Disability Laws and Emergency Preparedness

• Neither the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 nor the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically require emergency preparedness plans. They do, however, require equal access for people with disabilities to the benefits and privileges of employment.

• If an emergency plan is in place at an agency, it must include people with disabilities.

  • • The plan must include input and participation by people with disabilities.

• Section 508 of the Rehab Act requires equal access to Federal web sites and information resources. Blind visitors need audio access, deaf visitors need text access to emergency information posted on government web pages. Computers and office equipment used for alerting and communication must be accessible.