NAD, Disability Groups, Meet With Department of Homeland Security

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), along with representatives of disability rights and advocacy groups, met with Secretary Tom Ridge and other senior leaders of the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security on October 22, 2003, to discuss employment, emergency preparedness, and access to technology.

Secretary Ridge expressed his desire that the Department of Homeland Security become a model agency for employment of people with disabilities. Participants shared ideas about employment opportunities at all levels within the Department, internship and employment programs, and recruitment efforts. Meetings with senior leaders within the Department will be held to coordinate these efforts.

The groups explained that emergency preparedness planning must include plans to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Ongoing training was recommended for agency employees on disability issues, including awareness and sensitivity training. All of the groups agreed that individualized emergency plans need to be developed and practiced.

In addition, it was noted that following the attacks on 9/11, the visible use of cell phones highlighted the need for access to information and communication with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. A report of the experiences of people who are deaf or hard of hearing following the attacks on 9/11 is being prepared by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Action Nework (DHHCAN) and will be shared with the Department.

Accessible information technology is needed for the Department’s employees and must be developed for information and communication access with the public.