Emergency Preparation

Intention/Mission Statement

To engage AHEAD in a national/international leadership position in the dialogue and development of inclusive policies and practices that fully consider the emergency needs of all individuals

To develop mechanisms for dialogue and dissemination of emergency preparedness resources within the profession and within the disability community

To familiarize AHEAD members with the language of emergency preparedness and evacuation dynamics

To develop opportunities for dialogue about best practices in campus emergency preparedness, evacuation, response and recovery

To reshape the traditional view of emergency preparedness, evacuation, response and recovery to include the social justice perspectives of inclusive/universal design for a diverse democracy/global society

To promote professional development and training opportunities about emergency policy, planning and preparedness, with focused attention to infrastructure and policy within institutions of higher education and interaction with the surrounding communities

To create opportunities and venues that will bring together stakeholders (i.e. first responders, politicians, campus safety officers, students with disabilities, disability service providers, facilities personnel, faculty members, student government, etc) in collaborative efforts to “cross pollinate” ideas and move all of the above stated agenda items forward

In summary, designating a special interest group within AHEAD would foster and promote long-awaited progress on the development of best practices for campus emergency preparedness, evacuation, response and recovery. As a collective group, we feel that this is a critical topic that must be addressed at this timely juncture.