The Inclusive Hurricane Preparedness Conference will bring together emergency management and disability stakeholders from states throughout the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Seaboard to discuss the latest issues in preparing and responding to vulnerable populations during hurricanes.

This two-day conference is hosted by enableUS and the Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN) and will examine some of the greatest challenges that emergency managers face when responding to disability communities during hurricanes. The conference will focus on relationship building and the benefits of integrating disability organizations in hurricane planning and preparedness stages.  Speakers from national, state and local government agencies and organizations will focus on programs that have worked in their communities as well as continued shortfalls and challenges that they experience. 

Through networking breaks between each phase, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with speakers and other attendees to exchange information about best practices and share personal experiences fostering an environment of cooperation and education.

What You Will Learn

Sheltering Issues

• Special Needs vs. Medical Shelters
• Integrating Special Needs Evacuees Into General Population Shelters
• Accessibility in Your Shelter

Building Community Partnerships

• Integrating the Private Sector, Faith-Based Organizations, Disability Organizations and Emergency Management Into a Working Relationship
• Transitioning Long Term Recovery Committees into Long Term Recovery Organizations
• Reciprocal Agreements with Neighboring Communities and States

Disability Population Demographics

• What Does Your Disability Community Look Like
• How 311 and 211 Systems and Special Needs Registries Help
• Self-Identification Challenges - Dialysis, Obesity, Diabetes, etc

Evacuating Your Community

• Updating Your Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements
• Community Infrastructure Capabilities
• Compliant Evacuation Transportation Needs