Commentary from the Field
The Importance of Training Community Helpers
Jason Rechtman, MA, MBA
Strategic Development Director of ID/DD
PerformCare/AmeriHealth Caritas
COVID highlighted just how unprepared many county government agencies were to handle the needs of diverse populations, especially people with IDD. were. In response, an initiative providing free trainings to county-wide emergency management agencies is underway.
In New Jersey, we recently provided training to Medical Reserve Corps, County Emergency, and Disaster Response Teams. These groups sought to better understand the needs of the IDD population during public emergencies from epidemics to hurricanes and from shelters to other community-based settings. They also learned more about the possibility that an individual with IDD might be experiencing the emergency through the lens of trauma and how to best assist them with this additional challenge.
Although there is a collective COVID experience, its important to recognize that people with IDD may also have unique experiences and needs, and this insight enriches the emergency response for everyone. We hope to continue this initiative to train county-level agencies to be better equipped to help people with IDD in emergency situations.
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