CIEP ALERT Blog 06112025

Successful Collaboration with Emergency Management

Jim House, Disability/AFN Integration Manager

Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning

Washington Statewide Independent Living Council

The Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Management (CIEP) has nearly ten years of successful collaboration with emergency managers at Washington State Department of Health (DOH provides funding for CIEP), Emergency Management Division (EMD), and other state agencies. Many agencies have departments or staff that cover emergency management such as the State Department of Commerce (DOC) which promote access to equitable fixed and mobile broadband that can withstand disruptions caused by disasters, and electric grids that energize lifesaving communications and medical technologies that we all rely on and appreciate. We also work with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) who operate residential institutions and provide other services for people with disabilities around the state, and with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) during wildfires.

The Whole Community Approach to emergency management will work best only if you are involved in the planning.  People with Disabilities and other Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) are the true subject matter experts on navigating through barriers in their daily lives. CIEP has other partners in many counties and non-governmental organizations such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army, in communities around the state. These groups hold meetings where you can be at the table and leave a long-lasting impact on the communities where you live. Check out the Department of Ecology’s list of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)

If you want to meet with other subject matter experts and stay up to date on issues that impact Access and Functional Needs, come to the CIEP monthly DAFN calls. We meet virtually on the first Wednesday of each month at 10am Pacific time. Email me and I will send you an invitation.  

CIEP is also a member of The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (PIDS), the only U.S. disability-led organization with a focused mission of equity for people with disabilities and people with access and functional needs throughout all planning, programs, services and procedures before, during and after disasters and emergencies. Anyone can join this group and participate in their weekly stakeholder calls every Tuesday at noon (Pacific Time).

Please take a few minutes, browse the links in this blog, and consider where you can share your lived experiences.  Emergency management is more successful when they plan with us, not for us.  CIEP can help you find opportunities near you that align with your interests. Remember, NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!