FEMA Publishes Reference Guide on Federal Disability Laws

August 21, 2007 -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a new reference guide that outlines existing legal requirements and standards relating to access for people with disabilities. A Reference Guide for Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing and Human Services is the first of a series of disability-related guidelines to be produced by FEMA for disaster preparedness and response planners and service providers at all levels.

The Reference Guide summarizes equal access requirements for people with disabilities within Disaster Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services functions. The Guide explains how applicable Federal laws relate to government entities and non-government, private sector and religious organizations, and was developed by FEMA's Office of Equal Rights in coordination with the members of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities (ICC), led by the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

The development and publication of the Reference Guide is the first step in meeting the requirement of Section 689 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, [enacted in Title V of P.L. 109-295, DHS Appropriations Act of 2007], to develop disability related guidelines for use by those who serve individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster relief. It is the beginning of a comprehensive initiative by FEMA to provide guidance for including persons with disabilities or other special needs in all areas of emergency management activities, including evacuation, housing, sheltering, transportation, and communications.