kentucky. very rural ranks 44 th in poverty ranks 8 th in unemployment estimated 874k with...

Kentucky

Kentucky• VERY Rural• Ranks 44th in poverty• Ranks 8th in unemployment• Estimated 874K with disabilities• Fire, EMS are volunteers in rural

areas

Kentucky Disasters• Flood• Tornado• Ice Storm• Gulf coast

evacuation center• New Madrid

Earthquake

How it all began!

• Collaboration began in 2005

• National conference on disabilities

• Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Health, Department of Community Based Services, Office on Aging and the Developmental Disabilities Council

At TheGovernors Request

WHAT

AMIDOINGHERE????????????????????

THROUGH GUIDED FACILITATION

• We accomplished–A knowledge base of each agency and

the role each plays in all areas of disaster–A work plan - ‘NEXT STEPS’ that is

updated annually.–Other partners that were needed–A readiness to work cooperatively

Partnership expanded• Private organizations representing

individuals with disabilities, children and the aging population

• University programs, state agencies, private disaster agencies, human services organizations

• Individual advocates• About 40 in total

What have we accomplished

• Held a large Summit that included anyone that was interested in all aspects of emergency planning for individuals with disabilities

• Over 150 attendees from every part of the state • Held break out session with facilitated discussion

on – preparedness, response and recovery• Developed an outcome focused project plan based

on the input provided by the Summit attendees

First Responders and Community Responders

• Held two conferences to focus on First Responders and Community Response agencies to at the local level– All presentations were provided by individuals with

disabilities– OUTCOME DIALOGUE WAS OPENED

• Distributed over 2500 First Responder handbooks• Preparations underway for 4th conference due to

demand – will focus on rural Appalachian Mountains

Individuals and Families

• Hosted smaller venue preparedness activities for individuals with disabilities– Open house – responders, utility, pharmacy

• Allows for a relaxed atmosphere• If possible hold at shelter• Explain how to plan and what will happen if evacuation

• Homeland Security begins at Home– Tools for planning

• Neighbors Helping Neighbors• Distributed over 200 ‘Ready Bags’

The BEST PART

• Considered a valuable partner and resource

• Always at the table

The 3 T’sTrust, Turf and Time

CollaborationDefined As:• an exchanging of information, altering

activities, sharing resources and enhancing the capacity of another for mutual benefit.• To achieve a common purpose by

sharing risks, responsibilities and rewards.

Trust and Turf

• Is not built overnight - it takes TIME• Building is a transformation process that must – Respect diversity of values– Respect diversity of perspective– A willingness to listen– A willingness to respectfully educate– A willingness to share power– Mutual Learning– Mutual accountability– A willingness to draw out ideas and information in ways that

contribute to effective problem solving– Leave ‘ego’ at the door

Trust and Turf cont.

• It comes through building relationships through engaging honest sometimes NOT PC but respectful conversation

• Put away ‘this is the way we have always done it’ or ‘it’s the law’

• Put on your teaching and listening hats

Things to consider

• Engage a facilitator when beginning• We all view the world through different lenses– Cultural (native heritage, work/living environment,

generational)– Language (native heritage, acronyms, work living

environment, generational)– Do not continue to restate the problem – move

forward – FIND SOLUTIONS

Last But Not Least

•Maintain a VERY good sense of humor and flexibility especially during those times when the process gets a bit messy.

Pat SeyboldKentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities

Pat.seybold@ky.gov1-877-367-5332