RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
WASHINGTON — On July 26, FEMA commemorates the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FEMA’s efforts to incorporate it into our mission. The ADA guides FEMA’s commitment to improving services and programs so that they are equitably available to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
“We have made significant updates to survivor assistance. These changes drastically improve our ability to meaningfully help people with disabilities,” said Administrator Criswell. “This is part of the work we are doing to reach communities disproportionately impacted by disasters more effectively to empower them to rebuild their lives.”
When the ADA legislation passed in 1990, it added to the protections afforded to people with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which provided civil rights legislation that protects people with disabilities from discrimination by federal agencies and federally funded programs. It ensures that FEMA, including members of the workforce with disabilities, community and disability stakeholders and governmental partners at every level have a strong foundation to work together so that disaster survivors with disabilities have equitable access to services and programs, while preserving their independence.
“The ADA goes beyond ensuring fairness, dignity and access for people with disabilities by accelerating recovery for survivors who rely on medications, medical devices, service animals and personal care services to function,” said FEMA Disability Coordinator and Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
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