National Disability Rights Network and FEMA Sign Agreement to Strengthen Collaboration

WASHINGTON – The National Disability Rights Network signed an agreement today with the Federal Emergency Management Agency that will strengthen the Network’s ability to collaborate with officials before, during and after an emergency and ensuring the needs and concerns of individuals with a disability are heard.

“Our network of Protection and Advocacy Disability Rights affiliates’ expertise represent a unique know-how and understanding that is a valuable source of knowledge to disaster officials at all levels,” said NDRN’s executive director Curt Decker.  “This agreement will help ensure that individuals with disabilities’ accessibility and functional needs will be met so they can survive and recover from a disaster.”

While FEMA has coordinated with the NDRN in the past, this agreement will strengthen their relationship to ensure the needs of people with disabilities, young children, seniors, and all members of the community are fully integrated into emergency planning efforts.  Specifically, the agreement will ensure that advocates for the NDRN’s 57 state and territory affiliates have access to FEMA disaster response offices, including workspace and logistical support, before, during and after a disaster, to be involved in policy decisions and coordinate directly with the entire emergency management team. This partnership will help FEMA leverage the resources of the entire community, including the resources that NDRN or other organizations can offer, to better meet the needs of the entire population impacted by a disaster.