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City of Houston / Harris County Disability Access & Functional Needs Committee Selected for the 2024 Martha Arbuckle Award

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November 4, 2024 ~ Houston, Texas - The City of Houston/Harris County Disability Access & Functional Needs Committee has been recognized for their outstanding efforts in disaster readiness and resilience. The committee was awarded the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Lex Frieden Employment Awards 2024 Martha Arbuckle Award for their 2024 Disaster Readiness & Resilience Clinic (DRRC).

The Martha Arbuckle Award, presented in memory of Austin's long-time disability advocate, recognizes the most innovative local committee project. The award was accepted by the committee during a ceremony on October 30th in Lancaster, Texas. This event coincides with Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed in October, and is given annually by the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Commission.

The DAFN Planning Committee aims to bridge the gap between the whole community and emergency management before, during, and after a disaster. They do this by advocating for equitable and accessible best practices, programs, and services. Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) has been a representative and stakeholder of the DAFN committee for years and played a crucial role in pitching the idea of an inclusive preparedness event to build resiliency within the community.

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The key individuals responsible for making the DRRC a success for the City of Houston are Jackie Miller from Mayor's Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security, John Fleming from Houston Health Department-Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), and Kristina Clark from Harris County. Chief Larry Satterwhite, director of Mayor's Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security expressed his pride in receiving this award and commended Miller, Fleming, and Clark for their hard work. He stated that their efforts have positively impacted safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities while also improving community resilience.

The DRRC was an inclusive workshop designed for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families to improve their preparedness for potential disasters. It specifically addressed barriers that individuals with disabilities may face and the impact of disasters on their critical community lifelines. The workshop aimed to promote readiness through planning, recognizing available resources at local, state, and federal levels, and consulting with support and service representatives.

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Participants had the opportunity to engage with providers and representatives knowledgeable in disaster response and recovery measures. They also received one-on-one support in completing their own personalized preparedness plan. This approach proved invaluable in ensuring that each individual is equipped to handle potential disasters.

The City of Houston/Harris County Disability Access & Functional Needs Committee's dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in disaster preparedness has been recognized through this prestigious award. Their efforts have not only made a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals but have also improved community resilience for all.

Filed Under: Government, City

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