People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by disasters, experiencing higher rates of displacement, longer periods of displacement, and greater mental distress compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Disaster preparedness for individuals with disabilities requires a tailored approach, including accessible communication, evacuation plans, and ensuring accessibility in shelters and emergency services.
Join us for an engaging webinar exploring the critical functions of disaster and emergency preparedness in the context of supporting people with disabilities. We’ll dive into how emergency management is operationalized—from planning and preparedness to response and recovery—highlighting specific examples in behavioral health response planning, individual preparedness education, and Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) sheltering. Special attention will be given to state and local preparedness efforts, caregiver readiness, and planning for special populations. This session will also provide practical strategies and resources, including how to connect with state and local emergency management colleagues, accessing FEMA training and toolkits, and ensuring a more informed approach to disaster resilience.
Cost/Certificates
NASHIA webinar attendance is FREE.
Certificate of Attendance -
Free for Members/$15 for Non-Members
Social Work CEs -
$10 for Members/$15 for Non-Members
Presenters
Liz Gerdeman is currently serving as a Managing Consultant for AC Disaster Consulting. She earned her Masters Degree in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver. Her background includes senior leadership within a statewide nonprofit, research at children's hospital, and directing a program at the CO Department of Human Services. Liz has experience with strategic planning, policy and systems improvement, infrastructure building, grant writing, program evaluation, training design and delivery.
Kate Donaldson is a Senior Consultant II for AC Disaster Consulting. She earned her master’s degree in public health from Grand Valley State University. Kate is dedicated to disaster preparedness, helping communities prevent the potential impacts of complex disasters, and building resiliency to protect marginalized populations and vulnerable systems.
Kate brings a strong background with over 10 years of public health planning, training and exercise, community engagement and outreach, and strategy development. Since joining ACDC, Kate’s work has included coordinating surge staffing and workforce development programs for long-term care and behavioral health facilities in Oregon, conducting after-action reviews, updating state-level operational plans, and developing disabilities access and functional needs (DAFN) training materials.
Liz Rowell, MPH is a Senior Emergency Management Planner with AC Disaster Consulting, bringing over a decade of experience in emergency management, public health preparedness, and emergency response. She holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Vermont and specializes in emergency planning, continuity planning, and EOC operations. Her background includes leading large-scale pandemic response efforts and serving as a Paramedic, SWAT medic, and EMS instructor. She is also trained in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, enhancing her ability to operate in high-stress environments.