Safety plans for mass shootings don’t include people with disabilities

Although still rare, mass shootings are becoming increasingly common in America.

Planning for emergency situations has never been more important. Everyone’s life needs to be protected, and current safety protocols don’t take into account those with disabilities. That change must begin right away. These inclusive solutions begin with difficult conversations that include disability providers, individuals with disabilities and law enforcement officers or first responders.

In Palm Beach County 23% of students are served through the exceptional student education program. These students present a unique set of challenges that require disability providers and law enforcement officers to amend the “Run, Hide, Fight” model recommended by the Department of Homeland Security. 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 hide. Some individuals may have auditory sensitivities, which 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, Fight” 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 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 muscle memory in the event of a true emergency.

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

Unicorn Children’s Foundation is inviting the Boca Raton Police Department to the Unicorn Connection Center and Unicorn Village Academy to conduct a vulnerability assessment and assist with the development of a crisis response plan.

Additionally, it is important for law enforcement officers and first responders to be aware of the unique disability access issues (e.g., mobility challenges, noncompliance, 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 law enforcement officers do not see noncompliance 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 Boca Raton’s Unicorn Children’s Foundation, which provides community resources to families with special needs individuals. For more information on the cradle-to-career programs offered through Unicorn Children’s Foundation, visit unicornchildrensfoundation.org or call 561-620-9377.

By Sharon Alexander