Addressing Access and Functional Needs (AFN) in School and IHE Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). Access & Functional Needs Fact Sheet

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Addressing Access and Functional Needs (AFN) in School and IHE Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). Access & Functional Needs Fact Sheet
Language: English
Authors: Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center
Source: Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center (REMS). 2016.
Availability: REMS TA Center. 8757 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tel: 855-781-7367; e-mail: info@remstacenter.org; Website: https://rems.ed.gov/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 4
Publication Date: 2016
Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education (ED)
Document Type: Guides - General
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Emergency Programs, Planning, Special Needs Students, Accessibility (for Disabled), Needs, Program Development, Elementary Secondary Education, Higher Education, At Risk Persons
Abstract: Students or staff with access and functional needs (AFN) are those who need accommodations and modifications due to a temporary or permanent condition that limits their ability to take some actions in the event of an emergency. An access or a functional need may be due to physical, sensory, behavioral, mental health, intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities; chronic conditions; injuries; and limited English proficiency (LEP) or an inability to speak English. These individuals may have physical, programmatic, or communication accessibility needs before, during, and after an emergency for which schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs) should plan. This fact sheet begins by taking a look at where this issue is today. Using the "Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans" (see ED571878) and "Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education" (see ED571877) as a foundation, the fact sheet goes on to discuss a six-step planning process to help schools and IHEs develop a high-quality emergency operation plan (EOP) that is flexible, adaptable, and customized to the building or institution level. Lastly, example courses of action that schools and IHEs have implemented to help meet the needs of students and staff with AFN in the areas of communications, evacuation, and sheltering-in-place are described. An annotated list of key resources is also provided.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2019
Accession Number: ED598718
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Students or staff with access and functional needs (AFN) are those who need accommodations and modifications due to a temporary or permanent condition that limits their ability to take some actions in the event of an emergency. An access or a functional need may be due to physical, sensory, behavioral, mental health, intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities; chronic conditions; injuries; and limited English proficiency (LEP) or an inability to speak English. These individuals may have physical, programmatic, or communication accessibility needs before, during, and after an emergency for which schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs) should plan. This fact sheet begins by taking a look at where this issue is today. Using the "Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans" (see ED571878) and "Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education" (see ED571877) as a foundation, the fact sheet goes on to discuss a six-step planning process to help schools and IHEs develop a high-quality emergency operation plan (EOP) that is flexible, adaptable, and customized to the building or institution level. Lastly, example courses of action that schools and IHEs have implemented to help meet the needs of students and staff with AFN in the areas of communications, evacuation, and sheltering-in-place are described. An annotated list of key resources is also provided.