Introduction

We envision a society where people with disabilities have all the tools and resources needed to help them during emergencies as well as equal access to state and federal emergency disaster services.

What We Do

DRSC facilitates monthly meetings for the Emergency Planning Committee for People with Functional Needs (EPCPFN). This committee was formed after Hurricane Hugo, in 1989, by staff at DHEC and SCEMD.  Through our work on this committee, DRSC has a place at the table in state emergency operations planning.  During past natural disasters, we have worked with our partners at the state emergency operations center (SEOC), taking phone calls, providing information about disability rights, and assisting in creating reports that are provided to governor for press conferences.  We have also been able to provide input into the creation and update of state emergency plans to ensure accessibility of services and inclusion of individuals with access and functional needs.  Current members of the committee include DSS, SCEMD, County EMDs, DHEC, Department of Education, Department on Aging, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Independent Living Centers, SC Association of the Deaf, Commission for Blind, SC DMH, DD Council, SC Assistive Technology Program, FEMA, SC DDSN.