EM & ADA
The Emergency Management ADA Accessibility Plan aims to ensure that emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation services are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This plan is designed in compliance with the Robert T. Stafford Act, the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and FEMA guidelines. Its purpose is to identify barriers, propose solutions, and outline best practices to provide equal access in emergency management programs.
Dozens of languages other than English are spoken throughout Saint Paul. Having the resources available to readily translate messages for the non-English speaking community, including an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, as needed, throughout the entire incident, is a necessary consideration and resource. Not every message or incident requires this.
Purpose & Scope
The purpose of this Annex is to establish a system that gathers and disseminates emergency–related information to the general public. This does not include the Alert and Warning information covered in ESF 2. Objective 4 outlined in ESF 15 is Ensure that emergency communications are disseminated in accessible formats based on local demographics, languages, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) formats.
Legal Mandates:
Situation & Assumptions
Dozens of languages other than English are spoken throughout Saint Paul.
Dozens of languages other than English are spoken throughout Saint Paul. Having the resources available to readily translate messages for the non-English speaking community, including an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, as needed, throughout the entire incident, is a necessary consideration and resource. Not every message or incident requires this.
Gaps exist in proactive messaging and in-incident messaging
Gaps exist in proactive messaging and in-incident messaging, especially in languages other than English. TPT can assist in pushing out or translating messages on TPT|Now TV channel.
Ordering translation services
Ordering translation services, especially ASL interpreters, is not a resource the City has and are expenses not available or budgeted for. This gap could put the public at risk if they are unable to receive alerts and information in a language they understand.
ESF 15
ESF 15 outlines how information will be posted on City websites with translations or graphics added to assist.
Operations
This plan ensures that emergency management services remain inclusive, accessible, and effective for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Roles & Responsibilities
Reference ESF 15:
Alternative Messaging
As needed, this desk is activated to ensure messaging is translated into other languages (including Braille, if needed), American Sign Language interpreter is on hand for any press conference or when needed. Works with appropriate parties to ensure messages are consumable by the affected communities where English is not the primary language or other languages are predominately spoken. Works with HREEO for assistance and resources.
Support
Support
Requests for support or assistance will be routed through the EOC for consideration, or through the Emergency Management Director during non-activation periods.
Expenditures and Recordkeeping
All expenditures will be accounted for and tracked, including hours by person, equipment purchased, or other costs as directed. Status reports and Incident Command System (ICS) Form 214 will also be kept.
Critiques/After Action Reports
Following the conclusion of any significant emergency event/incident or exercise, the primary agency representative will conduct a critique of the group activities during the event/incident/exercise. Support agencies will provide written and/or oral inputs for this critique and the primary agency representative will consolidate all inputs into a final report and submit it to the Emergency Management Director.
Training
Supporting Partners
TPT | Now
American Red Cross Minnesota Region
Ramsey County Communications Office
Saint Paul Public Schools
