Tennessee Disability Pathfinder offers a growing library of disability resources available at TNPathfinder.org. In addition to the growing directory of resources on Pathfinder’s website, here are some we’re highlighting this month.
Did you know that there are disaster relief organizations and programs specially designed to support individuals with disabilities during emergencies? These incredible initiatives ensure that every person, regardless of their challenges, receives the assistance they need in times of crisis. Let’s come together to spread awareness and support these invaluable services!
Distress Helpline — SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.
AIDNET Of Greene County
AIDNET of Greene County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is coordinating resources and monetary donations for the long-term recovery effort in Greeneville, TN. Financial donations may be sent to AIDNET of Greene County at PO Box 2662, Greeneville, TN 37744. See https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/aidnet-of-greene-county-prepares-for-long-term-recovery-effort/article_cf6c0b38-7dad-11ef-80ac-03176b8043f7.html.
Thanks to Brandi Glasscock, TDC Community Work Incentives Coordinator for the WorkAble TN Program who serves on the board, for information about AIDNET.
FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
FEMA’s Disability Integration Advisor reached out to us. She shared that as organizations identify gaps they cannot address, they encourage people to report them through the Regional Disability Integration Specialist or the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination. https://disasterstrategies.org/fema-regional-disability-integration-specialists/
Region 4 : Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Disability Integration Specialist
Jacqueline (Jackie) Renner
RescueVoice
Rescue Voice is a speech-generating app engineered specifically for first responders and medical personnel to use with individuals who have limited speech or who are unable to speak because of a medical event.
The application contains both tap-to-talk icons and text-to-speech capabilities. Pre-stored vocabulary related to symptoms, pain, body parts, allergies, medication, people, time, and places is included based on feedback from first responders and people who use AAC.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rescuevoice/id6480413389
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.uiowa.uirf.rescuevoice
NOTE: *RescueVoice is currently only available for iPads and Android tablets (no phones).
National Disaster Recovery Framework Public Comment Period
Comments due Wednesday, October 23, 2024
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting public comments on its National Disaster Recovery Framework, which explains the federal government’s roles and responsibilities for organizing and deploying disaster recovery assistance. It also enhances effective collaboration among federal agencies; state, local, and territorial governments; and tribal nations, while informing nongovernmental partners.
Individuals wishing to comment on the document should download the comment matrix, complete it, and return it through the blue “Submit Comments” button on the comment period webpage. This will open an email to fema-recovery-icd-pdb@fema.dhs.gov; attach the matrix and use “NDRF V3 Public Comment Feedback” as the subject line. Comments submitted outside of the matrix and after the deadline will not be considered.
Civil Rights Protections
If you have been discriminated against or feel your civil rights were violated at any time during the disaster process, you should consider filing a complaint with the Federal agencies in the following link:
How to File a Civil Rights Complaint: https://disasterstrategies.org/how-to-file-a-civil-rights-complaint/
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Helene: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/09/25/dhs-statement-safety-and-enforcement-during-hurricane-helene
Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas: https://www.dhs.gov/guidelines-enforcement-actions-or-near-protected-areas
Notice to Recipients on Nondiscrimination During Disasters | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
https://www.dhs.gov/publication/notice-recipients-nondiscrimination-during-disasters