Pedro Martin, Author at hipcil - Heightened Independence & Progress, Center for Independent Living

Letter July 2021

Jul 13, 2021 | From the Desk

During these past 16 months of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic we have become very conscious of milestones and anniversaries. The country is currently inching toward the 70% mark for vaccinations by making them available at many convenient locations. The hip staff continues to help consumers make informed decisions about the vaccine and collaborating with our state and county partners.

July 13 marks the first anniversary of our partial return to the office. We worked remotely from the beginning of the shutdown but as restrictions began to be lifted, we had the office deep cleaned, sanitized and outfitted with plexiglass shields to maintain appropriate social distancing. All of us are well equipped with PPE and various cleaning supplies for our individual use. We have developed a schedule where we split the staff into two shifts working two days in the office and two days remotely with Friday as a clean-up and meeting day. We are still not seeing people in the office or making home visits, but we are doing our best to stay in contact with all of the consumers. We have established dedicated hot lines in both offices. Our current plan is to continue with our split sessions until the end of August and gradually increase office time through September with a full opening October 1.

I cannot discuss dates without commemorating the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26. We have come a long way by promoting universal design, enhancing equity in public education and continuing our advocacy for equality in all areas of the American experience.

For the future we need to remain aware of the importance of this legislation and to be sure that its intent remains prominent in the conversations on inclusion, equal rights and diversity.

Sincerely,

Brian

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Register Ready – For individuals who may need assistance in a disaster

Jul 8, 2021 | News

Register Ready – For individuals who may need assistance in a disaster

The first step in emergency preparedness for individuals who may need assistance in a disaster.

WHAT CAN I DO TO GET READY?

Assemble a Go Bag with your ID, important papers, medication in labeled containers, and important contact information (cell phones may not work in a disaster). Keep your go bag updated.
Make a Household Plan by going to www.ready.gov for checklists and preparedness guides. Your plan should identify evacuation routes and places to stay.
Make Plans for Your Pets before an emergency and ask your local emergency manager about pet sheltering. A service animal with a current rabies vaccination will be permitted in shelters. For more tips, visit:
https://animalemergency.nj.gov
Register with the Public Alert Systems in your community (e.g. Reverse 911, Swift911, NJ 2-1-1, Nixle) through your county or local Emergency Management Office. Text “ReadyNJ” to 898-211 to get text alerts on how to prepare for emergencies and stay informed during the next disaster.
Inform your electric utility provider If you have medical equipment that requires power.
Visit ready.nj.gov today to better prepare for local disasters.info@fairhousingnj.org

Text “ReadyNJ”
to 898-211

Stay tuned to local news, radio or television stations for timely disaster information.

Register Ready is:

Free,
Voluntary,
Secure and confidential,
Protective of your privacy,
Used by emergency managers to plan for DAFN concerns.

Update your information at least annually.

In a life threatening situation, don’t wait for help — call 9-1-1.

WHAT IS REGISTER READY?

Register Ready is a free, secure, voluntary database designed
to help emergency managers and first responderrs plan for and support people with disabilities and access and functional needs (DAFN) who may need assistance in the event of a disaster.

You (or someone on your behalf) are encouraged to register if you have a physical, developmental, cognitive or behavioral impairment, language barrier, or transportation challenge that may make it difficult for you to safely shelter in place or evacuate in a disaster.

WHO SHOULD REGISTER?

Permanent and seasonal NJ residents with DAFN who may need help evacuating, sheltering in place or at a public shelter, or requiring emergency assistance should register. Individuals with a temporary disability, such as high-risk pregnancy or other serious medical condition, should register.

HOW CAN I REGISTER?

Go to: www.registerready.nj.gov
Telephone 2-1-1 (within NJ), or 877-652-1148 toll free (TTY/TDD and translation services available)
Contact your County Office of Emergency Management
Contact your local Center for Independent Living.

Contact your local Center for Independent Living

Contact your County Office of Emergency Management

WHO SEES MY INFORMATION?

Register Ready complies with all laws to protect your privacy and personal data. The emergency management community, which includes public health officials and first responders, has access to Register Ready for planning and coordination.

HOW IS MY DATA USED?

Communities use Register Ready in a variety of ways. Emergency managers and trusted personnel may use the information to plan, send public messaging, assist with evacuation, and support sheltering and post-disaster recovery. After registering, contact your local Office of Emergency Management to learn how staff utilizes Register Ready and what you can do to enhance your own preparedness.