HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
BRUCE BLITMAN LISA MATH
Seeking Shelter From the Storms: A Conversation About Disaster Planning for Families With Special Needs( Continued)
These shelters offer basic medical assistance and have back-up electricity for lighting and essential medical equipment. Caregivers are encouraged to accompany you. Having a disability does NOT mean you will require a Special Needs Shelter. If you rely on life saving medical equipment and do not have a full-time caregiver to assist you through the disaster, you might NOT be eligible for a special needs shelter.
Bruce A. Blitman is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County and Family Mediator in Palm Beach Gardens. He serves on the Health and Wellness Committees for the Palm Beach County and Broward County Bar Associations. His email address is Babmediate @ aol. com.
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Bruce: What if a person requires a service animal- is that allowed in a shelter?
Lisa: Service animals and pets need appropriate evacuation plans too. If you are going to a public emergency shelter, it is important to remember that most shelters DO NOT PERMIT PETS, but DO PERMIT SERVICE ANIMALS. A Service Animal is defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA as such: any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not service animals. You can also go to the“ Pets Welcome” website to search pet friendly hotels and motels.
Bruce: Closing thoughts?
Lisa: Benjamin Franklin once said,“ By Failing to Prepare, you are Preparing to Fail.” Don’ t be caught unprepared for a disaster.
Lisa Math is the statewide Director of the Family STAR program for Family Network on Disabilities. She is a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist with an endorsement in working with Families, as well as a certified trainer for numerous programs. Lisa serves on many committees throughout the state that support individuals with disabilities and has been honored by numerous organizations for her advocacy efforts. Her email address is lisam @ fndfl. org.
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 14