By Loni Koller, American Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer
On July 26 the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) turns 31! National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of this federally recognized day which established guidelines for people with disabilities. Did you know that people with disabilities represent the nation’s largest minority group with nearly one in five identifying with some type of disability or about 56.7 million Americans?
Since 2017, the American Red Cross Disability Integration (DI) program, although young when compared to 140 years of American Red Cross history, ensures that the ADA guidelines are followed. The DI program is made up of Red Cross volunteers who are committed to a fully inclusive, equitable and integrated environment where the whole community is empowered and engaged throughout the disaster cycle of Prepare, Respond, Recover.
“As DI subject matter experts, we view each disability need as a puzzle piece,” says John Mathews, a 35-year Red Cross volunteer and Southwest and Rocky Mountain (SWaRM) division DI Zone Lead. “DI volunteers find ways to take that puzzle piece and ensure that all parties have equal access to all our programs and services,” he concludes.
Examples of a disability puzzle piece:
- A person who uses a wheelchair needs access to our shelter, but the entrance door is too narrow (ADA guideline states a minimum of 32 inches) to accommodate a wheelchair.
- A person whose primary language is not English is having difficulty communicating.
- During a hurricane, a person who uses a CPAP machine (treats people with sleep apnea) needs consistent power and will rely on a power generator if the shelter loses electricity.
- A family with an autistic child finds the shelter environment overly chaotic and extremely stressful.
Where does DI fit within RED CROSS? “We touch every line of service and are an integral part of the Red Cross,” Gail Schmeidler. SWaRM’s DI Advisor, says. Gail further explains, “In Preparedness, how to communicate smoke alarms to a deaf community. With External Relations, finding a partner to support accessible housing. Sheltering, are we using the universal icon signage that assists people with access and functional needs? And in Feeding, providing food that fits the cultural and health needs of the community or workforce.”
As ADA guidelines matured, other changes came to light, like People’s-First Language which emphasizes the individuality, equality and dignity of people with disabilities. Rather than defining people primarily by their disability (wheelchair bound), instead it’s a “person who uses a wheelchair”. A person is not “retarded or mentally defective” they are instead a “person with an intellectual, cognitive or developmental disability.”
As we recognize National Disability Independence Day and the signing of the ADA, what changes have you seen and what changes are still needed? The small and mighty team of DI volunteers ask you to stay engaged, ask questions and make sure that ALL ARE WELCOME at the Red Cross!
Interested in hearing more about DI? Ask your DI Chapter, Regional or Zone Lead or contact Gail Schmeidler at gail.schmeidler@redcross.org.