People with disabilities largely have been excluded from emergency preparedness plans. Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities was developed to help assist such persons to deal with a variety of emergency situations.

Phase I focused on healthcare professionals who care for such persons. An eight-hour, basic, core course includes triage, transfer and transport, personal protection, patient decontamination, equipment decontamination, developing an office emergency plan, evacuation, communications, and emergency contacts. Modules for non-medical office staff include communications, staffing, personal protection, and Internet access to helpful sites.

Phase II focused on the person with disability and his/her caregivers—health professionals (visiting nurse or Home Health Aide) and families. Training modules include home preparations, preparedness kit development, and evacuation.

Methods of evacuation and transportation of patients in vertical and horizontal situations were tested. Training staff noted a lack of familiarization of triage methods, patient and staff accountability, and equipment that could be used in case of an evacuation. Training modules were modified following evaluation of the above.

Professionals and persons with disabilities can benefit from receiving emergency preparedness training. The experience and materials presented can accomplish this task. This training can serve as a model for rehabilitation professionals and the populations they serve.