As a member of the California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports (CCLTSS), CHA and 36 other advocacy organizations submitted this letter to our California Senators in support of S. 3679, the Readiness for Elders and Americans with Disabilities Inclusion (READI) for Disasters Act. This act would establish a National Commission on Disability Rights and Disasters to study the needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs during emergency and disaster preparation and planning, and throughout disaster response, recovery and mitigation. The commission’s work would create well-designed emergency preparedness, a disaster response and recovery system to ensure the safety, well-being, accessibility, rights and dignity of vulnerable populations who are at severe risk during disasters. It would help ensure that people with disabilities, older adults and other vulnerable individuals will no longer be disproportionately affected by the disruptions experienced when disaster strikes.
December 28, 2018
Hon. Dianne Feinstein
1 Post Street #2450
San Francisco, CA 94104
Hon. Kamala Harris
501 I Street Suite 7-600
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: S. 3679 READI for Disaster Act (Casey) – SUPPORT
Dear Senators Feinstein and Harris:
The California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports is comprised of 37 statewide aging and disability organizations that promote dignity and independence in long-term living. Our members include advocates, providers, labor, and health insurers and collectively we represent millions of California seniors and people with disabilities, their caregivers, and those who provide health, human services, and housing.
We are writing in strong support of S. 3679, the Readiness for Elders and Americans with Disabilities Inclusion (READI) for Disasters Act. We are requesting that you consider adding your name as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.
The READI for Disaster Act will establish a National Commission on Disability Rights and Disasters to study the needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs during emergency and disaster preparation and planning, and throughout disaster response, recovery and mitigation. The commission’s work will support a cogent, well-designed emergency preparedness, disaster response and recovery system to ensure the safety, well-being, accessibility, rights and dignity of vulnerable populations who are at severe risk during disasters.
The work done under S. 3679 will help ensure that people with disabilities, older adults and other vulnerable individuals will no longer be disproportionately affected by the disruptions experienced when disaster strikes. Communities will be far better prepared to optimize limited resources and maximize positive outcomes for the whole community. A well-designed and accessible system, put into place before the next disaster strikes, will be more responsive, effective and cost-efficient, significantly improving community readiness, resilience and disaster recovery for everyone.
As wildfires, mudslides and other disasters become more frequent, it is essential to take proactive steps to improve responses to vulnerable populations who are at severe risk in time of emergency. We respectfully ask for your support and sponsorship for S. 3679 to aid Californians and all Americans to prepare for and survive crises, natural disasters and emergencies.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Amber C. Christ, JD
Vice Chair for Policy
California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports
achrist@justiceinaging.org
