Positive Approaches Journal, Volume 13, Issue 3
Cramer & Lubetsky | 22-27
Volume 13 ► Issue 3 ► December 2024
Aid in PA: Resources for Emergency Preparedness
Ryan Cramer, LSW & Martin Lubetsky, MD
Background
As the COVID-19 pandemic began, it became evident that there was a need for an accurate source of emergency information and resources for Pennsylvanians who are autistic and/or have an intellectual/developmental disability (IDD). Through a collaboration of the Autism Services, Education Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT), Health Care Quality Units (HCQU), Philadelphia Autism Project, and Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), the Aid in PA website (Aid in PA) was launched. Included on the site were webinars, developed printable resources, and links to information from trusted sources. Over the last four and a half years, Aid in PA has evolved. The focus of the site has expanded to address resource needs of a wider range of challenges and trauma support, and to include emergency preparedness.
Emergency Preparedness
The International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies defines emergency preparedness as “the capacity of individuals, communities, and organizations to anticipate, respond to, and recover from emergency or disaster situations1.” Emergency experiences are traumatic for all people but can present unique challenges for individuals who are autistic and/or have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and those who support them. Quickly processing and responding to change and coping with stress are just some of the components of an emergency that may be particularly difficult for this community.
Available Resources
ASERT has developed resources that can be used to help prepare for emergencies and disasters that most often occur in Pennsylvania. These resources focus on the needs of the autistic and IDD communities. Resources are developed with the input of self-advocates, those that support them, and experts in emergency preparedness.
Disasters that Happen in Pennsylvania
There are several disasters that can occur in Pennsylvania, which include both natural catastrophes and human-caused events2. One way to maintain safety in these disasters is to be prepared. A user-friendly and concrete way of presenting information on being prepared is using social stories. ASERT has developed social stories to assist individuals with understanding both the disaster, as well as how to be prepared for their occurrence. Some of the available social stories include: being prepared for a winter weather storm, a fire, a flood, thunder and lightning storms, extreme heat, and power outages. These are available for download at: Natural Catastrophe Social Stories — AID In PA.
During a natural disaster, it may not be possible to stay in your home or it may not be safe to stay there. It may be necessary to evacuate. This is a significant disruption to a routine and involves leaving very quickly from somewhere that is familiar. The resources at Aid in PA provide information on being prepared for evacuations by making a plan for “before” the evacuation, “during” the evacuation, and “after” the evacuation. Printable resources and a social story on evacuation during a disaster are available at: Evacuating Your Home During a Natural Disaster.
Social Story on Sheltering in Place
While evacuation during a disaster can be a stressful and disruptive experience, being asked to remain at home and shelter in place could potentially be just as disruptive. To prepare for sheltering in place and to ease some of the stress of the unknown, performing a periodic review of what to expect may be helpful. ASERT has developed a sheltering in place social story to assist with this review. The social story provides an overview of sheltering in place and what one may be able to do and not do during this emergency direction. This social story can be downloaded at: Shelter in Place Social Story.
Trauma Informed Emergency Shelter Tool Kits
A shelter is a place to go during natural disasters or conflicts, like when something happens in someone’s home. The purpose is to provide personal safety, protection from the weather, and disease prevention. A typical stay is for 12-72 hours (about three days) but can be longer when needed. Shelters provide basic needs such as: a safe space to get away from the emergency, restroom facilities, water, food, diapers, hygiene products like toothbrushes and soap, and medical assistance when necessary. Most people have never had to stay in a shelter before, so it can be a new and stressful experience. This is especially true for someone who may have difficulty communicating their needs and who may be overwhelmed due to change and sensory overstimulation.
ASERT, in collaboration with the PA Department of Human Services (PADHS), and Disaster Disability Integration Task Force, developed a set of trauma-informed emergency shelter narrative tool kits. PADHS provides several resources that can support people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs during disasters3. The purpose of the toolkits developed by ASERT and PADHS is to inform self-advocates, families, caregivers, and Direct Support Professionals on how to best support persons with sensory needs, including autistic individuals and individuals with intellectual disabilities, in a disaster shelter setting. Topics in the tool kits include: what to expect in a shelter, identifying and communicating needs, sensory needs, behavioral needs, physical health needs, social and communication needs, and dealing with trauma. The tool kits are available to be downloaded here: Emergency Preparedness Shelter Toolkits.
Summary
Being prepared for emergencies is vitally important for everyone. Being able to confidently respond to emergencies, often requires not only awareness of what to expect, but also having the opportunity to practice what you will need to do in these situations. Practice and rehearsal are often a very effective way to learn a variety of skills, and to be prepared for how you or someone you support or care about may react in what could be a very stressful time. The resources reviewed here are useful tools to assist with that process.
References
1. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2011). Disaster management: Strategy and coordination (MAA00029) – Global plan 2010–2011. Retrieved from Disaster and Crisis Preparedness.
2. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Most Likely Emergencies in Pennsylvania. Retrieved November 25, 2024, From Most Likely Emergencies in Pennsylvania.
3. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Mass Care and Emergency Assistance. Retrieved November 25, 2024, From Mass Care & Emergency Assistance | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Biographies
Ryan Cramer is a Licensed Social Worker who has worked to support adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the last 30 years. He started as a Direct Support Professional in residential programs for individuals with complex needs. Throughout his career he has worked as an administrator of programs, a therapist, consultant, and trainer. Ryan currently manages all training, outreach, and resource development initiatives in the ASERT Western Region Collaborative at UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s, Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Martin Lubetsky, M.D., is a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Senior Advisor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Lubetsky has worked in the clinical, training, administrative, and research areas of autism, developmental disabilities, and child and adolescent psychiatry for over thirty-eight years. He provided diagnostic and clinical services to children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disabilities with mental health issues. He has been active in developing awareness and support for the growth of community-based services. He is co-editor of the book Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oxford University Press, Inc.
Contact Information
Ryan Cramer, LSW
Assistant Director, ASERT Collaborative
Email: cramerrd@upmc.edu
Martin Lubetsky, M.D.
Director, ASERT Collaborative
Email: lubetskymj@upmc.edu