NAP- Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket

Disability, Lifesavers and Emergency Preparedness

How to check for Stroke with 3 ways

Recognizing a stroke: The EMS use this test part of Cinci. Scale

This might be a lifesaver if we can remember the three questions! It was sent to me by a nurse, whose husband is a medical doctor.
I had never heard this advice before and hadn't a clue. Perhaps you hadn't either and would like to file it in the back of your head.
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

l. Ask the individual to smile.
2. Ask him or her to raise both arms.
3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of nonmedical people could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

504 DHS Regs-Disability-Family Emergency Preparedness -USA too.

6 C.F.R. § 15.1

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.1 Purpose.

The purpose of this part is to effectuate section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("Section 504"), as amended by section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies. The provisions established by this part shall be effective for all components of the Department, including all Department components that are transferred to the Department, except to the extent that a Department component already has existing section 504 regulations.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.1, 6 CFR § 15.1

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT
(C) 2008 Thomson/West. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.




















6 C.F.R. § 15.2

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.2 Application.

This part applies to all programs or activities conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Department), except for programs or activities conducted outside the United States that do not involve individuals with a disability in the United States.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.















6 C.F.R. § 15.3

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.3 Definitions.

For purposes of this part:

(a) Auxiliary aids means services or devices that enable persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to have an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs or activities conducted by the Department. For example, auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired vision include readers, materials in Braille, audio recordings and other similar services and devices. Auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired hearing include telephone handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with hearing aids, telecommunications devices for deaf persons (TTYs), interpreters, notetakers, written materials and other similar services and devices.

(b) Complete complaint means a written statement that contains the complainant's name and address, and describes the Department's alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Department of the nature and date of the alleged violation of section 504. It shall be signed by the complainant or by someone authorized to do so on his or her behalf. Complaints filed on behalf of classes of individuals with disabilities shall also identify (where possible) the alleged victims of discrimination.

(c) Facility means all or any portion of a building, structure, equipment, road, walk, parking lot, rolling stock, or other conveyance, or other real or personal property.

(d) Individual with a disability means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the individual's major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. For purposes of this definition:
(1) Physical or mental impairment includes:

(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs, cardiovascular; reproductive, digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or

(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, drug addiction and alcoholism.

(2) Major life activities includes functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

(3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of the individual's major life activities.

(4) Is regarded as having an impairment means:

(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the Department as constituting such a limitation;

(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or

(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this section but is treated by the Department as having such an impairment.

(e) Qualified individual with a disability means:
(1) With respect to a Department program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, an individual with a disability who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the Department can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the program; and

(2) With respect to any other program or activity, an individual with a disability who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity.

(3) With respect to employment, an individual with a disability who satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education and other job-related requirements of the employment position such individual holds or desires, and who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of such position.

(f) Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended. As used in this part, section 504 applies only to programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies and not to federally assisted programs.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.3, 6 CFR § 15.3

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.10

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.10 Self-evaluation.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the Department shall, not later than March 7, 2005, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, to determine if they meet the requirements of this part. To the extent modification of any such policy and practice is required, the Department shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.

(b) The Department shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with a disability or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to participate in the self-evaluation process.

(c) The Department shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection:
(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified;

(2) A description of any modifications made; and

(3) A list of participants in the self-evaluation process.

(d) If a component within the Department has already complied with the self-evaluation requirement of a regulation implementing section 504, then the requirements of this section shall apply to only those programs and activities conducted by that component that were not included in the previous self-evaluation.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.10, 6 CFR § 15.10

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.11

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.11 Notice.

The Department shall make available to all Department employees and interested persons information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the Department, and make such information available to them in such a manner as is necessary to apprise them of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this part.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.11, 6 CFR § 15.11

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.30

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.30 General prohibitions against discrimination.

(a) No qualified individual with a disability in the United States, shall, by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the Department.

(b)(1) The Department, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of disability:
(i) Deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;

(ii) Afford a qualified individual with a disability an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;

(iii) Provide a qualified individual with a disability with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;

(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits or services to individuals with a disability or to any class of individuals with a disability than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals with a disability with aid, benefits or services that are as effective as those provided to others;

(v) Deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or

(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified individual with a disability in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.

(2) For purposes of this part, aids, benefits, and services, to be equally effective, are not required to produce the identical result or level of achievement for individuals with a disability and for nondisabled persons, but must afford individuals with a disability equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs.

(3) Even if the Department is permitted, under paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section, to operate a separate or different program for individuals with a disability or for any class of individuals with a disability, the Department must permit any qualified individual with a disability who wishes to participate in the program that is not separate or different to do so.

(4) The Department may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would:

(i) Subject qualified individuals with a disability to discrimination on the basis of disability; or

(ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with a disability.

(5) The Department may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would:

(i) Exclude individuals with a disability from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the Department; or

(ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with a disability.

(6) The Department, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified individuals with a disability to discrimination on the basis of disability.

(7) The Department may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified individuals with a disability to discrimination on the basis of disability, nor may the Department establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified individuals with a disability to discrimination on the basis of disability. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the Department are not, themselves, covered by this part.

(c) The exclusion of nondisabled persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to individuals with a disability or the exclusion of a specific class of individuals with a disability from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of individuals with a disability is not prohibited by this part.

(d) The Department shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with a disability.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.30, 6 CFR § 15.30

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.40

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.40 Employment.

No qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of that disability, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the Department. The definitions, requirements and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1614, shall apply to employment of Federally conducted programs or activities.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.40, 6 CFR § 15.40

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.49

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.49 Program accessibility; discrimination prohibited.

Except as otherwise provided in § 15.50, no qualified individual with a disability shall, because the Department's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by individuals with a disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the Department.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.49, 6 CFR § 15.49

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.50

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.50 Program accessibility; existing facilities.

(a) General. The Department shall operate each program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with a disability. This paragraph (a) does not require the Department:
(1) To make structural alterations in each of its existing facilities in order to make them accessible to and usable by individuals with a disability where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section; or

(2) To take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where Department personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the Department has the burden of proving that compliance with this paragraph (a) of this section would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the Secretary of Homeland Security (or his or her designee) after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the Department shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with a disability receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.

(b) Methods. The Department may comply with the requirements of this section through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of services to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities, use of accessible rolling stock, or any other methods that result in making its programs or activities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with a disability. The Department, in making alterations to existing buildings, shall meet accessibility requirements to the extent required by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), and any regulations implementing it. In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirements of this section, the Department shall give priority to those methods that offer programs and activities to qualified individuals with a disability in the most integrated setting appropriate.

(c) Time period for compliance. The Department shall comply with the obligations established under this section not later than May 5, 2003, except that where structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made not later than March 6, 2006, but in any event as expeditiously as possible. If a component within the Department has already complied with the accessibility requirements of a regulation implementing section 504, then the provisions of this paragraph shall apply only to facilities for that agency's programs and activities that were not previously made readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities in compliance with that regulation.

(d) Transition plan. In the event that structural changes to facilities will be undertaken to achieve program accessibility, the Department shall develop not later than September 8, 2003, a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete such changes. The Department shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to participate in the development of the transition plan by submitting comments (both telephonic and written). A copy of the transition plan shall be made available for public inspection. If a component of the Department has already complied with the transition plan requirement of a regulation implementing section 504, then the requirements of this paragraph shall apply only to the agency's facilities for programs and activities that were not included in the previous transition plan. The plan shall at a minimum:
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the Department's facilities that limit the physical accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with disabilities;

(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;

(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and

(4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.50, 6 CFR § 15.50

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.60

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.60 Communications.

(a) The Department shall take appropriate steps to effectively communicate with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.
(1) The Department shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the Department.

(i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the Department shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with a disability.

(ii) The Department need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature to applicants or participants in programs.

(2) Where the Department communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, the Department shall use telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TTYs) or equally effective telecommunication systems to communicate with persons with impaired hearing.

(b) The Department shall make available to interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.

(c) The Department shall post notices at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to an accessible facility, or to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.

(d) This section does not require the Department to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens.

(e) In those circumstances where Department personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the Department has the burden of proving that compliance with this section would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the Secretary of Homeland Security (or his or her designee) after considering all resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the Department shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with a disability receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.60, 6 CFR § 15.60

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT

6 C.F.R. § 15.70

Code of Federal Regulations Currentness
Title 6. Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
Chapter I. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Refs & Annos)
Part 15. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (Refs & Annos)
§ 15.70 Compliance procedures.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities conducted by the Department.

(b) The Department shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1614.

(c) All other complaints alleging violations of section 504 may be sent to the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528. The Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section.

(d)(1) Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by this part may by him or herself, or by his or her authorized representative, file a complaint. Any person who believes that any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by this part and who is a member of that class or the authorized representative of a member of that class may file a complaint.
(2) The Department shall accept and investigate all complete complaints over which it has jurisdiction.

(3) All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The Department may extend this time period for good cause.

(e) If the Department receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate entity of the Federal government.

(f) The Department shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

(g)(1) Not later than 180 days from the receipt of a complete complaint over which it has jurisdiction, the Department shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing:
(i) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;

(ii) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and

(iii) A notice of the right to appeal.

(2) Department employees are required to cooperate in the investigation and attempted resolution of complaints. Employees who are required to participate in any investigation under this section shall do so as part of their official duties and during the course of regular duty hours.

(3) If a complaint is resolved informally, the terms of the agreement shall be reduced to writing and made part of the complaint file, with a copy of the agreement provided to the complainant. The written agreement shall describe the subject matter of the complaint and any corrective action to which the parties have agreed.

(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant not later than 60 days after receipt from the Department of the letter required by paragraph (g)(1) of this section. The Department may extend this time for good cause.

(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, or designee thereof, who will issue the final agency decision which may include appropriate corrective action to be taken by the Department.

(j) The Department shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 30 days of the receipt of the appeal. If the Department determines that it needs additional information from the complainant, it shall have 30 days from the date it received the additional information to make its determination on the appeal.

(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended for an individual case when the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties determines that there is good cause, based on the particular circumstances of that case, for the extension.

(l) The Department may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies and may contract with nongovernment investigators to perform the investigation, but the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.


SOURCE: 68 FR 4056, Jan. 27, 2003; 68 FR 10886, March 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

AUTHORITY: Pub.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); 5 U.S.C. 301; 29 U.S.C. 794.


6 C. F. R. § 15.70, 6 CFR § 15.70

Current through February 28, 2008; 73 FR 10969

Copr. © 2008 Thomson/West
END OF DOCUMENT
..........................

The National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR) is an online resource
launched by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to assist in the
coordination efforts between individuals and organizations responding
to
the needs of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina with those who have
resources to aid in the response. Resources available from private and
public sectors are listed by category on a searchable database and made
available for those agencies and relief organizations that are
assisting the hurricane victims.
To meet the needs of individuals with disabilities more effectively,
the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and
Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) requested the addition of three
disability specific categories: (1) Durable Medical Products, (2)
Accessible
Communication Devices for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (listed as
Hearing
Assistive Technology), and (3) Communication Access/Interpreters for
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The ICC will facilitate regular update
and
expansion of the NERR categories to more accurately reflect anticipated
disability-related needs.
The following categories and subcategories are now included available
on
NERR:
- - - - -
DURABLE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
* Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, etc.)
* Medical Supplies (injection supplies, incontinence and
urological products, etc.)
* Adaptive Accessories (wheel chair packs and cushions, utensils,
clothing, grips and handles, medical warning jewelry)
* Hearing aids (aids, batteries, etc.)
* Other (oxygen, medical lifts, etc.)
HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
* Teletypewriters (TTYs)
* Voice Carry-Over TTYs
* Relay Conference Captioning (important for hard of hearing-using
just
* PC's and telephones)
* Captioned Telephone
* Video Communication Devices (known as video phones, web cameras,
et al.)
* Signaling Devices (for use with telephones, door bells, alarms)
* Assistive Listening Devices
* Hearing/Speech amplification devices
* Closed Caption Decoders
COMMUNICATION ACCESS / INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
(e.g.
qualified sign language interpreters and CART Reporters)
- - - - -
To find out more about the NERR site or to register, visit:
https://www.swern.gov

http://www.emergencyemail.org/homeland07092004.asp for the US Report on our pre-911 readiness as in the websites below too-

- Make sure you have a family communications plan that includes a
meeting place outside the home and an out of town contact.

- Review and update the emergency contact numbers for your family and
the numbers for your local police, fire, and emergency medical
services.

- Check the items in your disaster supply kits and update expired items
if necessary.

- Review your family's fire escape routes, and check your smoke alarms.

- Discuss emergency response plans at work, at school, and in your
neighborhood.

- Pledge to get training in basic first aid and emergency response
skills -- in 95% of ALL EMERGENCIES a citizen provides the first critical
assistance on the scene -- learn how to help yourself and help others in
a crisis!!

- Take the online course, "Introduction to CERT" at
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is317.asp

- Help others with special needs get prepared.

- Preparedness information and materials are available at:
http://www.citizencorps.gov/ready/cc_pubs.shtm and
http://www.ready.gov.

America.s military and first responders have already answered the call
to service. This Flag Day, as a citizen, you can show your commitment
too. Fly the flag, talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about
the safety of your community, and make your pledge to prepare, train,
and volunteer!

And if you have any stories about neighborhood or community activities
that address hometown security and community safety -- please write to
us at citizencorps@dhs.gov. and also check in at the Emergency Email site below.

RI Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emergencies

Press Release from the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing. (Providence, R.I.)
The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RI CDHH)
is proud to announce that the Emergency Sign Language Interpreter
Referral Service will be formally implemented in full operation on November
10, 2005 at 12:00am midnight. The Emergency Interpreter Referral Service
will be available during non-business hours such as week evenings,
early mornings, weekends, and holidays for any emergencies. What
constitutes as an emergency would be a state of emergency, medical, legal, mental
health, and many other crisis-related incidents in the State of Rhode
Island. This would enable every deaf or hard of hearing individual to
communicate through sign language in a timely, accurate and effective
manner with healthcare providers, mental health services, police
departments, or any emergency personnel during any emergency incidents as
required by the existing federal and state laws. The RI CDHH will have its
special ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the Emergency Sign Language
Interpreter Referral service on November 9, 2005 at 6pm during its annual
coffee hour at the State Room in State House. Lt. Governor Charles J.
Fogarty is scheduled to join us to be part of the special ribbon cutting
ceremony and annual coffee hour event. The NEW phone number for the
Emergency Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service only is 401-586-6100
effective on November 10, 2005. NON-EMERGENCY RELATED: If you need
interpreter but is not emergency related, please call this number,
401-222-5300 Voice or 401-222-5301 TTY or contact via email at
interpreter@cdhh.ri.gov to make request between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday
through Friday. ABOUT THE RI CDHH The mission statement of the RI CDHH
is to provide innovative leadership in public policy, advocacy, service
delivery and accessibility throughout the Ocean State, RI CDHH ensures
opportunities for each deaf and hard of hearing person to become an
empowered, contributing citizens. The RI CDHH is an advocating,
coordinating, and service-providing entity committed to promoting an environment
in which the Deaf and Hard of Hearing constituents in Rhode Island are
afforded an equal opportunity in all aspects of their lives. The RI
CDHH develops policy; initiates and lobbies for favorable legislation;
fosters cooperation and awareness among state agencies and community
organizations; and educates and advises consumers, state agencies, and
employers about Americans with Disabilities (ADA) rights to equal access.
The RI CDHH also provides direct services in its operation of a Sign
Language Interpreter Referral Service, a lending library of books and
videotapes, and as a clearinghouse of information and referral on all topics
related to hearing loss. State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations RI Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing One Capitol Hill,
Ground Level Providence, RI 02908-5850 (401) 222-1205 (TTY) (401) 222-1204
(Voice) Email: cdhh@cdhh.ri.gov Website: www.cdhh.ri.gov

Email us
citizencorps@dhs.gov.

Intellegince Report & Emergency and Stress Relief

Lightening the Stress
Heart Association
Intro Training to CERT
Ready Info
More ready info
Emergency Emails and Wireless Links
Senate Intelligence Report
Tsunami and other Disaster Coordination
NERR emergency site