Emergency preparedness…if you or someone near you has a disability that impacts emergency response…do you know what to do?

This page provides information that is meant to help increase awareness and support active planning.  Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to follow the links at the bottom of this page.

Additionally, a text titled "Adapting Emergency  Procedures on Campus for Individuals with Disabilities" which was published in 2001 and comes from the Association on Higher Education and Disability is available in the DSS Office. There are two copies that can be borrowed from the DSS Lending Library. It can also be made available in an alternate format upon request.

Disability Support Services had the pleasure of working with a group of CIS students who developed a collection of campus maps that allow users to drill down to individual floor plans. These maps highlight accessibility features such as adaptive computing workstations,  handicapped parking, automatic door openers, elevators, safe refuge locations, and more.

The Campus Access Maps are being reworked now. Because the new maps are in progress we will appreciate any feedback that users can offer.

Students with disabilities impacting mobility or ability to respond in case of an emergency are encouraged to develop an individualized emergency response plan. Students are encouraged to:

1. Know the building floor plans, especially where the fire-protected stairwells are located, as these areas can be used for shelter while awaiting assistance.

2. Use a buddy system, and have more than one buddy in each class in case the primary buddy is not present at the time of an emergency.

3. Consider using DSS liaison services if you anticipate needing assistance and would like that need communicated.

Students are welcome to come in and talk with DSS staff about emergency preparedness and how planning can help.

Assisting People with Disabilities in a Disaster
Prepared by Federal Emergency Management Agency

Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Prepared by the American Red Cross

S.A.F.E.T.Y. First: Working Together for Safer Communities
Easter Seals

Emergency Preparedness Information
Posted on the UAA Environmental Health & Safety and Risk Management site.