June 1, 2010
Video to Help People with Disabilities Better Prepare for Disasters
– – –Independent Living Resource Centre Video Focuses on Ways to Reduce Barriers Faced During Stressful Emergencies: Howard
A new video released by the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) will help people with disabilities and their families be better prepared for disasters, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for persons with disabilities, said today, during Manitoba Access Awareness Week.
“This multimedia training tool will educate people with disabilities, their service providers and emergency responders about effective ways to meet the needs of people who face additional risks during disasters and emergencies,” said Howard. “This important initiative is the result of close collaboration between the province, the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon, Global Television and many disability organizations.”
“This new video will help viewers better understand and work to reduce barriers that people with disabilities face, especially during stressful and uncertain times such as a disaster or emergency,” said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for emergency measures. “Preparations must be based on a person’s specific needs.”
“The ILRC is committed to providing training as a proactive means of addressing the challenges and barriers facing people with disabilities in a variety of environments and situations,” said Doug Lockhart, of the centre. “The response to our new training module on disaster preparedness has been very positive. People now recognize that it is always possible they will be affected by an emergency of some sort. We’re here to teach them to be prepared.”
The video includes a variety of formats including American Sign Language and captioning. It deals with disasters such as floods, wildfires, tornados, train derailments, and electricity or gas outages during frigid winter storms.
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