cognitive disabilities, mental illness, serious medical issues, and those who are deaf and/or blind. Dan Sutherland: I am talking to you today as the Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities. I am also the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security... Dan Sutherland: which means that I lead a team of people who provide legal and policy advice to the Secretary on issues at the intersection of homeland security and civil rights/civil liberties. We work on a number of important subjects, such as intelligence reforms, immigration law and policy, and relationships with Muslim Americans. We also work a great deal on issues affecting the disability community. Dan Sutherland: In July 2004, to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, President Bush issued Executive Order 13347, "Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness." The President created an Interagency Coordinating Council ("the Council" or "the ICC") to implement the goals of the Executive Order. Dan Sutherland: Over twenty federal agencies have been actively involved in the Council. The Secretary of Homeland Security is the chair of the Council, and he has delegated that responsibility to the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Dan Sutherland: Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the Council completed a number of important projects, including: a report on evacuation planning for workplaces, a web-based resource center for first-responders and people with disabilities, grants to disability consumer organizations, and a major national conference. Dan Sutherland: In late September, Secretary Chertoff directed the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to assign a specialist on disability issues to the staff of the Principal Federal Officials in Baton Rouge and Austin. Those individuals were deployed for several weeks in October and November 2005. Dan Sutherland: The issues involving the disability community have been numerous -- because there were so many people with disabilities affected -- and complex. Take for example, the issues surrounding people with diabetes or epilepsy, who were no longer able to quickly get their needed medications. Dan Sutherland: There were issues surrounding people who use wheelchairs -- I remember receiving a frantic call from one of the stadiums in Houston asking me if I could get 100 wheelchairs to them immediately. There were issues involving people who are deaf or hard of hearing -- many times they could not get necessary information about the evacuation, or about registration, etc. Dan Sutherland: I know that you are thrilled to know that the federal government has a committee who is looking at this problem! But this is an unusual committee, and we've been able to get quite a bit of good work done. Dan Sutherland: Many know that the largest urban areas are now being required to assess again their plans. They are being asked to do a self-assessment, and then teams of experts are being sent in to independently review each city's plan. Secretary Chertoff has been clear that these plans will be evaluated, in part, on how they are addressing the needs of the disability community. Dan Sutherland: We are also going to be encouraging the disability community to enhance its efforts to prepare. We are going to be emphasizing that, just like all Americans, Americans with disabilities need to "have a plan" and need to "have a kit." We need to dramatically increase the level of preparedness among this community. Dan Sutherland: I look forward to communicating with all of you about ways that our Council, and our Department, can better address these issues. Thanks. Avagene Moore: Thank you, Mike, Elizabeth and Dan. We will now turn to questions from our audience. ... Avagene Moore: Our protocol for audience questions is to enter a question mark ? to indicate you wish to ask a question or make a comment. ... Carl Varner: ? Robert Lawrence: >/ Avagene Moore: Then go ahead and compose your question or comment to have it ready, but do NOT hit your Enter key or click on the Send button until you are recognized by name. Please address your question to one of speakers as appropriate. ... Robert Lawrence: ? Avagene Moore: Please WAIT your turn but be ready when you are called upon to expedite the Q&A part of the session. .... Tina Janek: ? Avagene Moore: We will take questions in the order the question marks are sent to the screen. One question at a time please. If you have a follow up question, please get back in line with another ? - Courtesy is the rule of the day. ... Avagene Moore: We are ready to begin now. Please input a question mark (?) at any time. Avagene Moore: Carl, your question when you are ready. Craig Irwin - TnEMA: ? Paul John: ? VT Emerg. Mgt.: ? Carl Varner: Does the panel have any examples of large jurisdictions (1,000,000+) that have begun to successfully develop and or maintain special needs registries. What are those jurisdictions as Fairfax County would like to be in touch with them? Jean O'Hare: ? Avagene Moore: Please address your question to the person you wish to answer it (as appropriate.) Elizabeth, do you want to address this one? Elizabeth Davis: First, i want to note for everyone that a special needs registry... Mike Weston: In Florida all 67 Counties large and small maintain registries Elizabeth Davis: be it for a small area or large is proportionately just as complex for every jurisdiction... Elizabeth Davis: the basic elements that MUST be incorporated include... Elizabeth Davis: ongoing funding that can't be cut budget to budget... Elizabeth Davis: consideration of privacy issues and confidentiality ... Elizabeth Davis: where it will be maintained and how often updated (only as good as it id fresh)... Elizabeth Davis: and then what is the expectation based on that registry... Elizabeth Davis: will it be used only for planning demographic purposes... Elizabeth Davis: will registrants get info before each season... Elizabeth Davis: will those on the list actually get a call before or during an event... Elizabeth Davis: or will there be a service like a ride pick up or a preset shelter entry process or the like... Elizabeth Davis: these all and more MUST be considered before any system is set in place for a small rural area or a large urban setting... Laura Jull: ? Elizabeth Davis: This is why I encourage you to look to systems like the mandated county registries in Florida or some of the local ones elsewhere that are less formal... Elizabeth Davis: but do so after putting together a review committee made up of both agency officials and planners as well as representatives from the intended registrant population as well. Avagene Moore: Carl, as for specific jurisdictions, perhaps you can contact one or more of our speakers offline, please. --- Robert Lawrence, your question with speaker to whom it is addressed, please. Robert Lawrence: To all: Do you or anyone else know of multiple localities (e.g. a region in a Commonwealth or other) that are addressing special needs in a unified manner? GEORGE TOKESKY: ? Elizabeth Davis: Well, I suggest you look to NJ OEM out of their state police because there the state level developed a format for local Special Needs Advisory Panels (SNAP)... Elizabeth Davis: and are looking to be sure that they customize for each local need, demographic, and resource but that it be able to "talk across the table" to neighbors in the region... Elizabeth Davis: also you just read about Florida and the same is true in all the 10 health regions in Illinois. There is activity in this way all across the nation now. Mike Weston: Florida established the first statewide taskforce and have recently re-established it. George Tokesky who is with us is involved with that process. GEORGE TOKESKY: The State of Florida's Interagency Committee on Special Needs Sheltering is currently addressing each of the issues addressed in Elizabeth's comments, as well as the questions presented thus far. Avagene Moore: Tina Janek, please. We need to move along, folks. We have several questions left. Tina Janek: Mr. Sutherland: will there be any efforts to define "special needs" at the federal level? Dan Sutherland: I am not sure that is the most productive path for us to embark upon. What we are doing is emphasizing that the term "special needs" covers a huge territory ... Dan Sutherland: That is, it involves people with limited English proficiency, it involves seniors, it involves children, etc. So, if we want to get people to focus on the disability community, we need to be more specific than the term "special needs." Mac McClellan: ? Elizabeth Davis: just to add - Elizabeth Davis: for a discussion about the term debate underway look to the March and April issues of the Bulletin... Mary Teeters: ? Elizabeth Davis: published by the International Association of Emergency Managers where a guest piece by June Kailes is published and or look for a white paper on it... Marianne C. Jackson: ? Elizabeth Davis: posted on the Nobody Left Behind project site out of Kansas University. Avagene Moore: Craig, your question, please. Craig Irwin - TnEMA: Dan: In catastrophic events (like Katrina) how do you recommend that Emergency Managers identify previously independent elderly and marginally disabled, that have become "Special Needs" persons as a direct result of the disaster, but who are still in their homes? People that would not show up in an existing registry; off meds, etc.? Dan Sutherland: I would have to defer to Mike and Elizabeth on that one, which is a very operational question. Both have a lot of experience with that, I am sure. Mike? Mike Weston: Use your regional Area Agency on Aging , local service providers or CERT Teams or Crime Watch Programs. Elizabeth Davis: Ok very complex but great question. We need to get creative, first working with... Elizabeth Davis: the existing marginal services which SUPPORT independence like home based care for those able to live independently with some support... Elizabeth Davis: work with meal delivery programs and private transport company providers... Elizabeth Davis: even work with pharmacists who (yes, tons of confidentiality issues so just go with this for a moment) are in a position of ... Victoria Melvin: ?-Comment Elizabeth Davis: knowing their usual clients. If trained, that crew can quickly call out to their client base as check in. Elizabeth Davis: The point is there is no single great answer as each disaster brings different barriers... Elizabeth Davis: but reaching people through their nexus of support and thinking of ways and places to reach people not traditionally incorporated is where we now have to explore. Avagene Moore: Paul John, your question, sir. Paul John: Elizabeth: Can exercised drills help in identifying best practices that are successful and effective? Elizabeth Davis: Oh thank you for asking that!!!! .... Elizabeth Davis: Can you tell how excited I am? Drills ARE the time to test our ideas and find our hiccups--not during actual events... Elizabeth Davis: The reality is that is not always possible, I know, for those emergency managers out there... Elizabeth Davis: Again, please see the IAEM newsletter issues as there is a piece I wrote along with Mike Byrne on just that benefit to all citizens AND responders... Elizabeth Davis: The point is that I would encourage -- strongly encourage -- special needs (by whatever you want in that definition) to be included in all aspects of all drills, even if the outcome or goal is not measured directly, as it will test and trip the system... Mike Weston: I recommend full multi-agency exercises rather than tabletops. They can give you a false sense of security. Avagene Moore: (Folks, we have 8 or 9 questions in queue now with 10 minutes to go. We must speed up replies and / or ask our speakers to stay over. Please be patient.) Elizabeth Davis: Include the subject matter experts in the drill design; individuals as role play victims, BUT also as evaluators and responders, and also in the after action report evaluations. Avagene Moore: VT EM, please. VT Emerg. Mgt.: Self-Identification has always been a problem for us in VT. We recognize that individuals with special needs often do not want to be part of a registry, and are now trying to promote self-identification through the various home help agencies - however we have been less than successful. Have you heard of any programs that have been successful in creating a near-comprehensive registry? Moreover, at the conclusion of today's meeting, could the speakers provide contact information? Thank you. Elizabeth Davis: May I offer a reality check in two parts... Elizabeth Davis: 1. No registry no matter how good is 100% -- I will bet my name on that. Elizabeth Davis: 2. There are many other forms of "registries" that combined can give a better picture... Elizabeth Davis: These include the life sustaining customer lists required by PSC of utilities... Elizabeth Davis: plus nuclear plant plans under SARA... Mike Weston: As registries go, there is no one size fits all and at-risk clients are fearful of exposing them selves. Community education is required. Elizabeth Davis: and even the local parish list. All pulled together (with a system and protocol to do so in a certain event) gets you closer. More offline if needed. Avagene Moore: VT, we ask our speakers to put in their email addresses if they wish to do so. Speakers, up to you. Also, speakers, can you stay over for a few minutes if the audience can hang in here with us? Next question is Jean O Jean O'Hare: To All: First, what can be done about Life Care Communities and nursing homes not having adequate evacuation plans, even for a fire? And second, and this may be a follow up to Robert's question ... Is there a coallition/program of which any of you are aware that is already in existence that is coordinating efforts, including legal assistance, for the communities affected by the hurricanes, for people with disabilities or that have special needs. In particular, I would be interested in any programs for hospitals and nursing homes that may need additional funds because they may have expended money for transportation or clean up and are now providing assistance but are strapped financially. And I would be interested in programs for individuals who will need special equipment in any home they rebuild. Mike Weston: I can be reached at westcots@bellsouth.net Elizabeth Davis: edavis@eadassociates.com Mike Weston: I can stay on a few more minutes. Avagene Moore: Thanks, Mike. Elizabeth and Dan? .... Avagene Moore: Jean's question is a bit long. Elizabeth, can you address the second question, please? Elizabeth Davis: That is a very long answer too but... Avagene Moore: Shorten it if you can, please. Elizabeth Davis: Many front line service agencies have found their capital budgets and operational budgets gone as a result of just doing what was needed... Elizabeth Davis: this was one of the SNAKE report findings even just 1.5 weeks into it so I know that message is out there... Elizabeth Davis: The Christopher Reeves Foundation gave money to such groups to keep going... Elizabeth Davis: I know of a few others but nothing on a national scale. Jean O'Hare: Anything regional, Gulf states? Avagene Moore: Mac McClellan. Mac McClellan: Question was answered. Thanks Mike, Dan, and Elizabeth Avagene Moore: Mary Teeters, please. Amy Sebring: ? Mary Teeters: Mike or Elizabeth: Granted, that no registry can reach 100% but are there existing emergency plans that reach special needs populations that perhaps do not have a phone and/or cannot read to alert them of a potential disaster or where to go for assistance? How does Florida handle this population? If we have a system in place that reaches those most at risk, it seems that all will benefit. Elizabeth Davis: To watch for new research on this very topic ... Elizabeth Davis: check the Access Alerts project out of WGBH in Boston and the Project Safe EV-AC out of West Virginia University. Mike Weston: That's why I like really getting to know a community street by street Caseworkers in the Aging network know their communities and should be a good resource to that "hidden" population. Avagene Moore: Marianne, you are next. Marianne C. Jackson: All - how should FEMA's federal disaster Special Needs experience and resources be integrated into state, EMAC, DHS, and other initiatives? Avagene Moore: Dan, do you want to go first? Dan Sutherland: Yes, first thing though -- people can contact me at civil.liberties@dhs.gov. You can find out more about the Interagency Council I chair at http://disability.preparedness@dhs.gov. That website also has some great resources (which we will build upon). I hope you will contact us! Dan Sutherland: Marianne, as a Council we are preparing an after action report - - what were the problems that were exposed in the system, and then what are some constructive solutions that we can recommend? We have realized that this type of report has been done several times in the past -- after 9/11, even as far back as Hurricane Andrew. Avagene Moore: Victoria, please. Victoria Melvin: Comment to all. The Red Cross is working to present preparedness messages in a manner that assists people who fall into the special needs category and/or their caregivers to self-identify and then find information and details such as mentioned..."how to shelter in place", be prepared specifically for their personal situation etc. Also, as Elizabeth mentions, reaching people at their point of support, organization, communities is very important. That is the issue, in fact, REACHING everyone! I agree with Mike! Sue Englesby: ? Avagene Moore: Thanks, Victoria. Amy, your question. Amy Sebring: Dan, there is new legislation in the Senate to create a position for Disability Coordinator in DHS (see session Background Page for link). Did DHS help to draft this legislation, and is there any possibility it will pass before the 2006 Hurricane Season? Dan Sutherland: Thanks for the question. No, we did not help to draft the legislation. The position of a disability coordinator within our Department is already there -- it is me ... Dan Sutherland: We really need to be about the business of implementing the changes that are so obvious and so necessary. We're preparing an after action report and hope to see some really important policy changes. Avagene Moore: Sue is next - this is our last question for today. Sue, please. Sue Englesby: Mike, do you know when AoA will have their Emergency Preparedness for the Aging Network 'manual' available? Nearly 1 1/2 years ago we heard that the updated version was under-going final approvals... The manual currently on their site is from 1995... Mike Weston: I am pushing hard for it to be released I hope I can get it released within the next couple of months I will be sure they hear your plea. Jerry Blasingame: Mike, Tennessee is also interested in an updated version of AOA's manual. Avagene Moore: Thank you, Mike, Elizabeth and Dan! We greatly appreciate your effort and time on our behalf and wish you well as we continue to work on this important issue. ... Avagene Moore: Please stand by a moment while we make some quick announcements .... Avagene Moore: If you are not currently on our mailing list, and would like to get program announcements and notices of transcript availability, please see the Subscribe link on our home page. ... Avagene Moore: We have one new EIIP Partner to announce today. We welcome the Edwards Disaster Recovery Directory http://www.EdwardsInformation.com . The business is located in Brookline MA and Mr. Doug Tanger serves as the Point of Contact (POC) to the EIIP. ... Avagene Moore: If you are interested in becoming an EIIP Partner, please see the "Partnership for You" link on the EIIP Virtual Forum homepage http://www.emforum.org . Avagene Moore: Again, the transcript of today's session will be posted later today and you will be able to access it from our home page. An announcement will also be sent to our Mail Lists when the transcript is available. Thanks to everyone for participating today. We appreciate you, the audience! Avagene Moore: Before you go, let's thank our speakers today for a fine job! We are adjourned.