The ANSI-HSSP, in collaboration with the National Organization on Disability (NOD) Emergency Preparedness Initiative ( EPI) and the NFPA Disability Access Review and Advisory Committee (DARAC), has launched a Workshop to examine existing and/or needed standards for Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. This is an issue that has been raised in previous ANSI-HSSP Workshops and Plenary meetings, leading to the decision to have a focused Workshop devoted entirely to this important subject area.

Over 100 stakeholders, including representatives from standards development organizations, government agencies, and disability advocacy groups attended the two day meeting. In a series of panels, roundtable discussions, and public input sessions, participants discussed real-life examples of evacuation of people with disabilities from recent events, the strengths and weaknesses of existing standards, and priorities in creating standards for emergency preparedness.

To view the final workshop report and executive summary please visit the workshop website..

As a result of the workshop, ANSI-HSSP will form a task group to identify and prioritize specific needs, including public education; enhanced federal policy; transportation needs; and other issues. The Panel will also develop input to code developing organizations, state, local, and government agencies for use in their policy development procedures.

For more details on this workshop, please contact Karen Hughes (khughes@ansi.org) or Jessica Carl (jcarl@ansi.org).