Judith M. Holt

The Built Environment, Evacuations, and Individuals With Disabilities A Guiding Framework for Disaster Policy and Preparation

Policy and planning for the evacuation of individuals with disabilities would benefit from a more informed and accepted understanding of the complexity of evacuation issues. This article proposes a framework perspective on 4 forms of emergency evacuation according to the timing and duration of the evacuation (protective, preventive, rescue, and reconstructive), as well as 3 overlying factors that affect all emergency evacuations: the behavior of the individual, the planned systems active in the event, and the environment in which the event occurs. The Americans with Disabilities Act Design Requirements for Accessible Egress is discussed to demonstrate the value of evaluating policy and planning according to the proposed framework. Recent catastrophic events have demonstrated a disproportionate effect of emergency evacuations on individuals with disabilities. These events have raised questions concerning the appropriateness and effectiveness of evacuation policies and practices, prompting many organizations to develop and disseminate evacuation planning solutions for the needs of individuals with disabilities. Policy and planning discussions for the evacuation of individuals with disabilities would benefit from a more informed and accepted understanding of the complexity of evacuation issues. This article attempts to explain the complexity by proposing a framework that emphasizes the conditions associated with various forms of emergency evacuations and factors that affect an individuals response to these conditions. The intent of the framework is to clarify the assumptions associated with emergency evacuations and to provide a framework that one may use to evaluate the appropriateness of the resulting policies and planning initiatives.Policy and planning for the evacuation of individuals with disabilities would benefit from a more informed and accepted understanding of the complexity of evacuation issues. This article proposes a framework perspective on 4 forms of emergency evacuation according to the timing and duration of the evacuation (protective, preventive, rescue, and reconstructive), as well as 3 overlying factors that affect all emergency evacuations: the behavior of the individual, the planned systems active in the event, and the environment in which the event occurs. The Americans with Disabilities Act Design Requirements for Accessible Egress is discussed to demonstrate the value of evaluating policy and planning according to the proposed framework. Recent catastrophic events have demonstrated a disproportionate effect of emergency evacuations on individuals with disabilities. These events have raised questions concerning the appropriateness and effectiveness of evacuation policies and practices, prompting many organization...

Utahns' understanding of autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND The general public has numerous misconceptions and a lack of awareness and understanding regarding some of the prevalence, characteristics, and treatments of autism. As a result, education and awareness activities to increase the general publics understanding and awareness of autism are important. This study was conducted throughout Utah to inform public education and awareness efforts being planned as part of Utahs State Plan for Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Development Disorders. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify public awareness and knowledge of ASD in Utah, such as the publics understanding of the prevalence, characteristics, and treatments of autism, as well as the sources of this information. METHODS To identify public perceptions and attitudes of autism spectrum disorder, 1001 Utah residents 18 years of age or older were surveyed using a 32-question statewide random-digit dialed telephone survey. RESULTS The percentages of responses for 15 of the 20 autism-related questions are presented by ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino), education level, and income level. CONCLUSIONS The study indicates that autism education efforts need to address the least understood aspects of autism; the causes of autism, how autism is diagnosed, and how autism is treated. Radio or TV outlets are more effective, particularly so with Hispanic or Latinos and populations with less education. Medical professionals are also an important resource for families with direct autism-related needs.