Websites/Documents/Software Programs
Promoting individual registration of wireless devices & TTYs helps ensure individuals can receive emergency alerts. Today’s expanding technologies give people many communication method options. Reverse 911 calls may miss many deaf and hard of hearing people. While this works with TTYs, Reverse 911 cannot reach Video Phone numbers even through Video Relay Service and does not provide a text or email version.
People who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and individuals with speech disabilities are rapidly migrating from traditional land line phones to more advanced telecommunications mobile methods. Have MOUs with wireless providers and have wireless devices and chargers at shelters, LACs and DRCs. Remind the suppliers to ensure equipment is accessible to wheelchair users, TTY users, and people who use various wireless devices.
Deaf and hard of hearing people can sign up to at www.EmergencyEmail.org to have notifications sent to their email or wireless device. Organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing may have suggestions where deaf individuals can register to receive emergency notifications.
The FCC introduced Personalized Alerting Network in May 2011. Mobile providers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have collaborated with FCC to initiate service prior to April 2012 deadline. (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-05-09-emergency-alerts_n.htm)
The FCC website has a list of carriers. The customer should ask their mobile provider if their phone has the capability to receive the alerts. If not, a software upgrade may be available. https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/wireless-emergency-alerts
Disability Access Services
The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) was designated by the Office of the Governor to serve as the lead state agency in California's efforts to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in state government. The Disability Access Services (DAS) was established in 1992 to promote disability rights in state government and DOR partnerships in the community.
DAS serves as a resource that provides public information, consultation, training and technical assistance to state and local government, consumers, employers and businesses to help prevent accessibility issues.
DAS also provides physical and communication accessibility expertise for employers, businesses, architects, design professionals, and building officials.
DAS guides public organizations on their responsibilities and the requirements of accessibility for persons with disabilities. However, DAS is not involved in the enforcement of these laws.
DAS provides the following services at little to no cost for state and local government and DOR affiliated partners.