WEEK 8 - SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 1
Week 8 - Signature Assignment: Develop a Short Research Plan
Disaster Preparedness with the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled
in California
Submitted by Charles J. Cook Jr.
Northcentral University
Submitted to Dr. Sharon Kimmel
March 22, 2020
Keywords: Disabilities, Disaster Preparedness, Intellectual and
Developmentally Disabled, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Lanterman Act
Week 8 - Signature Assignment: Develop a Short Research Plan
Introduction
,WEEK 8 - SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 2
Today, we see an increase in natural disasters such as earthquakes,
wildfires and floods. Furthermore, we are seeing an increase in human-made
disasters such as active shooters, terrorist attacks, mass casualty events and
power outages. These events, whether natural or human-made, have a
profound effect on the intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD)
citizen. Bathi and Das (2016) stated that “people that need physical help,
especially those who are living in assisted living facilities and dependent
children less than 18 years of age are the most vulnerable during a disaster
cycle.” These individuals live in the shadows of our society and struggle day-
to-day and often are ignored in the preparation and training for a disaster
because of a misunderstanding of their disability. The fact is these individuals
need to be included in the training and preparedness for a disaster, so they
are empowered and included in times of chaos.
Problem Statement
It is believed the I/DD community in California is not ready for a natural
or human-made disaster due to a lack of training, regulations and
appropriate doctrine. The lack of preparedness is placing not only the
individual who is I/DD in danger, but the businesses that serve and provide
support for them are also at risk. Many barriers exist to accessing training,
such as cultural, transportation, easy to understand language, use of
acronyms and lingo by trainers.
Parents/caregivers and businesses who manage the care of a child or
an adult with I/DD have the additional stress of managing day-to-day battles
, WEEK 8 - SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 3
with medical and behavioral issues. Most are genuinely being overwhelmed
with life, and disaster preparedness is one more thing to do. A person with a
disability often has no choice but to rely on their family or caregiver. Studies
have shown that parents and caregivers of those with I/DD have experienced
deterioration in both physical and mental health based on the stress of
caring for a loved one. (Kim, 2017) Also, Radzilani-Makatu (2014) points out, “the
presence of a child with special health care need can have a profound impact
on the entire family.” (p.446)
Title 17 is the portion of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) that
contains laws pertaining to the Department of Developmental Services
(DDS). The agency provides funding for services for those with I/DD and does
not define power outage as a “special event.” (Title 17 of the California code of
regulations, 2001) Furthermore, Title 22 of the CCR, contains the rules that an
owner operator of a residential care facility for elderly (RCFE), adult
residential facility (ARF) or day program, have to comply with. Operating a
facility requires a disaster and mass casualty plan of action in writing, but
does not define “disaster” or “mass casualty.” As well, Title 22 does not
define loss of electricity as a “reportable requirement.” A loss of electricity
for some individuals with I/DD could be life threatening due to equipment
required for treatment. These short comings represent a lack of appropriate
doctrine and regulations to ensure the individual with I/DD is prepared for a
disaster and safety is maintained. (Title 22, of the California code of regulations, 1998)
Week 8 - Signature Assignment: Develop a Short Research Plan
Disaster Preparedness with the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled
in California
Submitted by Charles J. Cook Jr.
Northcentral University
Submitted to Dr. Sharon Kimmel
March 22, 2020
Keywords: Disabilities, Disaster Preparedness, Intellectual and
Developmentally Disabled, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Lanterman Act
Week 8 - Signature Assignment: Develop a Short Research Plan
Introduction
,WEEK 8 - SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 2
Today, we see an increase in natural disasters such as earthquakes,
wildfires and floods. Furthermore, we are seeing an increase in human-made
disasters such as active shooters, terrorist attacks, mass casualty events and
power outages. These events, whether natural or human-made, have a
profound effect on the intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD)
citizen. Bathi and Das (2016) stated that “people that need physical help,
especially those who are living in assisted living facilities and dependent
children less than 18 years of age are the most vulnerable during a disaster
cycle.” These individuals live in the shadows of our society and struggle day-
to-day and often are ignored in the preparation and training for a disaster
because of a misunderstanding of their disability. The fact is these individuals
need to be included in the training and preparedness for a disaster, so they
are empowered and included in times of chaos.
Problem Statement
It is believed the I/DD community in California is not ready for a natural
or human-made disaster due to a lack of training, regulations and
appropriate doctrine. The lack of preparedness is placing not only the
individual who is I/DD in danger, but the businesses that serve and provide
support for them are also at risk. Many barriers exist to accessing training,
such as cultural, transportation, easy to understand language, use of
acronyms and lingo by trainers.
Parents/caregivers and businesses who manage the care of a child or
an adult with I/DD have the additional stress of managing day-to-day battles
, WEEK 8 - SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 3
with medical and behavioral issues. Most are genuinely being overwhelmed
with life, and disaster preparedness is one more thing to do. A person with a
disability often has no choice but to rely on their family or caregiver. Studies
have shown that parents and caregivers of those with I/DD have experienced
deterioration in both physical and mental health based on the stress of
caring for a loved one. (Kim, 2017) Also, Radzilani-Makatu (2014) points out, “the
presence of a child with special health care need can have a profound impact
on the entire family.” (p.446)
Title 17 is the portion of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) that
contains laws pertaining to the Department of Developmental Services
(DDS). The agency provides funding for services for those with I/DD and does
not define power outage as a “special event.” (Title 17 of the California code of
regulations, 2001) Furthermore, Title 22 of the CCR, contains the rules that an
owner operator of a residential care facility for elderly (RCFE), adult
residential facility (ARF) or day program, have to comply with. Operating a
facility requires a disaster and mass casualty plan of action in writing, but
does not define “disaster” or “mass casualty.” As well, Title 22 does not
define loss of electricity as a “reportable requirement.” A loss of electricity
for some individuals with I/DD could be life threatening due to equipment
required for treatment. These short comings represent a lack of appropriate
doctrine and regulations to ensure the individual with I/DD is prepared for a
disaster and safety is maintained. (Title 22, of the California code of regulations, 1998)
