HKNC STAYING CONNECTED

 

North Central Region – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI

Volume 2, Fall 2006

 

 

Autumn has arrived and the festive holidays are just around the corner. Having enjoyed the summer’s warmth now brings us to preparing for long winter days. Here’s some fun and educational reading as we welcome you to our Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) North Central’s second regional newsletter, STAYING CONNECTED.

 

We find regional newsletters to be a wealth of information and resources. There is so much out there! This newsletter is for everyone: the Deaf-blind community and its’ supporters in the North Central region. Our focus this time is two-fold: share with you what is happening in the six states in this North Central region and information/resources. You can use it to find out about national, regional and statewide activities, as well as updates on services, resources and programs. Also included, is information on publications/websites and a calendar of conference/events. Years ago, there was very little happening in the country and now, it is a challenge to capture all that has developed. There is one common thread among us all: we are constantly learning, advocating for equal access and getting more individuals to work together to improve the quality of programs and services.

 

HKNC’s mission is to enable each Deaf-blind person to live and work in the community of his or her choice. This is possible by sharing resources and collaborating together, involving individuals who are Deaf-blind, their families, service providers and the communities.

 

You have so much to share with everyone! Let us know what is happening with you, in your area, your organization, program or agency. Please inform us of any ideas or suggestions that you may have for the next newsletter. If you know someone who is Deaf-blind or any individual who might like to receive this newsletter, please complete the last two pages and return to our office.

 

Our HKNC North Central region office is located in East Moline, IL, approximately three hours west of Chicago, very near the Mississippi River. Laura J. Thomas HKNC5LJT@aol.com, Regional Representative and Catharine Papish HKNCROA@aol.com, Regional Office Assistant, make a dynamic team. You can reach us via e-mail, 309-755-0018 (V/TTY/VP) or 309-755-0025 (Fax) and we are here to assist you. Much appreciation goes to Ms. Papish for putting this newsletter together.

 

Note: The naming of products, services or activities in this newsletter does not necessarily imply endorsement by HKNC. They are provided as information only.

 

What are some things your Regional Representative can do for you?

Help you find and use existing services and resources in your local community.

·       Work with you for improved services when they are needed.

·       Consult with individuals, their families and/or agencies.

·       Serve as your connection to our program in Sands Point, New York. We offer excellent rehabilitation services, including short-term training in computers and adaptive technology as well as other programs designed for high school students and senior adults.          

·       INCLUDE YOU on the National Registry – more on the Registry follows.  

     

Please visit our web site www.hknc.org or contact your Regional Representative. We would enjoy hearing from you.

 

THE REGISTRY

 

Helen Keller National Center is required to maintain a National Registry of persons who are Deaf-blind or who have a combined vision and hearing loss that is severe enough to create challenges in life activities, at home, in the community and at work. Due to confidentiality issues, let us assure you your information is kept private. We take this responsibility very seriously.

 

HOW WILL HKNC’S REGISTRY INFORMATION BE USED?

Although all personal information about individuals will be kept confidential, statistical information will be used to benefit the Deaf-blind community.

·       It will be shared with adult service programs so they can better prepare to serve Deaf-blind adults, as well as young adults when they transition to adult services.

·       It will be shared with teachers, personnel and interpreter training programs to better prepare these professionals to work with you.  

·       It will be used to help with research that will be beneficial to the Deaf-blind community.

·       It will be shared with the federal and state governments as they develop priorities for program funding. If we prove to the government that there are many people needing services, there is a better chance that Deaf-blind services will be funded.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Approximately 10,000 people have already decided to put their names on the Registry, but we know there are many thousands more. If you have not yet done so, please complete a registry form today. Anyone who is Deaf-blind, of any age, is eligible to be on the registry. We have included a copy of the Registry form at the back of this newsletter, which you can mail back to us. Or if you prefer to call us, we will be happy to complete the form with you on your behalf. You can also complete a registry online at our website: www.hknc.org. If you move, or your name changes, please let us know so we can make the changes on your form. Thank you for helping us support the needs of the Deaf-blind community as a whole.

 

CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT

 

JILL GAUS - Michigan

 

Meet Jill Gaus - a woman of many talents and accomplishments! Back in 1997, she arrived at Michigan’s very first Deaf-blind Weekend (DBW) in Brooklyn, MI, not knowing what to expect. At the urging of her husband, Jim, and Rose Smith, then hard of hearing specialist with the MI Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Jill reluctantly went. This experience changed her life forever. If Jim hadn’t packed her suitcase or if it weren’t for a phone from DBW to “call home,” Jill would not be doing what she is now. On the very last day of this DBW, Dr. Jeffrey Bohrman, who was a trainer/ presenter, stood up and signed, “Michigan needs a group and who will do this?” Coming out of her fear, and with courage, Jill stood up and ever since that significant day, she has learned, researched, and asked questions, and arrived where she is today.

 

      From that day to this day, Jill is:                                                   

     

·       Director of MI DBW at DeSales Conference Center in Brooklyn, MI, and formerly Summer Programs Coordinator for all D/HH, DB programs at the Holley Ear Institute’s Family Village. Being an exemplary model, Ohio established their DBW after MI and Illinois will have theirs in 2007.

 

·       Co-founder, Past President and currently Treasurer of SHI-M=DB (Self-Help for Independence in Michigan: Equalizing the DeafBlind Community). She is mentoring the newly elected President and Vice-President. Jill has tirelessly raised funds for SHI-M=DB.

 

·       Board member of American Association of Deaf-blind and chair/member of membership, finance and SSP committees. Representing AADB, Jill co-presented leadership training to members of the IN Association of Deaf-blind.

 

·       Consultant for DB Central, MI Services for Children and Youths who are Deaf-blind. Jill and two co-workers planned and facilitated the first ever camp, Deaf-Blind Transition Camp (DBTC) for Deaf-blind teenagers, held at MI State University. The third DBTC is in the planning stages.

 

·       Past Member of the MI Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing (now Hearing Loss Association of America) Advisory Council, as well as different positions within SHHH. Also a member of the MI Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council.

 

·       Works as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for different groups – MI Youth Leadership Forum, Deaf Youth Leadership Week, MI DBW, and DBTC.

 

·       Instructor at Lansing Community College and MI State University, teaching sign language and ITP students, nursing students and EMT staff about working with Deaf-blind individuals, Deaf-blind interpreting and the role of SSP.

 

·       As a certified/trained Hearing Technology Resource Specialist, provides information and training to businesses and organizations, D/HH and visually impaired groups.

 

In addition to all of the above, Jill is providing consultation and training to the University of Alaska towards establishing camping experiences for D/HH/DB teenagers and adults to experience the Alaskan culture. Jill is a familiar face to Lions Club, where she and Heidi, her leader dog, gives presentations for fund-raising.

 

Always on the go, Jill has SSPs working with her. Along with Heidi, Jill’s leader dog, SSPs provide Jill access to environment and give visual/auditory information as well. Oftentimes, the agency/ organization she works for pays for SSP services or Jill pays them herself, if they are used for personal reasons. Other times,           reciprocal agreements work best – “you do this for me, I do this for you.”

 

      All these years, Jill felt people telling her what she could do or couldn’t do was not empowering. Through learning experiences, trials and tribulations, she has grown to trust herself by proving that she can do it. Jill feels in order to become independent and believe in yourself, it requires not allowing others to control your life. It can be most frustrating for Jill when she hears of a Deaf-blind person saying, “I can’t.” Jill’s philosophy is: “How do you know unless you have tried? So what we have a few limitations? Doesn’t

      everyone?” When people ask Jill what it feels like not to be normal, she asks them what normal is and they stutter!

 

      All of Jill’s accomplishments do not go unnoticed. With her support system, including her husband, Jim, and her leader dog, Heidi, SSPs, different agencies and Deaf-blind individuals she has met from all over, she believes in herself and others. Jill feels having one life to live and living it fully, believing in your gifts and contributions can go a long way.

  

      An amazing woman, isn’t she? She is a true inspiration and testimony that with sheer willpower and determination, nothing is impossible. She is a friend, role model, mentor, supporter and listens with her heart, with whoever she comes into contact with. She would love hearing from you and sharing her enthusiasm and love of life. Jill is available for consultation and training - you may reach her at: jgaus2@gmail.com

 

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES     

 

Through 2006 you can trade in your HumanWare Notetakers and save more than 70% on a PAC Mate. MAGic 10.0 has been released and the Automatic update of JAWS for Windows 7.10 is now available! For more information and details visit: www.FreedomScientific.com

 

The Chicago Lighthouse has established an assistive technology support line for any questions regarding hardware, software, or any version of Windows; however, the customer must be blind or visually impaired. Any individual working with blind/VI consumers are encouraged to call. This service is nationwide and Linux is also supported. Contact Ray Campbell at 888-825-0080 (V).

 

The ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard is the perfect companion to the ZoomText Magnifier and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. More information is at: http://www.aisquared.com/Products/Keyboard.cfm

 

A new screening for Usher Syndrome is being researched and tested. For more information and details - www.tr.wou.edu/tr/dbp search the archives for May 2006, Volume 13, Issue 3 and go to Research Updates.

 

An international retinal research team funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness has restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa. The retinal cell transplantation study was successfully performed on three different mouse models of retinal degeneration.


The researchers used two different techniques to verify that the mice had restored vision. For more information on retinal degenerative disease research, visit www.FightBlindness.org

 

A new visual aid that promises to improve the visual abilities of people with tunnel vision has been invented by scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Visit their website at: www.theschepens.org/tunnel_vision_release.htm

 

Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader combines a state of the art digital camera with a powerful personal data assistant housed in a custom-designed case. Over a printed document hold the camera and snap a picture, in seconds you can hear the contents of the printed document. More information and details can be found at www.knfbreader.com

 

Online Conferencing Systems has created an online Resource library. There are 200+ free applications for assistive technology more information at: www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/at.htm

 

ACCESSWORLD Magazine has information on accessible cell phones, voting machines, accessible office equipment and medical devices. For the latest news in technology and visual impairments, visit the website www.afb.org/aw/main.asp 

 

A travel alarm clock that is tactile and has glow in the dark hands, item # 704440, is available with an optional adapter and vibrator accessories. For details go to: www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp   

 

Optelec USA bought out the Alva Company. Alva Braille displays and Alva Satellites will still be manufactured and sold. There is also a new generation of displays called the Alva A4 Glider. It is full of new features, and can be connected to a PC wirelessly, has a long battery life and weighs a little more than one pound! (Excerpts taken from HKNC SW Newsletter, Vol. 1 Spring 2006).

 

Quantum Technology in Rydalmere, Australia, has developed a low cost mechanical solution for writing Braille called the Jot-A-Dot. This device has a regular 6 dot Braille keyboard but fits into your pocket - no batteries either, it’s totally mechanical! The Jot-A-Dot weighs just over a pound (as opposed to the Perkins Brailler which weighs 11 pounds) and enables the user to instantly read what they have written without having to disassemble the unit as with the slate and stylus (one exception is the APH “Brown” slate which can be opened from the back to read the dots.) This device will cost $340.00 and will be available in the near future. (Excerpts taken from HKNC SW Newsletter, Vol. 1 Spring 2006).

 

Several models of the Perkins Brailler are now available in different colors. Also the Light Touch model standard brailler, which reduces the force required to operate the braille keys by up to 40 percent is now for sale, along with Light Touch electric braillers. For further information about models and pricing visit www.perkinsstore.org or call 877-473-7546. (Excerpts taken from The Braille Forum, September 2006).

 

REGIONAL

 

NEWS FROM ILLINOIS

 

      The Dept. of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services has two Deaf-blind specialists, who provide technical assistance and consultation to ORS and BBS (Bureau of Blind Services), counselors, individuals who are Deaf-blind and their families. For more information, contact: Joseph.Parvis@illinois.gov, 312-814-5372, (V/TTY), Robert.Griffith@illinois.gov, 217-245-1642 (V/TTY) or Ingrid.Halvorsen@illinois.gov, 312-814-3890 (V/TTY), Manager of D/HH Services.

 

      The Philip J. Rock Center and School (PRC) serves two different functions in the provision of services to individuals who are Deaf-blind. The residential school, in Glen Ellyn, offers one of the most intensive, comprehensive educational programs available for children who are Deaf-blind in the 3-21 age groups. The Center provides statewide technical assistance and administers the federally funded grant, Project Reach: Illinois Deaf-blind Services. This project supports the Deaf-blind specialists, who live and work in the different geographic areas within Illinois, in their efforts to identify needs and provide assistance to children who are Deaf-blind (ages birth to 21). For more information, go to: http://www.project-reach-illinois.org/prc.html

 

      Earlier this year in Rock Falls, Kreider Services, Inc. built and opened a third residence for Deaf-blind individuals, who have developmental disabilities. Heartfelt thanks go to HKNC’s National Training Team for training residence staff and Deaf-blind individuals in preparing for the transition. 

 

      With the support of the Chicago Lighthouse/Deaf-blind program and this HKNC regional office, the IL SSP Task Force now has the support of the IL Deaf/Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) and the Department of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services  (DHS/ORS). For information about this task force and the services/ programs of the Chicago Lighthouse/Deaf-blind program, contact: Joann.Rushing@chicagolighthouse.org or   mindy.mayer@chicagolighthouse.org

 

      Columbia College in Chicago will offer its 3rd SSP four-day course, to be followed by an Interpreting with Individuals who are Deaf-blind course, during its January 2007 “J-session.” For information, contact Diana Gorman at: dgorman@colum.edu.

 

      Hearing and Vision Connections is conducting a Deaf Mentor training on April 17-18, 2007 for any individual in Illinois who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and is interested in becoming a Deaf Mentor in the Illinois Early Intervention system. More information and an application can be found at www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd/hvc (see “Providers” tab.) or contact Nancy Scott at 877-731-8184 (V).   

      

      Plans are underway to have the first Illinois Deaf-blind Weekend (DBW) during the summer of 2007, modeled after the MI program, in collaboration with CATIE (Collaborative for the Advancement of Teaching Interpreters Excellence). This educational and hands on experience is for Deaf-blind individuals, interpreters, and ITP students. For information, contact Laura J. Thomas at:

      HKNC5LJT@aol.com

 

The Camp Lions of Illinois - Helen Keller Adult Camp is tentatively scheduled for June 10-17, 2007 at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, IL. This camp is free of charge and you will need to provide your own transportation to and from the camp. For more information and an application, contact Alan Wilson at: adwilson@tbc.net, 800-955-5466, ext. 231 (V), or 800-933-3937 (TTY).

 

      Into its 14th year, the Northern Illinois University's Institute on Deafness is offering its Certificate Training program in working with individuals who are Deaf-blind from June 10-29, 2007 in DeKalb, IL. This fifteen graduate credit program includes a three-week intensive on campus training, followed by distance learning. In collaboration with the Helen Keller National Center, it is designed to provide quality continuing education to rehabilitation professionals who wish to improve their skills in providing quality vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are Deaf-blind. Fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education/Rehabilitation Services Administration, it includes tuition, fees, travel, lodging and per diem, at no cost to accepted applicants. For more information, contact: Souellet@niu.edu, 815-753-6514 (V), 815-753-9125 (TTY).

 

LeCOBDA (the Club of Blind-Deaf Adults), is a social organization with elected officers and meets nine times a year. SSPs are welcome and below follows their schedule:

 

December 9, 2006 – Holiday Celebration at the Chgo LH
January 2007 – No LeCOBDA
February 17, 2007 – SSP Recognition Day at the Chgo LH
March 17, 2007 – Craft Day at the Chgo LH
April 21, 2007 – Bowling – Waveland Bowling Alley                        

May 19, 2007 – Celebrate LeCOBDA at a restaurant
June 2007 – No LeCOBDA
July 21, 2007 – Cruise at the Navy Pier
August 2007 – No LeCOBDA

September 15, 2007 – Lincoln Park Zoo
October 20, 2007 – Oktoberfest or Halloween at the Chgo LH
November 10, 2007 – Thanksgiving Luncheon at a restaurant
December 8, 2007 – Holiday Celebration at the Chgo LH

For additional information, contact Mindy Joy Mayer, President, at:
mindy.mayer@chicagolighthouse.org

 

NEWS FROM INDIANA

 

The Indiana Deaf-Blind Association (InDBA) had a successful leadership training program, provided by two AADB board members, this year. New officers were elected, including a PR/Grants coordinator and SSP coordinator. Their next meeting was scheduled for November 11, 2006 in Muncie. To recruit new members throughout the state, they meet at different cities. Many activities are planned for 2007. For information, contact: kcweldy@yahoo.com

 

The IN Deaf-Blind Task Force, composed of individuals who are Deaf-blind, state & agency service providers and this HKNC regional office meets every two months in Indianapolis. Several main goals include: identification/census gathering, needs assessment, consultation and training. Other current issues include: state definition of Deaf-blind, position paper on SSPs (for funding purposes) and consensus on its mission statement. For additional information, contact: Kathy.Ashley@fssa.in.gov, or call 800-545-7763.

 

The Indiana Deafblind Services Project in Terre Haute provides student and family support, technical assistance, training, including census gathering throughout the state. The project publishes Deafblind Focus twice a year and News and Notes, monthly. For more information about this project and access to their publications, go to: http://www.indstate.edu/soe/blumberg/Deafblind.html

 

      For the past four years Customized Employment (CE) was a collaborative project sponsored by the Department of Labor/Office of Disability and Employment Policy, awarded to the Indianapolis Private Industry Council in partnership with the Department of Workforce Development, Easter Seals Crossroads, Goodwill Industries and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The funding ended September 30, 2006; however, in Marion County, Indiana, Vocational Rehabilitation picked up the funding for the 5th year of the project. As of October 1, 2006, the CE project is a partnership between Goodwill of Central Indiana, Easterseals Crossroads, and Vocational Rehabilitation. The CE project is being utilized by two individuals who are Deaf-blind. This approach to employment services is based on the individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the individual. This approach assumes the provision of negotiated, reasonable accommodations and the development of supports necessary for the individual to perform the functions of a job. CE is a viable employment alternative for people with multiple barriers who couldn’t find employment using traditional Supported Employment methods. Hopefully, CE continues indefinitely and becomes Best Practices nationwide. For additional information about CE, check www.crossroads.easterseals.com, under Employment Services.

 

NEWS FROM MICHIGAN

     

The Self-Help for Independence in MI = Equalizing the Deaf-blind community (SHI-M=DB) will have its holiday gathering/meeting on December 16, 2006 at DeSales Conference Center - Family Village. For more information about SHI-M=DB, contact Jeff Smith at: jsmithshimdb@hotmail.com or Jill Gaus at: jagaus@sbcglobal.net

 

This August 2006, the 10th Annual MI DeafBlind Weekend (DBW), at the DeSales Center in Brooklyn, MI, was a huge success. Collaborating with different organizations and agencies, this program is unique in providing educational programming for both DeafBlind adults and interpreters, who want to gain knowledge and actual experience in working with DeafBlind adults. The 11th Annual MI DBW is scheduled for August 16-19, 2007 and for more information, contact: jgaus2@gmail.com

 

      The "Best Practices - a Guide and Checklist for Agencies Serving People Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf-blind " was developed by a workgroup brought together by the MI Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This is an excellent document when advocating for accommodations and access when serving as a model agency in the community. For a copy, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Guide_and_Checkpoints_125471_7.doc    

 

DB Central, Michigan Services for Children & Young Adults who are Deafblind, is a statewide technical assistance federally funded project, that provides information, training and support for families and educational professionals who have or are associated with a child who is Deafblind. Their DB Star, a quarterly publication, is available on their website. For additional information about their services, check: www.dbcentral.org or call 888-758-0508 (V/TTY).  

 
NEWS FROM MINNESOTA

 

      Check out the Minnesota DeafBlind Association (MDBA), the heart of the DeafBlind community, website, www.deafvision.net/mdba/ for information about joining, their workshops and annual events, and informational links. Their general email is: mdba@deafconnect.com

 

      DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) in St. Paul just celebrated its 20th anniversary of serving the MN Deafblind community. In addition to the many services and activities, DBSM started the DeafBlind Support Group Pilot Project. For information about their services, check www.dbsm.org or call 612-362-8454 (V), 612-362-8422 (TTY), 612-362-8433 (VP).

 

     The Minnesota Deafblind Technical Assistance Project provides support, training and technical assistance to families and educational teams, who work with infants, toddlers, and youth who are Deafblind throughout the state. Check them out at www.DBPROJECT.MN.ORG or call 800-848-4905. 

 

      The Duluth Lighthouse for the Blind/Hearing and Vision Loss Program (HVLOP) provides Intervenor/SSP services to individuals experiencing hearing and vision losses. For additional information about the HVLOP program, go to: www.lighthousefortheblind-duluth.org/HVLOP.htm or call 800-422-0833.

 

NEWS FROM OHIO

 

The Ohio Deaf-Blind Outreach Program (ODBOP) in Columbus, completed its statewide census of Deaf-blind individuals this year. This will assist the state with identification, advocacy for increased funding and advocating for specialized services. For information about the census and ODBOP’s programs, contact Dr. Jeffery Bohrman at: jbohrman@columbusspeech.org

 

The Ohio Center for Deafblind Education (OCDBE), a federally funded project, provides services in Ohio for individuals, birth through 21 years, who are Deaf-blind, including collaborative technical assistance to families, educational personnel and service providers through training and information dissemination. They publish the bi-monthly, The Buckeye Link. For more information, go to, www.ssco.org/ocdbe/deafblind.html   

 

The Ohio Association of the Deaf-Blind (OADB) hosts quarterly meetings in Columbus. In August OADB had its second Ohio Deaf-Blind Weekend for Deaf-blind campers and interpreting students. Every year, OADB puts on a holiday event during the month of December. This year’s Holiday party will be held at the Senese –Catering by Design in Columbus, on December 9, 2006. Anyone is welcomed and for further information about OADB’s events, contact Lynn Jans@aol.com  

 

Columbus Colony Elderly Care (CCEC) is the only Medicare/ Medicaid certified skilled nursing care facility in the USA, dedicated to providing health care to Deaf/HH and Deaf-blind individuals. Sharing the campus with CCEC are two independent living apartment complexes, Columbus Colony Housing (CCH) and Columbus Colony II. To learn about their programs for Deaf-blind individuals, visit their website www.columbuscolony.org   

 
NEWS FROM WISCONSIN

 

      The Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc. (CDBP) provides information & referral, rehabilitation training, services to families and communities, and SSP services. W.I.S.H. (With Impaired Sight and Hearing), a monthly social group, provides opportunities for meaningful activities and communicating with each other. They are located in Milwaukee and for additional information: www.deaf-blind.org, or call 414-481-7477.

 

Through the Wisconsin Educational Services program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP/DHH), technical assistance for students who are Deaf-blind, schools, and parents as well as assessments are provided. For information, contact: 608-261-6326 (V). WESP/DHH also works with the Wisconsin Deafblind Education (WDBE) federally-funded project, which also conducts an annual census. For information, contact: 920-929-9260 (V). Their joint website is: www.dpi.wi.gov/sped/deafblind.html 

 

The Department of Workforce Development, Vocational Rehabilitation, now has a state consultant, with specialty in providing quality services to individuals who are Deaf-blind. For assistance, contact: Kim.Bruno@dwd.state.wi.us or 262-521-5300 (V).

 

Note: Due to the limitation of space it was impossible to include everything. The updates and resources for each individual state only represent some of the activities happening. For more information or specifics, contact Laura J. Thomas at HKNC5LJT@aol.com   

 

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

 

At HKNC, we are encouraging people to put together a small “emergency bag” that could be kept at your bedside or other convenient location so you could grab it at a moment’s notice. Following is one example of a supply list (printed from the newsletter of Charlotte Regional Resource Center in Charlotte, NC) that may be helpful to you in preparing for a major disaster.

 

Water: at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food: at least enough for 3 to 7 days

-  non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices; snack foods

-  foods for infants or the elderly

-  non-electric can opener

-  cooking tools/fuel

-  paper plate/plastic utensils

Clothing: seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes

Blankets and Pillows

Special Items:

-  for babies and/or elderly

-  toiletries, hygiene items, moisture wipes

-  First Aid Kit, medicines, prescription drugs

Flashlight and Batteries

Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash: Banks & ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important Documents: inside a waterproof container

-  insurance policies

-  medical records

-  bank account information

-  Social Security card

Tools: keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items:

-  proper identification

-  ample supply of food and water

-  a carrier or kennel, muzzle and leash

 

Val Chmela, HKNC Communication Specialist, is doing work on Emergency and Disaster. She has handouts from AADB with regards to this in braille format and a large print pictorial format. She is also working on a PEPnet monograph for college freshman dorm safety and a first responders program with the American Red Cross in Washington and in New York. For more information - val.chmela@hknc.org or 516-944-8900, ext. 410 (V/TTY).

 

Many websites can alert you via email, pagers and cell phones. Check out the Weather Channel at www.weather.com or www.emergencyemail.org

 

Other Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities http://www.jik.com/disaster.html or the EPI Guide for Emergency Managers http://www.nod.org/index.cfm?

 

Some areas offer Reverse 9-1-1 to process many warning

notifications at once. Check with your local 9-1-1 to see if

TTYs, VRS and CapTel can be used with the Reverse 9-1-1 recorded messages. (Some excerpts taken from HKNC SW Newsletter, Vol. 1 Spring 2006) and (some information taken from CEPIN, Volume 1, Issue 3. Fact sheets may be downloaded at www.cepintdi.org click on National Resources).