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Resources
Sign Language for Emergency Situations(Pdf)
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Tips for Talking with the Hard of Hearing
Where to Find Assistance
Tips for Talking with the Hard-of-Hearing
- Face the person who is hard-of-hearing directly, on the same level, whenever possible.
- See that the light is shining on the speaker's face, not in the eyes of the person who is hard-of-hearing.
- Be aware of the possible distortion of sound for the person who is hard-of-hearing. The person may hear you but still have difficulty understanding some words.
- Do not talk from another room; if you must, make sure the person has heard you call; tell the person who you are.
- Remember that everyone hears less and undertands less when they are tired or ill.
- Speak in a normal fashion without shouting or elaborately mouthing words. Words spoken a bit more slowly, not run together too rapidly, are clearer than those which are shouted and exaggerated.
- Keep your hands away from your face while talking. If you are eating, chewing, smoking, etc, while talking, your speech will be more difficult to understand.
- If a person has difficulty understanding a particular phrase or word, find a different way of saying the same thing rather than repeating the original words over and over.
- Avoid talking too rapidly or using sentences which are too complex and go on too long. Slow down; pause between sentences or phrases; wait to make sure you have been understood before continuing.
- If you are giving specific information, such as time or place, be sure it is repeated back to you by the person who is hard-of-hearing. Many numbers and words sound alike!
- Avoid sudden change of topic. If the subject has been changed, tell the person who is hard-of-hearing, "We are talking about ________ now."
- The hard-of-hearing person may be sensitive to loud sounds, even though the individual does not hear faint ones. This reduced tolerance for loud sound is often associated with being hard-of-hearing.
Columbus Speech & Hearing Center
4110 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43214
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Where to Find Assistance
People First Language | Governmental and Legislative Resources | Funding Sites | Disability Related Organizations | Additional Resources
Do you have a web resource that you would like to see included on this page? Please email the URL and a description to Beth Stevens, National Chair, Disability Task Force, at stevensb@seva-redcross.org.
People First Language:
http://www.kidstogether.org/pep-1st.htm
This site discusses the myths and misconceptions of people with disabilities.
http://www.kidstogether.org/pep-ex.htm
This site gives a grid of appropriate language to use when writing about and speaking to people with disabilities.
Governmental and Legislative Resources:
The Administration on Aging
http://www.aoa.gov/
The Administration on Aging (AoA) web site includes information designed for Older Americans and their families as well as those concerned about providing the opportunities and services to enrich the lives of older persons and support their independence. *Has link to the American Red Cross re: Disaster
National Council on Disability
http://www.ncd.gov/
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
National Council on Disability Youth Advisory Committee
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/advisory/youth/youth.html
The National Council on Disability (NCD) Youth Advisory Committee provides advice to the National Council on Disability on various issues such as NCD's planning and priorities. NCD is seeking this type of input in order to make sure NCD's activities and policy recommendations respond to the needs of youth with disabilities.
Presidential Task Force On Employment of Adults with Disabilities
http://www.dol.gov/dol/_sec/public/programs/ptfead/main.htm
On March 13, 1998, President Clinton signed into law Executive Order 13078, establishing the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities. The mandate of the Task Force is to evaluate existing Federal programs to determine what changes, modifications, and innovations may be necessary to remove barriers to employment opportunities faced by adults with disabilities.
The Access Board
http://www.access-board.gov/
The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. It operates with about 30 staff and a governing board of representatives from Federal departments and public members appointed by the President. Key responsibilities of the Board include:
- developing and maintaining accessibility requirements for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology
- providing technical assistance and training on these guidelines and standards
- enforcing accessibility standards for federally funded facilities
Access to Transportation
http://www.dot.gov/accessibility/
For the 54 million Americans with disabilities, access means simply being able to use, enjoy and participate in the many aspects of society, including work, commerce and leisure activities. Transportation is a vital link that allows full participation. The Department is committed to building a transportation system that provides access for all Americans. This site contains extensive links to accessible transportation sites.
FUNDING SITES:
Youth Funding Sources
NHQ posts a current list of funding sources for youth-related activities. Some of them may specifically relate to youth with disabilities.
https://corpweb.redcross.org/youth/fundingopps/index.html#disgrants
Capital Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities
http://www.cfda.gov/public/viewprog.asp?progid=644
Assistance for Indian Children with Severe Disabilities
http://www.cfda.gov/public/viewprog.asp?progid=407
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
Department of Justice:
Disability Related Organizations
National Service Inclusion Project
http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/
The National Service Inclusion Project offers individualized technical assistance (on site, phone, or email) regarding disability issues in addition to providing resources on service and disability issues such as recruitment, ADA accommodations, and training.
National Service Resource Center
http://nationalserviceresources.org/
This Center has created a free, online handbook entitled, "Inclusion: Creating an Inclusive Environment." This resource is designed specifically for national and community service programs. It will assist you as you work to fully and meaningfully include individuals with disabilities in your program. You will find specific resources to assist you in different areas of outreach, recruitment, selection, and retention of participants with disabilities. The handbook can be accessed here
The National Center for Volunteering
www.volunteering.org/uk
The National Center of Volunteering recently published an online guide on how
to involve volunteers with mental health problems. The manual entitled, "You
Cannot be Serious!" is full of practical information, stories, tools, and resources
that all volunteer directors need to provide support and advice to volunteers with
mental health issues. The document can be downloaded in PDF version or
in MS Word version.
Brain Injury Association of America
http://www.biausa.org
This website is for people with traumatic brain injury. It tells about the statistics, treatment, and support groups available for people with brain injuries.
The National Organization on Disability
http://www.nod.org/
The National Organization on Disability promotes full and equal participation of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life.
The National Organization on Disability has published a new manual entitled Emergency Preparedness Initiative Guide for Emergency Managers, Planners & Responders. This resource highlights key disability concerns for officials and experts responsible for emergency planning in their communities. This guide also helps emergency managers, planners and responders make the best use of resources to include all citizens of the community in emergency preparedness plans. To access the guide, go to National Organization on Disability's webpage or visit directly at: http://www.nod.org/cont/dsp_cont_item_view.cfm?viewType=itemView&contentId=1267.
Disability Resources, inc.
http://www.disabilityresources.org/DRMabout.html
Disability Resources, inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently.
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
http://www.c-c-d.org/
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a Coalition of national consumer, advocacy, provider and professional organizations headquartered in Washington, D.C. Since 1973, the CCD has advocated on behalf of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities and their families. CCD has worked to achieve federal legislation and regulations that assure that the 54 million children and adults with disabilities are fully integrated into the mainstream of society.
The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association
http://www.pwsausa.org/
This national membership association dedicated to Prader-Willi syndrome has as its stated mission: "to provide to parents and professionals a national and international network of information, support services, and research endeavors to expressly meet the needs of affected children and adults and their families."
United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucpa.org/
The national United Cerebral Palsy organization and its nationwide network of 135 affiliates strive to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society - from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, through our commitment to the principles of independence, inclusion and self-determination.
The National Down Syndrome Society
http://www.ndss.org/
Through education, research and advocacy, the National Down Syndrome Society works to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.
National Down Syndrome Congress
http://www.ndsccenter.org/
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a national advocacy organization for people with Down syndrome. They provide leadership in all areas of concern related to persons with Down syndrome. In that capacity, NDSC is a major source of support and empowerment to persons with Down syndrome and their families
American Association on Mental Retardation
http://www.aamr.org/index.shtml
Since 1876, the American Association on Mental Retardation( AAMR) has been providing leadership in the field of mental retardation. AAMR is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about mental retardation and related disabilities.
Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
http://www.bazelon.org/
The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization, which focuses on legal advocacy for the civil rights and human dignity of people with mental illness.
Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.efa.org/
The Epilepsy Foundation is a national, charitable organization dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy. Their mission is to work for children and adults affected by seizures through research, education, advocacy and service.
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
http://www.nichcy.org/
NICHCY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. Our special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).
The Arc of the United States
http://www.thearc.org/
The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
http://www.pva.org/
The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1947, has developed a unique expertise in a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members--veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord dysfunction.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
http://www.spinalcord.org/
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association is the nation's oldest and largest civilian organization dedicated to helping the hundreds of thousands of Americans suffering the catastrophic results of spinal cord injury and disease.
National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/
The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold-to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Service Days and Events
http://www.pointsoflight.org/involved/involved.html
"This guide offers some suggestions on planning your service event to be inclusive of people with disabilities. It often references other resources available for more extensive information on project planning, strategies for utilizing the media, and other general topics that might help you plan for your project or event. Here you will find information on outreach to individuals with disabilities, enlisting their help in planning and recruitment, and some project ideas to make your event more accessible and inclusive of many interests, abilities, and skills."
Removing Barriers: Tips and Strategies to Promote Successful Communication http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncodh/Communicate.html
"This guide focuses on ways to effectively communicate and interact with people with disabilities by providing information and tips that can be incorporated in the workplace as well as in other activities of daily community living. Most of the recommendations are low- or no-cost approaches that would be easy to implement in a variety of settings including government, non profits, advocacy agencies, private businesses, the general public and the media."
Disability Etiquette Handbook
https://corpweb.redcross.org/diversity/links/diversityandworklife/etiquette.html
The City of San Antonio, Texas, Planning Department and the Disability Advisory Committee have prepared this Disability Etiquette Handbook to enhance the opportunities for persons with disabilities to pursue their careers and independent lifestyles. The handbook includes information on etiquette for greeting and assisting a person with a disability, interviewing technique etiquette, conversational etiquette, and tips on effective communication.
Abledata
http://www.abledata.com
Information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment and more
Assistive Tech.net
http://www.assistivetech.net
Database of assistive technology projects and more
Tech Connections
http://www.techconnections.org/
Information on Assistive Technology (AT) designed to accommodate people with disabilities in the workplace and in everyday life activities
Disability Awareness Merit Badge, Boy Scouts of America
http://boyscouts-marin.org/wwswd/Disability_Awareness_MB.htm
Information on how to earn the Disability Awareness Merit Badge offered by Boy Scouts of America.
disABILITY Information and Resources
http://www.makoa.org/
Additional Links to information on disability
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