Safety plans for mass shootings don’t include people with disabilities. That needs to change

With mass shootings becoming increasing common in America, planning for emergency situations has never been more important. Everyone’s life needs to be protected, but current safety protocols don’t take into account those with disabilities. That must change — right away. Such inclusive solutions begin with difficult conversations that include disability providers, individuals with disabilities, and law enforcement officers and first responders.

In Palm Beach County, 23% of students are served through the “exceptional student education” program. They present a unique set of challenges that require disability providers and law enforcement officers to amend the “Run, Hide, Flight” model recommended by the Department of Homeland Security that currently is taught to the public. These safety drills have not adequately addressed the need for more inclusive strategies for individuals with disabilities.

People with disabilities may be unable to run or execute the “hide” aspect. Some may have auditory sensitivities that may cause adverse reactions to noises from alarms or gunshots; they may have difficulty processing instructions or not understand the importance of remaining quiet. The good news is that many people with disabilities thrive with structure and routine, and a new set of strategies should be considered with all parties having a seat at the planning table.

FEMA recommends amending the “Run, Hide, Flight” strategy to “Avoid, Barricade and Confront.” Implementing a buddy system will help people with mobility or developmental challenges evacuate or shelter in place to avoid an attacker. Barricading and locking yourself in an area increases your chance of survival because the attacker’s time clock is running out before law enforcement arrives. As a last resort, people can be taught to confront the attacker by creatively weaponizing mobility equipment and devices. It is important to practice these exercises on a quarterly basis at a minimum to establish memory muscle in the event of a true emergency.

It is not just about training disability service providers and people with disabilities. Local law enforcement will need some education and training.

Additionally, it is important for law enforcement officers and first responders to be aware of unique disability access issues

(e.g., mobility challenges, non-compliance, need for physical assistance) they will experience when responding to an emergency. As a disability service provider, we can train law enforcement officers to use plain, simple instructions paired with visual or gestural cues that would be helpful.

It is also critical that law enforcement officers do not see non-compliance as a threat. We will invite first responders to our facilities on an annual basis or when substantial changes occur to create situational awareness of what they can expect in the case of a terrible incident. We encourage all businesses to ensure that their crisis-response plans are inclusive for all.

Sharon Alexander is CEO of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information on the cradle to career programs offered through Unicorn Children’s Foundation, visit www.unicornchildrens foundation.org or call 561-620-9377.