Presenter: Jessica Madrigal and Peter Berg

There is a great need to understand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (i.e., physical, sensory, cognitive, psychiatric, etc.) and those faced by seniors in emergency situations. By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that one out of every three people will have a disability. Decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a person’s ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency. This session will address the criteria and information necessary to integrate the needs of people with disabilities into an inclusive evacuation strategy. This session will help attendees understand the needs of persons with a range of disabilities and teach them how to work with building owners and managers, employers, and building occupants to formulate and maintain inclusive evacuation plans and procedures.