Any person who is blind, visually-impaired or deafblind utilizing a guide dog for independent travel have public access rights under Canadian’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Each province have differing languages pertaining to either guide or service dog access. Reception centers are public places. Emergency management professionals should accommodate individuals using a guide dog by allowing them access to dog food, water and an appropriate relieving area. Currently, there is no legislation or training specifically to address the needs of blind, visually-impaired or deafblind evacuees with their guide dog–this gap is not new within Canada. One document was located through Emergency Management of British Columbia (now Emergency Management and Climate Readiness) dating back to 2009, with a very short sentence indicating the importance of allowing guide and service dog access through facilities run by BC’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception centers. Lack of training and resources is astounding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States are well-equipped to address the challenges individuals with guide or service dogs face in times of disaster with a variety of resources on the web, in print and video; in particular, for individuals who are deaf and require ASL to access information. Canada is behind–we need to make systemic change to a person-centered approach to address the needs of evacuees with specific requirements such as respecting the individual’s preferred mobility choice of using a guide dog and not treat the dog as a “pet”.
Change is needed! Without the support of other emergency managers to educate themselves and educate others, change in behavior will not happen, not even overnight. Discrimination towards blind, visually-impaired and deafblind individuals using a guide dog is rampant, and emergency managers can help proactively create a “safe”, inclusive and welcoming environment for them at reception centers.
Want to be a part of the change? Want to learn more? Email me at: jlm.accessconsulting@gmail.com