The Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) program works with Independent Living Centers (ILCs) throughout California to help provide community-based education, awareness, preparation, and resources for all types of emergencies.
In honor of National Preparedness Month, we recently reached out to the Disability Action Center (DAC), a Northern California-based Disability Disaster Access and Resources Center (DDARC) to share what may happen when you contact an ILC for emergency preparation and guidance.
DAC’s DDARC specialists learned through boots on the ground experience helping thousands of individuals that emergencies take multiple forms. In the past five years, their team faced twenty declared FEMA disasters in their service region. A variety of emergency situations under their belt quickly showed them the importance of what it means to prepare.
What Happens When I Connect for Information and Services?
They use three important steps: Assess. Intake. Match. (AIM) They shared with us how their Center helps you “AIM for Safety”:
Step 1 – “Assess”: Your first step is to share your daily care routine with an ILC specialist.
- Do you require help to bathe, eat, walk, or move around your home?
- What medical equipment do you use daily? Walker? Cane? Bath chair?
- Do you use equipment that requires electricity? Nebulizer? Oxygen concentrator? Motorized chair or bed?
- Do you have medications that require refrigeration? Amoxicillin? Chlorambucil? Regular insulin?
DAC’s specialists help determine what is important for you to maintain and remember when an emergency happens. Your comfort and safety matters, and you can receive help by phone or by appointment at the Center.
Step 2 – “Intake”: Next, the specialist guides you through the Center’s Intake Interview process. The brief questions presented provide our team with your demographic and health-based information. Your specialist requires this information to understand what programs may best meet your circumstances. During the intake, you will identify goals like “I want to create my personal Emergency Plan,” or “I would like to find solutions to remain safer in my home during power outages.” Your information remains confidential and is only shared when you give your permission.
Step 3 – “Match” Once you receive an Assessment and complete the required Intake, the team will Match you with the best possible services and solutions based on the goals you identified. That may include some or all of the following:
- Individualized Independent Living Center Support and Strategies
- Medical Baseline Enrollment assistance
- Disaster Preparedness and Training
- Portable Batteries for use during power outages
- Hotel support during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Emergency Food Access
Thank you so much, DAC, for sharing this information with us, and thank you for all of the work you do to keep your community safe!
If you do not yet have an emergency preparedness plan in place or are interested in receiving services, you can begin your journey by applying online for DDAR services, or by connecting directly with your local DDARC.
