Emergency Planning for People with Access and Functional Needs

This report serves as a tool for New York City residents and emergency planners representing government and nonprofit sectors. It is organized around the seven topics represented at the 2015 Access and Functional Needs Symposium and provides an overview of challenges, proposed solutions, best practices, and resources that were discussed by participants. Each topic is divided into the following sections:

• Overview—provides general information and context about emergency planning programs, services, resources that were discussed at the Symposium
• Take Action and What to Know — highlights key information and action items for people with access and functional needs and their providers, if applicable
• Challenges and Recommendations Identified by Participants—summarizes challenges and best practices that may be replicated by other organizations or programs

This report is a resource for preparedness planning for individuals, organizations and community members. Please share it widely so that we may continue to work together to enhance emergency planning efforts. Your feedback and comments are welcome at citizencorps@oem.nyc.gov. For general inquiries, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115).